An oil painting of a Majestic Whitetail Deer Young Buck
In the heart of a city park is a forested area enjoyed by hikers and wildlife alike. This is often a quiet place where you may often see whitetail deer among other wildlife. I met this young buck while out on a adventure hoping to photograph some birds. The Prince of Rockwood Park
When I pulled in to the parking lot, I was quite surprised to see this young buck by the path accompanied by his harem. I managed to get some ok photos from the car and figured I’d get some photos of the trail once they left. The trial was nicely lit even though the light was diffused.
Once I thought the coast was clear, I ventured out of my car to get photos of the area where he was standing. Only he doubled back. I am unsure who was more surprised to see each other – him or me. I felt like he was looking into my soul. I took a few photos as I backed away and hoped for the best and was delighted to see I caught that soul gazing moment. Of course I’d be painting him.
The scene was bathed in soft, diffused light that provided me the inspiration for the background of my painting. In the end, the painting of the whitetail young buck is more than just a painting. For me it is a celebration of the living with wildlife in an urban environment and of how wonderful these surprise encounters are – and a reminder of the importance of coexisting with the natural world for all of us, and for generations to come.
Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park is a haven for many in the centre of Saint John. It is a place I almost lived in during my school years. Weather permitting, I would spend every day possible swimming in the lakes, sunning on the lawns and visiting the petting zoo. Now the Park is one of our favourite places to paint En Plein Air – and in every season! Many happy memories indeed. A nature park in the heart of Saint John, and a recreational jewel in the City’s crown. Located in the eastern area of the North End, Rockwood Park is one of Canada’s largest urban parks, at 890 hectares of forested hills, caves, and freshwater lakes. It was designed by Calvert Vaux, one of the designers of New York City’s Central Park. Rockwood Park is a City hub for outdoor activities and entertainment year round. Over 55 trails and footpaths will guide you through unspoiled wilds. The park features a golf course, camping sites, stables, wellness spa, and freshwater lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, and skating. A Stonehammer Geopark site, Rockwood’s billion years of history can be seen in unique rock formations, caves, and waterfalls. The park’s Interpretation Centre is the hub of information for all events taking place in the Park, trail maps, interpretive displays, and helpful staff. Make a day of it!
