Urban Wildlife Art: Finding Connection Through Birds and Nature in Portland, Oregon

When we moved to a new neighborhood here in Portland, Oregon, I didn’t expect how much the small details would matter.

I started taking regular walks like I did in my previous neighborhood. Just a way to get outside and get familiar with my surroundings. At first, everything felt new and exciting but also a little unfamiliar, even though we hadn’t moved far. Pretty quickly, I began noticing the birds and wildlife around me.

Different species showed up more often. Certain birds I rarely saw before suddenly became part of my daily routine. Amazing birds like the Red Tailed Hawk and quite often even Bald Eagles! But also, Steller’s Jay, Anna’s Hummingbirds and Juncos.  A simple moment watching a bird land on a branch or hearing a familiar call started to feel grounding.

That’s when something shifted.

I realized that paying attention to the wildlife around us—in my urban neighborhood especially birds—can help us feel more connected to a place. Even subtle differences in what we see and hear can create a sense of belonging.

That experience became the starting point for my new Urban Wildlife art collection.

The Inspiration Behind My Urban Wildlife Art Collection

This collection is inspired by the birds and wildlife I’ve encountered here in the Pacific Northwest—especially in my everyday, urban setting.

These aren’t far-away landscapes or rare sightings. They’re the moments that happen close to home: a bird on a fence, movement in the trees, the feeling of sharing space with wildlife even in a city neighborhood.

As I spent more time observing, I found myself wanting to capture that feeling in my work—not just what these animals look like, but how it feels to connect with them. To appreciate them and learn more about them.

That sense of wonder, awe and curiosity became the foundation for each piece.

From Daily Walks to the Studio

The transition from observation to painting felt natural.

I work primarily in professional quality oil paint and mixed media, building layers to create depth and texture. For this collection, I chose a more limited, natural color palette—soft or vivid blues, earthy browns, warm neutrals—reflecting calming, peaceful colors.

Each painting is a reflection of a real encounter or a repeated moment of noticing. These pieces aren’t just about wildlife—they’re about the relationship between people, place, and the natural world around us.

And honestly, they’re also about joy.

There’s something deeply grounding about slowing down enough to notice what’s already around you. That feeling followed me into the studio, and it’s something I wanted to share through this collection.

Why Urban Wildlife Matters

We don’t have to travel far to experience nature.

Wildlife is already part of our everyday environment—even in cities. When we start paying attention, we begin to see how connected we really are.

This collection is a reminder of that.

It’s about recognizing the value of small, often overlooked moments. It’s about exploring place and creating a feeling of belonging. And it’s about finding ways to reconnect—with nature, with our surroundings, and with ourselves.

Explore the Urban Wildlife Collection

I’m excited to share this new body of work with you.

The Urban Wildlife collection includes original mixed media oil paintings inspired by birds and wildlife in Portland and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. Each piece is created to bring a sense of calm, connection, and joyful presence into your space.

If you’ve ever felt more grounded after spending time outdoors—or noticed how observing birds and wildlife can shift your perspective—I think you’ll enjoy this collection.

You can view the available paintings and learn more here: the Urban Wildlife Collection

Thank you for your interest in my art!