I couldn’t resist adding a black bear to a painting inspired by a beautiful bloom of Bear Grass in Glacier Park a few summers ago. This striking plant can grow up to 5’ high, and was first called Bear Grass by members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, 19th century explorers of western America.

Bear Grass can bloom whenever climatic conditions are ideal, not necessarily every seven years as common myth suggests. It is a fire-resistant species that is the first plant to grow after a fire. As there were many fires that summer, it is comforting to know that the Bear Grass will survive.

#blackbear  #beargrass  #glacierpark #wildlifeart  #oilpainting