Protective Shell (Ornate Box Turtle and the Flint Hills)

The ornate box turtle is the State Reptile of Kansas. I really enjoy seeing these turtles on our property. I even have one I have dubbed "Oscarina" who has learned over the years that I have a soft spot for turtles, and she can get a meal out of me. She is the only wild turtle I know who comes literally running to me when we see each other. She has been know to wait for me outside our front door with the dogs and cats. Anyhow, likely she influenced and inspired this painting. However, the title speaks to the protective shell that the turtle has, but also to the flint rocks have protected the native prairie lands from being tilled. Thus we can enjoy lush native grass prairies and pastures....filled with wild things!

This piece is going to be in the 2019 Annual MVIS-Signature Member exhibit at the Cathy Kline Fine Art Gallery in Parkville, MO that will open in March 2019.