Fast Food by Carl Brenders ~ On a field trip to the boundary waters in Northern Minnesota, I was told I would see lots of big creatures like wolf, moose, etc.  I did not see any of those. This can happen; one isn't always lucky.

Instead, I saw lots of red squirrels that were not shy at all.  We saw one that had burrowed a lot of pinecones, busily moving them to another place - a fascinating activity.

Several other squirrels enjoyed the easy supply of maple seeds.  The squirrels were easy prey for an artist; especially one with a big love for them.  I spent a lot of time just watching them.  I will never tire of seeing their acrobatic behavior.

In my painting, I wanted to concentrate just on the squirrel and its food; that important necessity for every creature on this planet.  So I left the background with an out-of-focus effect.  I felt that this made my painting a more decorative one. - Carl Brenders