Wildlife artists such as Robert Bateman, Carl Brander and Bev Doolittle are a constant inspiration to me, these artists that have inspired so many through their realistic detailed art and their amazing portrayal of wildlife that captures the hearts of the viewers, have influenced my growth and development as a wildlife, western and portrait artist. They have made me see wildlife through their eyes inspiring and to a certain degree influencing my own art style of realism, this not only helped develop my technique and style but also was one of the major motivations to try out new techniques of painting on unusual mediums such as porcelain, silk and leather, to capture my chosen subjects. Honing my skills of realistic painting, add to that nature herself that is a constant inspiration, passion and delight that reaches into my heart and soul setting it on fire. Striving on perfecting those skills, and by sharing with others not only that passion but to become aware of nature with all itŐs wonders. To help preserve its awesome majestic beauty, educate and conserve that wildlife and their natural habitats so that we may all keep enjoying it for our own and future generations. Eyes the windows into the soul and spirit be it animal or human, is not only so special to me it has become my passion and joy, from which springs my specialty. Those eyes that reach in and touch your heart, feeds your soul with their fierce wild untamed beauty or their gentle gaze and nature, that captures the viewer never more to let you go. That is the driving force that I have attempted to achieve and capture in all my paintings. I also want to thank all those amazing teachers, mentors, fellow artists that have influenced, guided, and inspired me for sharing their knowledge, art, skills and insight that enabled me to develop and grow as an artist and has enriched my life in so many ways and still dose. two badgers one of the spirit the other observing from hollow log was inspired by native American animal totems and lore. badger is the medicine of many powerful medicine women and healers the keeper of medicine roots and is one of my totem animals. my aim here was to portray the badger in spirit as well as in it's natural habitat as you might find them. the track of the badger found on the side of the drum as part of the signature of my art. it was painted on a large native american drum, with acrylic airbrush fabric paints and large round sable brushes. heat treated to make it permanent. hope you have fun looking for the spirit badger and exploring this art piece as I had painting it.