Paintings of the Elusive Moose, Inconceivable!

When it comes to spotting a moose in Canada, it can be a daunting task. I have explored Canada from coast to coast to coast and I have yet to cross paths with this magical beast. Though I know one day we will meet, I have seen plenty of documentaries about this gargantuan icon of Canada. While death by moose is a very real thing in Newfoundland, thankfully we haven’t faced down a moose on the road. Here are two new paintings that tell stories of the moose in his own element.

In these most recent paintings the moose features both prominently and elusively. My goal was to capture the magic, folklore and playful nature of this beautiful beast.

Inconceivable Mooseness: in this vertical painting we see the moose front and centre in the grassy marshlands adorned with flowers and strands of grass. He is surrounded by a magical landscape of mountains to water and wispy cloud summer sky. The landscape is dotted with tiny points of light of many colours, perhaps symbolizing fireflies and other creatures and reflections in the water. This painting while a vivid pop art palette and rendering, carries a soft and playful feel.

Spirited Island: there is an island called ‘Spirit’ in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. In Maligne Lake, it is a view many people associate with the Canadian Rockies. The Island is a spiritual place for the Stony Nakoda First Nation who believe mountains are physical representations of ancestors. Peter Gales’ image of Spirit Island hung in New York City’s Grand Central terminal in the 1960’s. It was my time to render this landscape into my series of paintings about my adventures in Canada. The painting features the island central with red canoe on the shore of the island and a moose on the far side. Paddling on your own to this magical spot can take four hours each way. In the foreground the emerald waters swirl around a rock with a pine seedling, some floating maple leaves and some magical pop art details of dots and vivid hard edged palette. The painting is electric and alive, much like the live location.

See more paintings by Brandy Saturley inspired by the Canadian Landscape and wildlife here.