Anolis Carolinensis - the Green Anole, Plein Air Painting, and Happiness

The other day while in Wilmington NC, I came across a green anole climbing a hand rail. In my experience, these small lizards are friendly and often downright curious. I am fascinated by their brilliant green coloration and have even seen them change colors from green to brown. It really is amazing what you can see when you stop to appreciate all of the little details that are right in front of you and painting enhances this ability. Anyway, seeing this little critter in Wilmington brought back a memory of painting in the woods of South Carolina a few years ago.

Taking Care During Covid-19

I spent a fair amount of time this Spring watching Red Shouldered Hawks. Covid-19 caused all of us to spend more time at home and being an optimist I looked for reasons to make the most of it. Luckily I had plenty of inspiration in my own front yard. Red Shouldered Hawks nest high in an old tree in my front yard most years and by the time the March “Stay at Home” order began, this year’s nesting activity was well underway. Having the extra time to watch and photograph them, I wasn’t sure I’d even paint them at first. In the case where there’s interesting nature activity happening, my approach is to take it in and enjoy it. If a painting results that’s just an added bonus.

BirdsMatt TomkoJune 17, 2020Red Shouldered Hawk, Raptor, Nest, Hawk babies, Hawk family, hawk nestlings, Oak tree

Panfish and Lily Pads chosen for the 2021 North Carolina Wildlife Calendar

“Panfish and Lily Pads” is my first fish painting and in May it was chosen by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission to be included in the 2021 North Carolina Wildlife calendar. This marks the third year that I will have artwork featured in the publication. The painting is still available for sale and more information can be found in the Nature & Wildlife Gallery of this site.

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