52 Weeks #8

I've been wanting to paint moose (from the Algonquian for 'twig eater') for some time...initially because I grew up seeing them regularly while canoeing along the Churchill River in the northern boreal forest and secondly because we recently saw a mother and calf standing in a field on our way to the mountains.  I've never seen them in Alberta before.   They are the funniest looking characters and yet so massive and strong.

Moose is practical, balanced, and wise.  Though they may appear ungainly they are determined and agile, always reminding us to stay focused and to value our own strengths.

They are quite intimidating, standing up to 7 feet in height and weighing up to and over 1000 pounds and can be quite aggressive.  One of our favorite gifts to share with nieces and nephews are moose droppings...thankfully the ones we buy are chocolate covered almonds, though I did recently find out that actual shellacked moose scat is available.  Ewwww.

I have to admit that this guy gave me quite a work-out...especially how to fit such a large animal's face on such a narrow substrate and how to make him not a total cartoon?  But now that I'm finished I quite like that smiling face.  Two months down, ten to go....so far this 52 Weeks Project is humming along quite nicely.