“Emerging Presence”

I love working at night writing, painting, shopping, and reading. Tigers are nocturnal hunters; magnificent creatures known for their ferocity, power, and swimming excellence. Most are solitary. I had a dream recently where I was lying on the ground with a tiger and my head was resting gently against its side like a pillow. I remember the thick plush coat and how soft it felt as my head nestled in. To be one with the subjects I paint is my goal for then and only then can I paint from my heart. Someday I would love to run on the beach by the ocean with a tiger alongside of me. I always marveled at the wild animal companions of Tarzan.

I saw this Siberian tiger at the Indianapolis Zoo three years ago. The Zoo had just acquired the tiger and when I got to the big enclosed area I did not see it. I went to the other spots to hopefully get a glimpse but had no luck. I decided to go elsewhere in the zoo. I did that three times and the third time was the charm as I saw the tiger emerge from behind the rock structure full body…AWESOME! The oranges, yellows, whites, and black stripes were so beautiful working in unison to form this tiger that I had to paint this incredible animal.

The title speaks of the emergence of the tiger but also reflects where I am on my journey as an artist.