How Observing Wildlife Has Deepened My Artistic Process

Some of my earliest memories are of being surrounded by the quiet hush of pine forests and the gentle rhythm of water lapping against a canoe. My parents were passionate about the outdoors, and from a young age, they took me on camping trips and long, winding portages through wilderness lakes. Those adventures shaped me—not just as a person, but as an artist.

Back then, I was simply a curious child, fascinated by the flicker of a bird’s wing or the way sunlight danced on mossy rocks. I would sit for hours, watching chipmunks dart through the underbrush or listening for the distant call of a loon at dusk. Without realizing it, I was learning to see: to notice the subtle shifts in color, the patterns in feathers, the silent language of wild creatures.

As I grew and embraced my path as an artist, my connection to wildlife only deepened. Once I was able to, painting became more than a way to capture what I saw; it became a way to understand and honor the lives unfolding all around me. I found that the more time I spent observing animals in their natural habitats—sometimes waiting quietly for hours, sometimes sketching quickly before a moment passed—the more authentic and meaningful my work became.

There is a profound difference between painting from life experience or not. Observing wildlife in person allows me to absorb the energy, the movement, and the spirit of each animal. I notice the tension in a deer’s stance, the alertness in a bird’s eye, the way light filters through leaves and fur. These details are not just visual—they are emotional. They tell a story. I often paint from my own photographs—images that act like snapshots of my mind, capturing not just a moment in time but the memory and feeling behind it. These photos are more than references; they bring the experience back to life, allowing me to reconnect with the atmosphere, the light, and the emotion of being there. Painting from these personal images helps me translate the essence of the moment onto the canvas, making each piece a reflection of both what I saw and what I felt.

This practice of observation has taught me patience and humility. Wild creatures move at their own pace, and nature reveals her secrets only to those who are willing to wait and watch. In these quiet moments, I feel a sense of connection and gratitude that finds its way into every brushstroke.

Today, when I step into the studio, I bring those memories and experiences with me. Each painting is an invitation to pause and look more closely, to appreciate the fragile beauty of the natural world. My hope is that my art inspires others to slow down, to observe, and to cherish the wild places and creatures that enrich our lives.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and for sharing in the wonder that nature continues to offer, every single day.