The Trail Artist

“Wild”
24x30”
Oil and metallic leaf on canvas

“Namasharké”
24x36”
Mixed media on canvas

This is a painting about staying calm under pressure. In the center of the painting is a seashell that I picked up on April 1st 2018 on the coast of Delaware. The day I began my 3,500 mile coast to coast walk across the USA. This shell has been sitting on a shelf collecting dust- but I thought it would be better suited to live in a painting. The shell is a reminder that things are only impossible if you allow them to be. It is a souvenir of the day I began to trust in the universe and every step after. It is a reminder of steps still to be taken. I hope it can remind others of the power they hold, and that all big things start small. The chaos of life is its own ocean but we are the holders of our own peace.

This painting will also be on display as part of an upcoming art show: “It’s fine. Everything is fine.” October 11th- December 6th for the Quad City Arts in Rock Island Illinois.

To cultures across the world, snakes are a very symbolic and powerful creature. Hated, loved, feared, snakes are an animal that have slithered in the human psyche since we’ve walked the Earth. To many- they are a guardian of spiritual knowledge, a bridge between the physical world and the divine. I painted this in homage to the mighty boa constrictor, and as a reminder that we can shed our old selves and be reborn again and again. Within the painting I imbedded real shed skin from a boa constrictor.

In one legend from the Huni Kuin tribe of Brazil, the cosmic boa or jiboia brought knowledge of sacred medicines to the people and from the jiboia it spoke a single sound of cosmic wisdom “Haux”.

Haux
24x24”
Mixed media on panel
SOLD

Behind this picture is both one of the happiest and angriest moments of my life. After scanning the horizon for hours for the Wapiti Pack, this wolf suddenly appeared in the sage and slowly approached the road very close to me. Too close in fact, that I would never intentionally approach a wolf at that proximity.

I quickly took a few photos, and as it approached the road a tourist in a RV jumped out and blocked the wolf. I’ve seen disrespectful tourists before get too close to bison or get out of their cars at bear jams, but never a wolf. The man got within 20 feet and started howling and barking obnoxiously which made the wolf distressed and started pacing back and forth on the road.

More cars stopped on both sides blocking the wolf’s path as the man continued to bark and others screamed at him quickly creating a very unsafe and stressful situation for both people and animal. In the heat of the moment I yelled too, filled with so much anger from the disrespect. Luckily the wolf weaved between the cars and crossed the river where no one could follow.

The joy of this encounter I so long waited for was eclipsed by the stupidity of one man. But throughout the week I was able to share the wonder of wildlife with hundreds of strangers. I was able to see the light in the eyes of visitors that had never seen a wolf when I shared my wildlife scope, and the same passion I have for nature in others. This was a learning experience that not everyone understands the beauty of a wild animal, even with it right in front of them. But the best thing we can do is continue to share its sacred importance in the hopes others will understand.

I will cherish this photo as a reminder to not dwell on negativity, to not feel the anger I felt from the crazy man but instead to feel the joy of the wolf’s wildness.

The wolf is very misunderstood animal, caught in the crossfire of an ever changing world. Wherever the wolf exists, it is controversial. But watching this encounter reminded me of its wisdom. When faced with ignorance, look the other way and keep going. Though everyone may not understand- walking away from anger is its own freedom.

Happy International Wolf Day! An important day to celebrate such an amazing animal and remember how important it is to protect them for future generations. Here’s a wolf I saw on my recent trip to Yellowstone.

Happy Birthday to the kindest, most beautiful, wild soul I know. I am blessed to call you my wife and excited to see how we grow together. Every day with you is a new adventure, and although change can be scary I am so grateful to navigate life with you. Thank you for being the fearless person you are to be yourself everyday. I love you more than I know how to describe. 💗

Guacamayo
24x24”
Mixed media on panel
SOLD

Over the weekend I was a vendor at Revival- a 4 day event of music, art, creativity, and spirituality.

