Talons Overall Honorable Mention

This painting was inspired by the numerous bald eagles I have come across here in South Lake Tahoe, California. In 2024 Lake Tahoe had a bald eagle count of 30 bald eagles and it is incredible to have these beautiful creatures thriving so nearby. I used multiple photo references in order to be able to achieve the detail needed for this painting. It was such a pleasure painting the different textures of this piece and capturing this glorious encounter on canvas.

While bald eagles have made a remarkable recovery and are no longer federally endangered, they remain listed as endangered in California to ensure their ongoing protection and conservation. Another inspiration for this painting was an injured eagle called Em, who was cared for by Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care here in South Lake Tahoe, California. She was an ambassador for the organization and was well-known for her interactions with other animals and the public. She passed away soon after I completed this painting.