Urban Wildlife

​​Our lives intersect with nature every day. An overlooked ant, a flock of geese flying overhead and a chance encounter with a mountain lion exist in the wild – and now in our cities.

Watchful (European Rabbit) 6x9" Colored pencil Available in the shop

​Inspired by my own experiences with urban wildlife, this collection of colorful, lively pastel paintings and drawings call attention to the significance of urban wildlife, its beauty and value in our lives. In sharing this work, I hope to encourage others to see these creatures differently, to take a personal interest in them and perhaps find joy in co-existing with our feathered, furry, or otherwise garbed neighbors.

Portrait of Sir Chipmunk, 7x6" Colored Pencil. Available in the shop.

City life was once seen as separate from nature. Observing wildlife required hiking in mountains or forests. Yet, as our urban areas grow, nature is changing. Many animals, insects and plants are adapting to urbanization as their natural habitats are destroyed. Nature has found ways to survive and thrive in cities, despite human effort to eradicate it. When viewed differently though, urban wildlife are not necessarily pests. They provide an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and with our own nature. Its possible, in our backyards, to fall back in love with nature. For millions, encountering urban wildlife is their first encounter with nature. For others, it may be their only encounter with nature.

White Tailed Deer Fawn 8x10" Pastel on toned paper. Available in the shop

​In a world increasingly impacted by humans, urban wildlife may be our only wildlife in the future. These drawings are as much about falling back in love with nature to protect it, as it is about appreciating the creatures with whom we share the planet. Understanding how our lives depend on the natural world, the need to care for and respect it, creates a healthier world for all.

Stopped. 8x10" Pastel Available in the shop.

Cool Off (Round-tailed Ground Squirrel.) 11.5x9" Pastel Available in the shop

Discovered 10x8" Pastel Available in the shop

Chipmunk. 5x7" Mixed media. Available in the shop