The Charolais

The Story Behind the Painting
On a crisp fall day my husband and I went out for a pre-hunting season hike to scope out nearby game trails. We were trekking along an old road allowance that runs behind our property. Our four dogs ran up ahead of us taking in all of the fall scents. Next came my husband, Lane, who searched for deer tracks while carrying our 6-month-old daughter. I brought up the rear of our little group taking my time looking in wonder at the beautiful fall leaves and watching the sun stream through the popular trees.

Through the trees I caught a glimpse of a few cows and calves in a small meadow. Among the pairs was this beautiful Charolais cow. The soft fall light amplified the golden tones in her hide, and I knew I had to paint her. Thankfully I had my camera at the ready and was able to snap a few reference photos before the cattle scattered.