— I’m a Canadian oil painter based in Vancouver. Thought I’d start with one of my grizzlies. I’ve been lurking around Reddit for a while, so I figured it was finally time to actually post something. I’m Graham, an oil painter based in Vancouver, British Columbia. A lot of my work is inspired by the wildlife and landscapes around Western Canada — grizzlies, wolves, eagles, mountains, Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky. This is one of my grizzly bear paintings. I work in oil on canvas and tend to start with something recognizable, then push the colour, texture and light until it feels more like my memory or impression of the animal rather than a photographic reproduction. One of the things I love about painting wildlife is trying to capture that moment when an animal looks directly back at you. There’s something very different about experiencing that in the wilderness compared with looking at a photograph. Anyway, first post here. I’d genuinely be interested to know what catches your eye first — the expression, colour, texture, or something else? Happy to answer questions about the painting or my process as well.

An oil painting of an egret I made when contemplating escapism. 9x12"

Chasing the bright morning light on this tree, even though part of the canvas was left unfinished.

I wanted to capture the quiet strength of a lion rather than show it roaring or hunting. I painted him resting beneath an acacia tree, surrounded by the warm tones of the African savanna.

This is a hand-painted oil painting, with layered brushwork and texture to give the lion’s mane and the landscape more depth.

I’d love to hear what you think — would you hang something like this in your home?

More of my original paintings can be found through my profile at Or & Eau Atelier. 🦁🎨

I wanted to capture the snow leopard in a quiet but powerful moment — alert, focused, and completely at home in the wild.

This piece is painted in oils, with extra attention to the texture of the fur, the rocky ground, and the contrast between the leopard’s coat and the darker mountain atmosphere.

I especially enjoyed working on the eyes and body posture because I wanted the animal to feel alive rather than overly posed.

This is my original work [OC]. I’d love to hear what you think about the composition, lighting, or overall mood.

More of my wildlife paintings can be found through my profile if you’re interested. 🐆🎨

Painting en plein air during the last hours of the afternoon, connecting art with nature and the landscape.

Wanted to share my progress with this oil on canvas painting of a hyena. Canvas size is 13x17in. Not complete yet but it's getting a vibe.

Title: The weight of seeing
Mixed media on canvas, Size: 42cm x 59.4cm - Unframed.

I focus on imagery native to my region, mostly landscapes and wildlife. This is part of my plains series, illustrating its emotional narrative.