Artist's Statement

Inspired by the wild beauty of Idaho’s central mountains and the natural world beyond, my paintings reflect a deep reverence for nature and its creatures. Whether it’s the stillness of falling snow in the woods, the flicker of a hummingbird in flight, or the rare, mystical presence of a wolf, I strive to capture those fleeting moments of awe — the ones that make us feel small, connected, and fully alive. Alongside wildlife and wilderness, I also paint Idaho’s vanishing rural landscapes — places rich with history, memory, and quiet beauty.While plein air painting outside, Mother Nature is in charge. In the studio, I create my own small universe — a space where memory, emotion, and imagination come together. Like my life, my creative process is diverse. I work primarily in oil, as well as gouache, encaustic, and mixed media. I'm drawn to atmosphere, light, and emotion — the elements that help me tell the story of a place or a fleeting feeling.Grounded in the traditions of Tonalism and Impressionism—and often described as a contemporary Luminist—my work explores the ever-changing relationship between land, light, and living things. This blending of expressions allows me to translate not just what I see but also what I feel.While Idaho is my muse, I paint the world — near and far — to offer viewers a gentle pause: a moment of connection, reflection, and peace in a complicated world.

~ Lori McNee