Despite their size and strength, black bears often move with surprising gentleness, pausing to investigate the world around them with an almost childlike curiosity.
 
Among the Wildflowers captures a peaceful moment as soft light catches the bear's fur, revealing subtle blues, violets, and warm golden highlights. Surrounded by blooming wildflowers, he wanders quietly through the grass.
 
Rather than relying on black pigment, I painted the bear's fur with layers of blues, purples, browns, and warm neutrals to create richness, depth, and the changing colours that light can reveal in dark fur. It was such a joy to bring one of the West Coast's most iconic animals to life and celebrate the beauty they bring to our forests.