High Country Company began with one of those wildlife encounters I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced. While visiting Gaudineer Knob in West Virginia, I came across this Snowshoe Hare and was amazed when it allowed me to approach within about 25 feet without leaving. For a normally elusive animal, being able to spend those moments so close felt almost magical.

I photographed the hare in spring, but when I began thinking about the painting, I decided to use a little artistic license and move the encounter into winter. I surrounded the hare with Evening Grosbeaks (a personal favorite from my youth!) among the snow-covered evergreens, creating a scene that reflects the beautiful high-elevation habitat where I found it.

High Country Company is an 18" × 24" original oil and acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas, with the image continuing around the painted edges for a finished appearance. It can be displayed beautifully with or without a frame.