Artist's Statement

Inspired by the wild and rural beauty of Idaho and the natural world beyond, my paintings reflect a deep reverence for nature, its wildlife, and the landscapes they call home. Whether it's the stillness of falling snow in the woods, the flicker of a hummingbird in flight, or the quiet presence of a wolf, I strive to capture the feeling of those quiet, fleeting moments of awe that remind us how deeply connected we are to the natural world. Alongside wildlife and wilderness, I also paint vanishing rural landscapes rich with history, memory, and quiet beauty.
"I strive to capture the feeling of those quiet, fleeting moments of awe that remind us how deeply connected we are to the natural world."
When I paint outside en plein air, Mother Nature is in charge. But in the studio, I create my own small universe, where observation, memory, imagination, and the feeling of the experience come together. Through backcountry adventures, painting en plein air, photography, and travels around the world, I immerse myself in the landscapes and cultures of the places I explore. My paintings begin with direct encounters in the field and evolve in my Idaho mountain and farm studios.Often described as a tonal impressionist with luminist sensibilities, I am less interested in documenting a scene than in capturing the light, atmosphere, and mood of a place.
"My camera records a moment. I paint the feeling of the experience."
Moving between realism and impression, I seek to capture the spirit of the subject and the soul of the landscape, offering not just a likeness, but the feeling of being there. In a world that often feels hurried and chaotic, I hope my paintings offer a quiet pause, a moment of connection, reflection, and peace.

~ Lori McNee

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