# Desert Animal Art Home

> Home page of North American desert wildlife paintings by New Mexico Artist Karine Swenson

## Pages
- [Desert Animal Art Home](https://www.desertanimalart.com/)
- [Birds](https://www.desertanimalart.com/birds)
- [Blog](https://www.desertanimalart.com/blog)
- [Cigar Box Paintings](https://www.desertanimalart.com/cigar-box-paintings)
- [Contact](https://www.desertanimalart.com/contact)
- [Coyotes](https://www.desertanimalart.com/coyotes)
- [Mammals](https://www.desertanimalart.com/mammals)
- [Newsletter signup](https://www.desertanimalart.com/newsletter-signup)
- [Oil paintings of mammals native to the deserts of the American Southwest](https://www.desertanimalart.com/other-mammals)
- [Rabbit Drawings](https://www.desertanimalart.com/rabbit-drawings)
- [Rabbit Paintings](https://www.desertanimalart.com/rabbit-paintings)
- [Store](https://www.desertanimalart.com/store)

## Blog Posts
- [September 1](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/september-1)
- [Fall - at last](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/fall-at-last)
- [Coyote Contact](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/coyote-contact)
- [The desert in winter](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/the-desert-in-winter)
- [January](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/january)
- [Process](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/process)
- [Packing is the pits](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/packing-is-the-pits)
- [New home, New Mexico](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/new-home-new-mexico)
- [November follies](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/november-follies)
- [Work in Progress](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/work-in-progress)
- [Daily Practice](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/daily-practice)
- [More color studies](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/more-color-studies)
- [Reproductions vs. prints](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/reproductions-vs-prints)
- [The War on Coyotes](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/the-war-on-coyotes)
- [Creative ADHD](https://www.desertanimalart.com/p/creative-adhd)

## Products
- [Black Bear](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/black-bear): This painting was inspired by a black bear my husband and I saw last spring when we were driving to Alaska from New Mexico. The bear was walking near the highway. I pulled over to get a closer look and take a few photos. As I was marveling at this bear, our two dogs were in the back seat of the car, barking like crazy. Even with all of that racket, the bear just kept coming closer and closer to the car. So close, in fact, that I finally felt like I needed to drive away! I guess the bear was really hungry or something. This bear was painted on a wooden cigar box measuring 7 3/4 x 7 1/8 x 3 1/4 inches. The sides of the box have a strip of imitation gold leaf on them where the original cigar box label was. (please see photos) I was experimenting with thicker paint and a different color palette. The painting has been signed on the front in pencil and it will also be signed on the bottom of the box. It can be hung on the wall, or simply sit on a shelf or table and enjoyed. This would be a great box for your precious keepsakes. If you have questions about this painting, please don't hesitate to send me an email. It's the only one I have, so if you love it, make it yours today!
- [Built for Speed - pronghorn antelope](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/built-for-speed-pronghorn-buck): This is a one of a kind, original oil painting on canvas. The painting measures 48 x 48 inches. This pronghorn buck was one we spotted in Yellowstone National Park during the fall. He was with a herd of does and a few young pronghorns. He looked so handsome against the fall colors of the grasses and forbs that I just had to paint him. Did you know that pronghorn antelopes are the fastest land mammals in the Americas? They can run up to 60 mph! They aren't particularly good at jumping, however. If they encounter a fence, they are likely to roll under it rather than jump over it. The pronghorn is one mammal I see quite frequently here in New Mexico, especially when driving east of Las Vegas. This painting has been signed by the artist. It is wired and ready to hang on the wall. The colors of the painting are continued around the edges of the canvas. There is no need for framing, unless you prefer a frame. It has a simple, contemporary finish. If you love this painting, make it yours today. It is the only one.
- [Bunny Therapy](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/bunny-therapy): This is an original oil painting on canvas of a desert cottontail. It measures 10 x 8 inches, and the canvas is approximately 1/2 inch deep. The painting was inspired by one of the many cottontail rabbits that visit our New Mexico yard in the summer months to drink water I put out for them and graze on my flowers. The painting has been signed by me on the front and back. The edges of the canvas have been painted with the colors in the painting. It will come wired and ready to hang. It comes unframed - if you are interested in a frame, let me know. I do have a floater frame available for an additional $60.00. Please see the photos. This is a one of a kind, original painting - not a print. If you love it, don't hesitate to make it yours today. Framing is available for an additional fee. Please see the drop down menu. I only have one style/color available. You can also email me with any questions about this painting at karine@karineswenson.com.
