Black rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta
15 X 17 inches
Acrylic, 2003

In order to prepare the art for the new herpetology exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo, I sought live specimens. As I moved closer to this female rat snake, she lifted her head and displayed an alert posture.

Black rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta
12 by 15 inches
Acrylic, 2003

Shown is one of the 13 paintings of native reptiles and amphibians which is part of an exhibit on herpetology called "Stayin' Alive" which opened summer of 2003 at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. The paintings of native animals will complement the live animals on display.

Eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina
15 X 17 inches
Acrylic, 2003

The series of 13 paintings for Roger Williams Park Zoo’s new exhibit on herpetology includes the native Eastern box turtle. This species is long-lived, yet far less common than it once was. It rarely travels far and moves slowly as this one walks through clover.

Eastern painted turtle, Chrysemys picta
12 X 15 inches
Acrylic, 2003

One summer day I was returning from a hike and came across this turtle crossing the road.  I took several photographs as he moved quickly away from me. Soon I heard him slip into the water with a splash.  These photos assisted me in creating this portrait.

Spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum
15 X 17 inches
Acrylic, 2003

The spotted salamander is shown at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s new exhibit on herpetology. Found commonly in wet woodlands, the painting indicates its habitat with three simple leaves.