I have not been inspired to paint much as of late. there is a lot of issues I am dealing with, however recently I saw some birch trees while hunting bear with the muzzleloader. I took some notes and began sketching down an idea.
I found a panel I had prepared to paint on and decided that would be the size of the painting. The size is thirteen by eighteen.
My first drawing shown here found a liking for the composition. I used tracing paper and refined the sketch some. Once I was satisfied, I transferred the image to the pre-pared panel and the “slapping stage” began. People are amazed how the slapped-on paint evolves to the finished piece.
I then start to refine the painting process. Detail work slows down the art, of course.
The original concept for this painting had Jack-In-The-Pulpit seed pods and ferns, but as the painting moved along, I chose an arrow and eliminated the other thoughts. the arrow is from an Eastern Indian bow and was lost while shooting at something in the days before the bear walked past. the bear gives the arrow a look with curiosity. The entire story behind the painting is up to the viewer. However, my original intent was the piece to be of a historical nature.
I have included some photos of the process for those who enjoy observing. I hope you enjoy.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
I WOULD LIKE TO PURCASE ONE OF YOUR BEAR PRINTS
Tom Burk President Armstrong Security 104 S Water St. Kittanning, Pa 16201 Office: 724 919-4336 Fax: 724 543-4347 Cell: 724 859-6772 arm.ls@icloud.com http://www.armstrongsecurityllc.com
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Hi Tom, Thank you for your interest. I do not have prints made of the bear painting called The Lost Arrow. I do have a few ink prints and colored prints of Wild Turkey and Wood Ducks. I, also, have a colored print called Evening Smoke-Delaware in 1755. They can be viewed at: http://www.larrysmailart.com