Description
“Fishing Lessons” is an original oil painting measuring 16 by 24 inches. Rocky Mountain National Park inspired this scene. I have never actually seen a bear up there, yet. However, as I am hiking, my imagination often takes over with what I believe has transpired or could transpire in the area among the wildlife. In this shallow mountain stream, I pictured a momma bear teaching her two young cubs to fish by chasing the rainbow trout into a concentrated location so that her cubs have a better chance of practicing their fishing skills. One cub is interested in the movement below the water while the other cub is more nervous and wants to stay with mom.
My strategy for this painting was to create a warm, orange base layer that provides warmth through the layers of paint on top. While trying to maintain as close to realism as my skills allow, I also add unique subtle but vibrant colors hidden throughout the painting. Look for layers of blue and purple in the bears’ fur, and slightly different colored stripes on the rainbow trout along with their unique grey spots. I also pay great attention to detail. You can see this in the various textures of fur, water, moss, trees, pine needles, and even the sandy river bed.
“Fishing Lessons” won 1st place in Oils in the 2024 Cheyenne and Northern Colorado Veterans Fine Art Competition on September 16, 2024.
