'Big Red' is Selected for the Gallery Prize at the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery

'Big Red'

While on holiday in Canada I found out that my painting Big Red had been selected by the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery to receive their gallery prize for best in show. The painting is one of four I am currently exhibiting as part of The Society of Feline Artists annual exhibition in London.

Having recharged my batteries while on holiday I'm really looking forward to getting back to painting. I have hundreds of new reference photographs to choose from including both grizzly and black bear, elk, small mammals and many birds. I also took many photographs of trees, rocks, streams etc which will come in very useful.

I was lucky enough to see a humpback whale from the ferry when crossing back to Vancouver from Vancouver island, that was a very special couple of minutes.

I'll be exhibiting at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show later this week, probably still suffering from jet lag!

Back in The UK

We had a fabulous time in Canada but all good things come to an end and we're now back home. It was nice to see the family, both human and canine and to sleep in my own bed.

I'm feeling jet lagged, although this holiday all the flights were on time and our luggage arrived at the same destination as us.


I got a lot of good reference material, bears, moose, elk etc, but this little ground squirrel holding his grass is one of my favourites.

It appeared a young animal as its attempts to get the stalks of grass were only successful about one in five times. It would leap in the air, grab at the grass and more often than not miss, but when it did succeed boy was it happy.

Back to the art tomorrow, although I'll be at the Cheshire game Fair next Saturday, Sunday and Monday, more details tomorrow.

Black Bear at Banff

Look what appeared at the side of the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff.
I was lucky enough to see a Grizzly last year in Yellowstone but this was my first Black Bear. It was quite interested in having its photograph taken as you can see.

More from Canada

A scene and an animal.

Moraine Lake and a Hoary Marmot.

Today was warm and sunny so the water at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake was a really deep turquoise.

There were plenty of Ground Squirrels and several Marmots enjoying the sun.

Canadian Wildlife

Taking lots of photographs for future paintings including this Chipmunk who obligingly posed for me.
It is raining today but hopefully should improve tomorrow as we traveel towards Banff.