Every painting has its own story; sometimes, revisiting a subject opens up entirely new creative possibilities. Painting Grizzly Bear 610 (daughter of famed Grizzly 399)and her subadult cubs is my second time interpreting this incredible scene.
I was fortunate to witness this moment in person a few years ago. Watching these magnificent bears move across the snowy landscape was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I won’t forget. I captured the moment with my camera, and those reference photos have been invaluable in bringing this memory to life through art.
The original painting, ‘Spring Thaw’, which I completed shortly after that unforgettable encounter, focused on the atmosphere and the vastness of the bears’ habitat. It was softer and more expansive, emphasizing the serene beauty of the snowy wilderness.
This time, I wanted to approach the scene differently. I focused on a more linear composition to emphasize the movement and energy of the bears as they strode purposefully across the snow.
The horizontal format allowed me to highlight the rhythm of their journey while using layers of warm and cool tones with mixed media mark-makig to bring depth to the piece.
The snow’s bright, crisp texture contrasts with the rich browns of the bears, drawing the eye to their silhouettes and connection to one another.
Revisiting this scene felt like rediscovering it all over again. Art has this incredible ability to let us relive and reinterpret our memories.
While my first painting celebrated the expansiveness of the wilderness, this one is about the power and determination of the bears themselves.
If you’d like to see the creative process behind this second version, check out the reel I’ve shared on Instagram. Stay tuned to @lorimcneeartist on Instagram for the finishing touches as I complete this painting!
Watching this scene come to life with Cobra paints has been a personal joy, and I hope it inspires you to revisit your favorite moments and see them in a new light.
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