Meet the Marianus Flying Fox, busy pollinating a Freycinetia Iiana in Guam. Pollinating bats are essential to local ecosystems as well as human economies. Fruit eating bats disperse seeds, and are crucial to rebuilding damaged rain forests. Insect eating bats keep the insect population at bay, naturally and without pesticides.

Bats are amazing and essential citizens of the world, yet remain maligned and misunderstood.

Through the efforts of conservation organizations like Dr. Tuttle's, that perception is slowly changing. He travels the world educating communities and documenting the wide variety of bats with his brilliant photographs.

The reference photo for this painting is from Dr. Merlin Tuttle, and used by permission. 50% of the sale of the painting will be donated to Merlin Tuttle Bat Conservation.

The DNA of gorillas is 95-99% the same as that of humans, so it's no wonder I am drawn to them. This portrait is of a majestic silverback male. These mountain gorillas are listed as critically endangered.

This is part of my ongoing series of endangered species. Sadly ironic that I'm painting my favorite animals for this series.

8" x 10" Oil on linen

A photographer friend of mine captured an image of a beautiful fawn sticking out her tongue, so of course I asked permission to paint her! She graciously agreed, and the result is this little canvas.

I've always loved color blocking in art, fashion, and design. I prefer using color and texture instead of natural backgrounds. It makes the designer in me happy!

Photo reference: AKS Photography
8" x 8" | Oil on deep cradled canvas