DORIA MOODIE

Spring is in the Air

2022, acrylic on canvas

On verso signed 60 x 60 in, 152.4 x 152.4 cm

Framed

Value $8,660

Donated by the Artist, courtesy of Mountain Galleries

Lot #19

Doria Moodie is a Whistler-based artist with a keen interest in the bears of British Columbia. She is a strong advocate for BC bears (black bears, spirit bears, and grizzlies) and has spent many occasions observing them in the wild. She is best known for her large-scale, intimate portraits of these impressive animals in their natural habitats. Moodie is an Associate Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA) and a founding member of Whistler Out-of-Bounds Artists, as well as the official artist and member of the board of the Grizzly Bear Foundation. Moodie’s intimate portraits are held in private collections around the world.

In this painting, two grizzlies take a stroll in a spring meadow. They both seem to be enjoying the warmth of spring and the insects buzzing in the air. One insect in particular, a dragonfly, takes center stage in the composition. Its presence alludes to a symbiosis between creatures in the wild. While the mama bear gazes up at the sky, seemingly sniffing the new scents in the air, the cub stares directly at the viewer, inviting us into his world. Moodie’s signature gentle eyes remind us that these are peaceful animals, simply enjoying a warm spring day. The cub’s back paw pokes up from the grass, reminding us that they are on the move.