Waking Up in Bear Country

Description

Waking Up in Bear Country
11.5” x 9” watercolor and ink on paper
Original plein air painting, signed Pamela Watson

Painted on site in Yellowstone National Park’s Tower Campground, Waking Up in Bear Country captures the quiet beauty and subtle tension of early-season camping in grizzly territory. Created in late May, just as the bears were emerging from hibernation, the artist set up camp with a healthy mix of awe and apprehension. Despite park ranger warnings, there were no bear encounters—only towering trees, mountain views, and the kind of stillness that settles deep into your bones.

The painting features a cozy tent and firepit nestled among tall pines, with glimpses of snow-tipped mountain peaks peeking through the trees. Rendered in watercolor and ink, the piece blends loose linework with soft washes of natural color, reflecting both the wildness of the landscape and the personal sense of calm the artist found during her stay.

Perfect for collectors who love national parks, plein air painting, or artwork that tells a story of adventure, wonder, and quiet courage.