Larry Zach Wildlife Art

As the rising November sun burns through the morning haze, a mature whitetail buck follows a doe and her twin fawns of the previous year. It is the rut or breeding season for whitetails over much of their range, and competition for does is intense. One of the fawns pauses, sensing a rival buck in the background, hence the title, Autumn Encounter – Whitetail.

"I always enjoy the golden glow of the morning sun, shining through the autumn foliage. It is especially appealing on hazy mornings, because the moisture in the air adds a sense of depth and mystery to the woodland landscape. This is the mood I wanted to capture in Autumn Encounter – Whitetail.

I have been exploring the outdoors for over 50 years. I still enjoy the thrill of new discoveries and unraveling another of nature’s little mysteries as much as ever. As a painting develops and I begin to get a feel for the environment, I begin to ponder the subtle details and relationships I might be able to work into the painting. For me, as a nature lover, artist, and long time bowhunter, adding the little details and relationships at the end is the frosting on the cake.

Close scrutiny of Autumn Encounter – Whitetail, reveals the presence of a shed antler, possibly from the big ten point the previous year. A rodent seeking minerals has already chewed several of the points. The nearby chipmunk is a likely candidate. Three bluejays, the self-appointed supervisors of the forest, watch from overhead. The same robins that would show up so well on a green lawn are much less conspicuous in their original environment."

- Larry