I've been  inspired to paint by the natural world around us, in recent years by Mountain View Conservation Society.  After seeing a show about Mountain View, I went to visit them, and was very impressed by the site developed by Gordon Blankstein:  Over 50 rare and endangered species are bred and raised for eventual release back to their natural habitat in the wild.  Some of the animals that have been released are:  Mohrr Gazelles, Addax Antelope, Oregon Spotted Frog, and Vancouver Island Marmot. 

I had previously painted wild animals, but was inspired to specialize in endangered species after spending some time at Mountain View Conservation Society.