The theme of Revival this year was ‘Metanoia’- the Greek word for changing one’s mind. This word is often used in context with transformation, healing, and finding one’s path within religion or spirituality.

In the lead up to the event I wanted to bring my best work, but found this painting in a corner, taunting me as unfinished and unexciting. This butterfly had already been reworked a half dozen times but I was still not happy with it.

I decided to bring it anyway and try to finish it one more time at Revival, fully prepared to paint the canvas white and turn it into something else if I couldn’t get it right.

The butterfly was only a symptom of a larger struggle. Over the last year, I made art in bursts but sometimes not painting for months at a time. Art has always been my passion, but life often complicates things and so art has sat on the back burner too often, too many times.

This was one of the largest events I’ve brought my art to, and so I went through self doubt, anxiety, and stress preparing to show my work. I went anyway and as the painting went through one last metamorphosis and the paint was still damp- a visitor appeared.

Through coincidence or a sign of something higher, a swallowtail got itself stuck inside my tent. It thrashed around the walls, desperate for open air when the door was wide open. I attempted to show it the exit, but it was only when it stopped fighting itself that it was able to regain its freedom and disappear into the mountains.

And with that I realized my painting was finally complete.

Sometimes creating something isn’t always about the final creation, but the process of creating in itself. I am reminded by the butterfly that sometimes we simply need to let go and follow the path in front of us, and our greatest obstacle is ourself.

Metanoia
Mixed media on canvas
16x20”
SOLD

I swear the butterfly is not a paid actor.

Excited to announce I’ll be an art vendor in this coming Revival! This is a 4 day event of nature, art, music, and connection in the beautiful campground of North Fork Park in Eden Utah.

This year’s event is themed after “Metanoia”- the Greek word for changing your mind. I have been working on new artwork focusing on this theme of transformation and spirituality, and super excited to share it next week.

Art itself has been the force of change and transformation for my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my voice as an artist with so many other creative people.

Had a great time this weekend creating this 8x8ft drawing for Hogle Zoo’s Chalk the Zoo!

Never expected to see this in Utah! Antelope Island, UT last night.

Happy Earth Day!

Here is a painting I did a while ago, a celebration of Mother Nature and life.

“Pachamama”
Acrylic on 16” drum

Here’s a large commission I did a while ago and never posted!

Rio 🇧🇷
24x36”
Acrylic on canvas

I forgot to post these 🐶 paintings I did earlier this year. Commissions available in time for Christmas, send me a message if interested!

Looking for holiday gift ideas? Custom pet/wildlife portraits available! Price varies depending on size and media. Message if interested for more details.

Iguana
Mixed media on wood
24x36”

If you’re in Utah come check out this painting and many more of my original wildlife artworks at the Wasatch Reptile Expo this weekend!

The expo is 10am-6pm this Saturday and 10am- 4pm Sunday at the Utah State Fairpark!

I had a lot of fun creating this painting that I raffled off during my last reptile expo. Congrats to the winner, Leeann- and thank you for all those that stopped by to check out my art!

I’m participating in the Reptilian Nation Expo as a vendor with my wildlife art! Come visit me at the mountain America expo center in Sandy UT if you’d like to say hi! I’ll be here until 6 today and 10-5pm tomorrow.

I’ll be downtown SLC tonight as part of the art stroll! Come check out my window installation as well as a variety of my recent artwork!

1 year of dating the kindest, most beautiful and adventurous soul I’ve ever met. I am so lucky to know you, and even luckier to be your partner. Our first date involved jumping out of an airplane, and I have been falling for you ever since. I love you Jasmine ❤️ .nsoares

I painted this piece alongside my other sea turtle. I’m happy to say this sold to the same buyer! I had a lot of fun finding a balance with some intense colors, and will definitely be painting more turtles in the near future!

18x24”
Acrylic on canvas

Happy to share that this recent piece sold at the reptile expo! This painting was inspired by seeing the sea turtles last year in O’ahu, Hawaii. This piece was a lot of fun so planning to do some similar pieces for a turtle series!

18x24”
Acrylic on canvas