Friday, February 13, 2009

Timber Wolf

I'm finally getting used to the colder weather and quite enjoying going for those bracing walks in the fields of snow. I never knew snow could be so noisy.. crunch, crunch, crunch as you walk - as a result haven't seen any deer or badgers yet.

Some time ago, I painted this picture of a timber wolf and gave it to my son. I had forgotten about it until I saw it on the wall of his office. I specially painted it for him as he loves wolves - most of us have a closeness to some type of animal - mine is dogs an
d his is wolves.And to that, another little (sad) story. The wolf population last century was decimated in Sweden. Only a tiny area in the very north of this cold country was left. With the conservation policies in place, this population is slowly increasing and as a result, there are more sightings of wolves up north.

However, one lone wolf came down too far south and was roaming the countryside south of Stockholm. Unfortunately it was living off the fat of the farmers lands and taking out the occasional sheep. The farmers weren't charmed and shot the animal. A huge outcry by the bunny huggers (I am an unashamed bunny hugger!), but in the end, the Nordic shrug of the shoulders - that's life.

17 comments:

Shuky Aharonovitch said...

Sad story. I am afraid thats true for many other wild-animals around the world.

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

I love your stories! You did a great job on the eyes...they really catch my eye!

gianlucio said...

Beautiful painting, it seems almost real, congratulations!!!
Ciao!!!

Marian Fortunati said...

Wow, Liz... When I saw the thumbnail pop up on my "Favorite Blogs" sidebar, I thought this was a photo!! I thought it was a wolf you had seen while you were up in Sweden along with the bears and snow.
But no! It is a beautifully painted portrait of a gorgeous animal. Glad you're enjoying your northern adventure.

Unknown said...

Oh Liz, that painting is beautiful and how proud you son must be to have it hanging in a place where he is apt to show it off to the most people.

Wolves have been villanized. I'm ashamed of our Alaska's Governor Palin for authorizing airborne hunting of these magnificent creatures. HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Love the way you captured the look in the eyes. Lovely painting.
Jean

Ajay Patil said...

Liz, your animal portraits are always good and this one is no exception.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you for visiting my blog Shuky, so nice to get a visit from Israel. As you say, all the wild animals are slowly disappearing - so sad. Surely there's room for all of us?

A great compliment, thank you Saundra. I couldn't remember painting it until I saw it - does anyone else have that problem?

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Gianlucio, I love animals and I love painting them, especially dogs!

Art with Liz said...

I love your comments Marian, you are so generous, especially coming from someone as talented as yourself. Thank you.

Hi Sheila, thank for the comment. I for one, am so glad that Palin didn't make the cut in the elections because of her attitude towards wild animals. Wish the people in Alaska would vote her out too. Wolves are family animals, they are not vicious or vengeful as they're made out to be. They need to hunt for food.
Lots of hugs to you too.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Jean, thank you. (Nice new pic!)

Hello Ajay, as I said, when you love something, it seems easier to paint. Thank you.

Mineke Reinders said...

A lovely portrait Liz, I love the color harmony and the way you've captured the wolf's intelligent expression and beautiful eyes.

Carol said...

Beautiful Painting Liz. Have you ever read The Loop? Written by the same author of The Horse Whisperer? Brilliant.

Judybec said...

Very nice painting of the wolf Liz. He looks like a very wise and pleasant creature. --from a fellow "bunny hugger"

simoart said...

It is a lovely wolf painting, my son Arthur loves it. Great art.

artbykarieann said...

I just love that wolf Liz, I want one!

Anonymous said...

I have just seen your wolf painting, it's lovely, I adore wolves. I own a german shepherd dog, nearest thing to a wolf! I envy your talent at capturing this one.