Return to the River, Grizzly Bears of Northern British Columbia.
David McEown
Return to the River, 40 x 36 inches, watercolour.
“This painting was inspired while observing grizzly bears fishing for salmon. I had several days sketching this bear in particular which had a striking pattern. It was amazing how much weight he put on in just 2 weeks of feasting. It was a good sign to see the salmon arrive on this river where so many other watersheds have seen diminished salmon runs.”
The following paintings and videos was inspired by a recent trip in the Taku River watershed in Northern British Columbia. It was emotional to return to this landscape that I painted back in 1996 as part of a conservation effort and then revisited again in 1999 to stay with a Tlingit family at their traditional camp. I was reminded just how rich, rare, pristine and sacred this place is. Most of our work was done from a remote camp on the Nakina river, a tributary of the Taku.
Our bear viewing guides led us to locations that ensured our safety while respecting the wildlife’s habitat and foraging routines. This allowed us to work and be inspired by the ancient life cycles and interrelationships of the salmon, bears, eagles and forest.
Full version of video highlights from a painting trip observing Grizzly bears in the Taku watershed of Northern British Columbia. (6 Minutes)
Painting on location while bears fish for salmon.( 45 seconds)
This painting, “Upstream”, 15 x 22 inches watercolour, was done in a 3 hour session starting with a light wash underpainting. In between filming the bears I loved to observe the light and shadow move across the old trees that reflect in the rich river. (45 seconds)
“Fishing Bears”. 15 x 22 inches, watercolour. I loved to watch the bears “snorkel” under the water for salmon. Thankfully some fish are making their way upstream to spawn, including pinks and lots of chinook. So much of the ecosystem is dependent on the salmon’s return including the many eagles and gulls.
Working on location in the rain, while waiting for bears!
Water is life. Quite a bit of it is falling now on the west coast. I love how the rain can bring out the richness of colour in the landscape and separate the layers of trees and mountains. While recently painting in the sacred Taku watershed, I had a chance to wear and use my rain painting kit. I prefer not to use a tarp or umbrella as they can flap and blow around, scaring off the wildlife we are trying to film like the grizzly bears that roam the river banks. For this coastal weather I wear fishing chest waiters and a Goretex fishing jacket which is much more waterproof than my regular hiking gear made more for movement. Neutral grey reflects neutral light on to white paper and does not attract bugs as much. The paper is clipped inside my partly open painting board/ folder that is tilted against the rain direction. It is held open by a bulldog clip. This folder, made of display board (plastic corregate), has a custom made quick release on the back that can snap into my tripod. I tend to work in this micro shelter in smaller sections and use less water in the washes, as it is so humid.
Many Thanks to Nakina Adventures for guiding and Phil Timpany and Daisy Gilardini for addition video.