Study, Bear Bend
11 x 14 inch oil on panel
As I near the conclusion of my "20 First Dates" series, it's only fitting that your next date, Study, Bear Bend brought me a moment of unexpected magic. I ventured up to the Great
Smoky Mountains to capture the peak fall foliage this past weekend and
while painting this piece, three bears wandered into the middle of the
scene along the opposite stream bank.
I'm such a city bumpkin that my first thought was, "Oh, for Pete's sakes, whose dog is off-leash?"
It was only after a moment that I realized, "Wait, that's a bear!"
And then two more trailed along shortly afterward. It took
two-and-a-half years of visiting the park, but I finally had my moment
of Bear Zen. I was so excited that I finished my painting session floating on a cloud of giddiness.
The painting in progress. There is nothing better than an
outdoor office in the Great Smoky Mountains!
