The Black Bears are a true extension of the grizzly
bears. They're a more relaxed, playful side of the
dominate, introspective brown bear. They represent my
desire for a fun and cavalier life. The black bear
shows a move toward a more contented spirit, both in
time and place. My dark side is not so dark anymore,
even though these are Black Bears. I am becoming more
bear with each painting.

View Black Bear Paintings

These images haunt me. The grizzly is the other part of my inner self. The part of me that is pre unchecked aggression towards my inner demons. The deep rage. The grizzly gives me a voice that allows me to be both very powerful and terrifying, and at the same time protective, without any regrets. For the grizzly it's natural to fight against one's enemies and still be very protective. This bear allows me the strength and freedom to continue my own life struggles.

View Brown Bear Paintings

The polar bear represents part of my symbolic/image vocabulary that engulfs all my inner strength. This bear for me, is my unshakeable resolve, my determination, my all engulfing need for peace and solitary happiness, in one single powerful image. This bear speak directly to my restlessness as human and as an artist.

View Polar Bear Paintings

The eagle is a bird of everlasting strength and conviction. I love the intelligence and the fierceness to be found in these majestic birds. I find an unyielding character in this bird that is not present in many other birds. I feel empowered with this great bird as a symbol. I gain strength and peace of mind from painting these creatures. I feel I can accomplish anything, and nothing can stop me.

View Eagle Paintings

The horse is an animal of quiet strength and nobility. They are full of grace and character. Horses have the ability to be both majestic and dependent at the same time. I find them fascinating is so far as they are animals of flawless beauty. And would never think of hurting another beast. I am drawn to them for the very reason that they are hauntingly spiritual and god like to me. Perhaps it’s their size, of all the animals I paint this is the only animal that is approachable and yet maintains a regal physiological distance. They are very powerful and I paint them to showcase their strong necks, and muscular heads. I can never tire of the horse because they bring majesty and a sense of timelessness into my world of timelines and monotony.

View Horse Paintings

The ram entered my life at time when up from down was a difficult decision. I found myself being continual drawn to the horns of the adult ram, almost to the point of obsession. The attraction is in part due to their use as a weapon and a means to an end. To me the horns represent confrontation. Im fascinated with the full curled horn of the adult male ram. They take years to become a complete full curl; as in people, insight to oneself takes years of experience and reflection. When rams are in battle they are virtually indistinguishable from each other. To me, seeing two rams battling was as if two sides of the same animal were fighting each other. As I painted the ram, I discovered a battle between their serene faces and the conflicting horns. I felt I needed to paint them in order for my own life to find a path toward resolution. This pushed me closer to sorting out in my own struggles.

I am struck by the complex relationship between the horn as weapon and the pure beauty of them. I dont have any outward form of weaponry but I can be extremely powerful within myself. The ram gives me permission to explore these struggles within myself, without feeling as if one side is inferior or inadequate in any way. The vehicle of the rams horn drives me to experience and learn from myself. There are no true losers or victors, merely the resolution of conflict.

View Ram Paintings

Many of these animals come to me through dreams or even while I am fully awake. I can’t always say what is driving them. I only know that once they enter my mind, I will continue to dwell on that particular beast until the painting has been completed. Sometimes it might only be for one painting or it could develop into something bigger. I never know, which really is exciting.

The Great Blue Heron for instance, was one in particular that I had been thinking about for several years, now a final completed painting. I feel and know there is more to the relationship between myself and the Great Blue Heron. I can not let go of the Heron in my thoughts. This means we will be seeing a lot of each other in the future. Again, I feel a strong pull towards an image and until it has taken it’s first breathe and completed, then and only then will I know if there are more paintings to be done.

It’s a crazy way to paint, to be driven by unknown factors, but its my way. And I have no desire to change that which has worked out to be a wonderful relationship between the animal kingdom and myself. We both know where we stand. They beckon and haunt me. I listen and respond with giving them life. And they in turn give me a voice.

View Bird Paintings

These animals are exciting and sometimes whimsical. I
truly engage with these animals. They might be short
lived in my painting life, but they come and we visit.
I make the most of their time and influence on me. I
try not to think about why they have come, I just
enjoy them for the time we have. I am influenced by my
surroundings, both in dreams and the news. The animal
side of me is so easily tapped. These animals talk to
me from many different concerns, I listen and I then
answer with a painting.

View Other Animal Paintings