The Valley Patriarch

This painting presented a number of design challenges. At one point I considered cutting it in half and making it two separate paintings! However, I felt that it was much stronger and told a better story as whole, especially after I decided to use some strategic patches of sunlight to help direct the eye. The family of elk resides in Rocky Mountain National Park, where I've painted on location many times. It's always a wonderful thrill to witness the elk, especially in the fall during the rut.