The grizzly bear is a massive animal with humped shoulders and an elevated forehead that contributes to a somewhat concave profile. The fur is brownish to buff, and the hairs are usually silver- or pale-tipped, giving the grizzled effect for which the bear is named.
Even though they are a member of the carnivore order, grizzlies are omnivorous animals, feeding on berries, plant roots and shoots in addition to small mammals, fish, calves of many hoofed animals, and carrion. Food is often cached in shallow holes, and grizzlies dig readily and vigorously in search of rodents. Each spring the bear marks the boundary of its territory by rubbing trees, scratching bark, or even biting large pieces from the trunks of trees. During late summer and autumn, grizzlies accumulate large amounts of fat and then retire to dens in winter. Cubs, most often twins, are usually born in January or February after about six to eight months of gestation.
Marcia and I, along with a couple of friends, enjoyed a week in early July of 2014 watching and photographing brown bears (coastal grizzlies) feeding on the sockeye salmon run in Katmai National Park, Alaska. A researcher studying the bears said she’d identified 72 different bears, not counting cubs, so far that season. This is remarkable considering, that except for sows with cubs and mating pairs, brown bears are solitary.
They found the bears employed a variety of fishing techniques, including trying to run them down in shallow water, snorkeling (floating downstream with head under water) and perching above the falls in key locations in hopes the salmon jump into their mouths. Smaller bears and females with cubs simply waited downstream as the skinless carcasses drifted with the current after large boars consumed the fat-laden skin and discarded the rest.
Much like dogs, bears often shake their head after being submerged. That is the action I wanted to capture in 'Portraits in Gray – Grizzly'. I've created a small number of editions, Artist Proof (5) and Signed and Numbered (15). If these catch your eye, don't wait long! This is an ongoing series with more to come. Mix and match any or all into a grouping on your wall!
- Larry
To see the first image in this series, 'Portraits in Gray – American Bison,' click here.
To see the second image in this series, 'Portraits in Gray – Bull Moose,' click here.
To see the third image in this series, 'Portraits in Gray – Bobcat,' click here.
Grizzly Original Oil Painting - SOLD click here
Editions
LIMITED EDITION MASTER CANVAS
AP Edition: 5 canvases @ $145 unframed OR $245 unframed
SN Edition: 15 canvases @ $95 unframed OR $195 unframed
Image size: 11x14 OR 16x20
OPEN EDITION DECORATOR CANVAS
Open Edition: $119 framed
Open Edition: $59 unframed
Image Size: 8x10