I have a New Big Goal. It excites me. It is daunting and a little frightening. I’m not even sure how it will be accomplished but the thought of it thrills me.

I want to paint BIG polar bears.
My first thought was to paint a large bear on the outside of my house. I may still do that but right now I am focused on creating large 6′ x 4′ panels.

I’ll need to use my big brushes. Claude Monet used to tape his brushes to long tree branches so he could stand back and paint his water lilies. Hmmmm.

I need space. I’ve cleared many things out of my studio. I am ruthless with all the stuff that accumulates.

My goal may take a year to accomplish but it is a good challenge.

I recently completed a 4′ canvas with a large bruin luxuriating in the snow. My bears are growing larger and larger with daring brushstrokes. I’m pushing the color to portray the wildness. I’m eager to see where the pursuit takes me.

I’m still painting bears that are a more traditional size. I may even do some mini ones just to keep things interesting.

My big bears won’t be living on standard canvas. I’ve discovered a new fabric this summer that I am experimenting with right now. I’ll share more about this development later.

Moving forward. He’s coming right at us. I love the interaction of the colors and the feeling of electricity in the air.

The deep dark cold contrasting with the warm sunlight and warmth from the polar bear’s body is the subject of this painting. He must generate warmth to fight off the arctic temperatures.