This painting came from one of the most unexpected experiences in my Painting Outside series. I was at Campbell Valley Park, surrounded by tall grass and nature, simply trying to find inspiration and enjoy painting outdoors.

Then I saw a snake. And then another. And another. Three snakes in one day.
I was scared, of course, but at the same time I became curious. I realized I had entered their environment—not the other way around. They were simply moving through the grass, existing in the same place where I had chosen to sit and create.

Instead of letting the fear take over, I stayed. I observed, kept painting, and allowed that experience to become part of the artwork.

“Where Fear Meets Curiosity” is about those moments when something makes us uncomfortable, but instead of immediately running away, we become curious enough to understand it. Sometimes the unexpected things we encounter become the very thing that inspires us.