- [Cottontail on White](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/cottontail-on-white): This is an original oil painting of a desert cottontail rabbit, painted on a wooden cigar box. I always love it in the warmer months when the cottontails come to eat the grass that grows in our yard after the monsoon rains. I can watch them for hours. This painting was inspired by one of those little rabbits. The cigar box measures 6.25 x 6 x 2.75 inches, and it can hold your treasures, sit on a shelf, or even hang on the wall. It's your choice how to display this cute little rabbit. Questions? Feel free to email me or send me a text. karine@karineswenson.com If you love this bunny, make him yours today. I only have one!
- [Guarding - Coyote](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/guarding-coyote): This is an original, one of a kind oil painting on canvas of a coyote. This painting was inspired by a pair of coyotes I often saw while out hiking near Joshua Tree, CA. The pair of coyotes had a den nearby, and even though I never saw the pups, I'm sure they had pups hidden nearby. This painting was inspired by the female coyote. She had heard something, and she lowered her head and looked towards the sound in the most intense way. She was beautifully lit by the morning desert sun. This painting measures 48 x 48 inches. It is painted on a high quality, gallery wrapped canvas. The canvas is stretched around the edges of the wooden supports, and the colors of the painting continue around the edges. It has a clean, simple look when hung on the wall. The painting is wired and ready to hang. You don't have to frame it unless you really want to. The painting has been signed by the artist (me!) on the front and back. Questions? Feel free to reach out. karine@karineswenson.com
- [Holiday Greeting Card](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/holiday-greeting-card): These holiday notecards were created from my paintings of wildlife. Each one has a different message inside. Each card will come with a plain white envelope. The cards measure 4 x 6 inches each. (6 x 4 for the roadrunner) The cottontail reads "Ho Ho Ho" inside. The coyote with a wreath reads "Wishing you health and peace this holiday season" inside. The owl in the Holiday tree reads "Peace" inside. The roadrunner reads "Warmest Wishes this Holiday Season" inside. Price is for one card and includes shipping. If you buy 5 or more cards, I will give you a discount - contact me first so I can create the listing. Questions? send me an email at karine@karineswenson.com
- [Oliva Fox](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/oliva-fox): This is an original oil painting of a fox painted on a wooden cigar box by artist Karine Swenson. We spotted this fox, who was missing one back paw, just outside of Talkeetna, Alaska last summer. It was still a beautiful fox, with the most amazing tail. The cigar box measures 8.5 x 6 x 2 inches. You can use it to store your beloved treasures, you can let it sit on a shelf, or you can even hang it on a wall. Whatever you want! It has been varnished since I left the background more or less the way it was. I did have to paint and color where some of the labels tore off, but I am pleased with the way it turned out. Questions can be directed to my email at karine@karineswenson.com. You can also send me a text. My number is at the bottom of my website.
- [Pronghorn Inspirado](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/pronghorn-inspirado): This painting of a pronghorn was inspired by a herd of pronghorn I saw grazing along Highway 14 just south of Santa Fe, NM. I spent at least an hour photographing them from a distance with my zoom lens. I love these beautiful creatures. This was painted on a wooden cigar box using oil paint. It measures 8.375" W x 7" D x 2" Tall. The painting can be hung on the wall, or set on a shelf. It can even go on your desk and be used to store treasures! You decide. It is a one of a kind, original work of art. I use these small paintings as studies for larger works of art, so if you see something similar to this come out of my studio, it will be larger (and much more expensive!) It has been signed by me on the front, and it will come numbered on the bottom of the box and signed there too.
- [Protection](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/protection): This is a one-of-a-kind, original oil painting on canvas of a doe and her fawn. These are Columbian black tailed deer that I saw when I was out walking in Sequim, Washington. The deer in Sequim are ubiquitous, and they are often seen on the golf courses and in people's yards. My mother always hated them because they ate all of her plants and flowers, but I am always happy to see a wild thing - even the practically tame ones like these. This fawn was close to its Mama, and it wasn't sure what to make of me. The way its ears were held seemed to say "I don't think I trust you." I like how the position of their ears can be so expressive, even though the fawn probably heard something and turned one ear to hear it better. This painting measures 48 x 48 inches. It was painted on a beautiful, gallery wrapped canvas that is 1 1/2 inches deep. The edges of the painting have been painted, so you don't need to frame it if you choose not to. It is wired and ready to hang. It has been signed by the artist (me). Questions? Please send me an email at karine@karineswenson.com If you love this painting, make it yours today. It's the only one, and I don't repaint the same image more than once.
