Moose Family

Along with the loon, the moose is a symbol of "the true north strong and free". There is a charming awkwardness to the face and even the proportions. But at the same time, there is great gravitas, a sense of power and grace. Even though, like most large mammals they do not have a family life, I wanted to depict the female with her well grown calf near the male (who may or may not be the father), but separate. Soon the rut will begin and the social scene will be dominated by testosterone.

Artistically I enjoyed painting the low autumn light and especially the broken skim of ice indicating the track of the bull.