As an artist, I often find myself connecting deeply with the subjects of my paintings and asking them to help me reveal my thoughts and feelings through my artistry in a way that oftentimes is easier for me to convey with a brush than with my own words.  “Papa Bear at Rest” is not only an extremely detailed and realistic watercolor painting of an aging brown bear, but a profound testament to this silent dialogue between me and my art.  While immersing myself in this painting the relationship became much more than artist and subject, but more of an undeniable bond of harmony with a purpose.  

The original thought for this piece of art was simply the idea of painting a bear, indigenous to the western mountains of North Carolina, for my family’s cabin in Bryson City. While searching numerous reference photos, I came across one that grabbed my attention—a compelling image that I did not fully understand the significance of at the time. The process of creating “Papa Bear at Rest”, ended up being a journey of both technical and emotional exploration for me.

Watercolor is often seen as an unpredictable medium, yet I embraced its challenges with great care and patience to achieve the level of detail that brings the profound sense of depth, realism and emotion to this magnificent creature.  I intentionally used varying shades of light and dark shadowing which brought great depth to the complexity of the meticulously textured fur and even more life to the painting.

Little did I realize at the time, that this painting would permanently etch itself as a treasured memory in my heart and soul.  A silent but intricate dialogue of my deepest emotions.  The bear’s expressive face and eyes, mirroring the essence and strength, while also the showing the fatigue that I saw in my father’s eyes toward the end of his life.  Ironically, this is the last piece that my father would see before his passing in 2023. As the bear’s eyes took shape, my relationship with this painting became clearer to me.  They became the focal point and dramatically drew me in and evolved way beyond the eyes in the reference photo and became a true reflection of my father’s gaze—deep and soulful.  His loving and understanding spirit shining through, albeit silently.

In sharing “Papa Bear at Rest”, I hope you can find your own story within the bear’s gaze.  This artwork is an invitation to pause, to quietly reflect, and to find solace during life’s inevitable transitions—understanding that even the strongest among us will eventually come to rest.