Spirit Bear

The "spirit bears" are actually black bears that only live in one place, western Canada. They are white or cream because of an uncommon genetic trait. The numbers are figured at anywhere from 150-250 total population. They have been part of the Tsimshian culture for as long as we know. In order to see and photograph them, you have to work directly with the tribe, and the trip is anything but cheap. They are very well protected, as they should be.

I've been wanting to paint these beautiful guys for some time, and when the chance arose I jumped right on it. I've been spending anywhere from 12 to 15 hours a day in my studio. It's too hot to do anything else, so why not! I love what I do.

This reference photo was sent to me by Eric Sambol. He and his wife are wonderful photographers, traveling all over the world to get just the right shots. They have been so good to share them with me. It is so much easier to paint this kind of stuff when you have beautiful, crisp, shots like they have.