The bull moose is one of the largest North American animals and one of the most impressive to encounter.  The gentle giants have a remarkable skill to walk on muddy land with elegance and maneuver through thick bushes with silence.  This aspect of the bull moose has always been a mystery to me.  I was very excited to not only paint the animal, but to paint the marsh, to render it in natural color, fine detail, and texture.  This natural environment complements the moose and gives the viewer a feeling of witnessing the magnificent creature close-up with its dominating presence.
As I was completing the painting, I felt that the forect background needed a touch of life.  A red-tailed hawk is flying over the wetland in search of prey.  Hidden within this peaceful, warm image is much activity happening before your eyes.  A great variety of wildlife co-exists, including meadow mice and voles, which are favorite foods of the red-tailed hawk.  Pay close attention and you may see a pintail duck resting in the shade.  Nature is alive with all the animals that thrive in such an environment.
For anyone who has had the unforgettable experience of seeing the bull moose in the wild or for those who only dream of seeing this majestic animal in its natural habitat, I have painted "Dominating Presence" to create that special moment.

On a warm summer day my wife and I decided to bring the kids blueberry picking. Going to a farm is always very exciting experience of discovery, you never know what you'll see next. This time what I saw may have been a very simple sight to many, but for me it was the inspiration for a new painting. As i stood in the tall grass admiring an old fence post, the breeze slowly blowing on the tall grass led me to imagine what magical a moment would be if a bird of prey would be perching on that rusty wire, a perfect painting setting. It was after that I was inspired to add an American Kestrel to the concept. Its variety of colours and textures was simply irresistible to me. The memory of the farm smell and the sound of the tall grass being tossed by the soft wind truly gave soul and life to the painting.

Denis Mayer loves to paint wildlife, and he is inspired by the natural splendors of the mossy forests of his native Canada.  With all the details that are the artist's trademark, Mayer has created a painting of a beautiful red fox resting in a wooded setting.  Known for its cunning, this "Sly Wanderer" may have heard a small mammal hiding inside the rotten tree.Maybe this will be his next meal?  Wisdom and patience are essential skills to survive, and this resourceful fox will do whatever it takes to get his next meal.  Only the falling leaves may break the silence, but this "Sly Wanderer" will remain calm and follow his instincts.