- [Purple Bear](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/purple-bear): This painting was inspired by a black bear we spotted last spring on our drive up to Alaska. The bear was next to the highway. I pulled over to get a better look and to take photos. Our two dogs were in the back seat, barking like crazy, and even with all that racket, the bear got so close to the car, I had to drive away! I guess the bear was just really hungry or something. I really experimented with the colors in this one. The bear is painted on a wooden cigar box measuring 10 3/4 x 8 3/8 x 2 inches. It has been signed on the front in pencil, and it will be signed on the bottom. You can hang this box on the wall, or use it to put your cherished keepsakes in.
- [Resting Coyote](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/resting-coyote): This coyote painting was inspired by a coyote who came to visit our shady backyard one hot summer day when we lived in Joshua Tree. You can see coyote had shed his/her heavy winter coat and was sporting its sleek summer coat. Coyote found that the shade provided by our house made for a cool place to lay down and rest. This coyote is painted on a wooden cigar box measuring 9 x 6 x 3 inches. It's been signed on the top in pencil, and on the bottom of the box in Sharpie Marker. You can hang the painting on the wall, or simply use it to store your favorite keepsakes.
- [Some Ears Are Bigger than Others](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/some-ears-are-bigger-than-others): I started painting jackrabbits when we lived in Joshua Tree, CA. I was trying to show people how different jackrabbits look from the much smaller desert cottontails. I always like painting jackrabbits BIG, and of course their big ears and long front legs always take center stage. This painting was originally going to be an abstract painting, but then I decided it would be fun to paint a jackrabbit on top of what I had done. I've always loved it. It actually hangs in our house, where I can look at it daily. I intended this painting to be a diptych with "This Charming Man." The painting of a desert tortoise that is also listed for sale on my website. I am willing to sell them separately, but if you buy them both, I will be willing to offer a discount. You can just send me an email if you want them both. karine@karineswenson.com This is an original, one of a kind oil painting on canvas. It measures 36 x 36 inches. The painting continues around the edges of the canvas. It can be hung just as it is. It doesn't require a frame. It is wired and ready to hang on your wall. It has been signed by me on the front and the back.
- [Staredown](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/staredown): This is an original oil painting on canvas of an American bison (buffalo). This bison was lumbering along near a parking lot in Yellowstone National Park. I was hiding behind a giant boulder with my zoom lens, photographing when she stopped to stare right at me. We had a moment of staring at each other, and then she went on her merry way. I loved how the colors of her fur looked against the yellowing grasses. The shadows did seem quite blue, so I painted them the way I saw them. This painting is as much about colors as it is about a fuzzy bison. The painting measures 20 x 20 inches. It has been painted on a gallery wrapped canvas that is about 1 1/2 inches deep. The edges of the canvas have been painted, so you will not need to frame it if you don't want to. It is wired and ready to hang.
- [The Bugler - male elk](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/the-bugler-male-elk): This is a one-of-a-kind, original oil painting on canvas of a male elk bugling. During the mating season, the male elk will bugling to show dominance over other males and to attract females. We saw this male in Yellowstone National Park. The light on his fur was so beautiful in the late afternoon. The sun was low in the sky, about to set, and his horns cast the most amazing blue shadow on his body. I wanted to paint his handsome form, with that shadow. So I did! This painting measures 36 x 36 inches. It was painted on a gallery wrapped canvas, which means that the canvas wraps around the edges of a deep stretcher bar. The edges of the canvas have been painted, so there is no need to frame the painting if you don't want to. (Please see the photos) It is wired and ready to hang on the wall. It has been signed by the artist. Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me.
- [This Charming Man - Desert Tortoise](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/this-charming-man-desert-tortoise): The desert tortoise is definitely one of my favorite creatures in the Mojave Desert. They are endangered, and it's pretty special to see one in the wild. I am lucky to have seen quite a few, since I hike every day, and did so when we lived in Joshua Tree. This painting was inspired by one magical encounter with a tortoise while out hiking. I had originally intended for this to be an abstract painting, but once I had painted the counterpart painting (Some Ears Are Bigger Than Others - the jackrabbit), I knew this painting needed to have a big tortoise. Surely you all remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Since I paint both hares (jackrabbits) and desert tortoises, it seemed only reasonable that these two animals of the desert became the main characters in many of my paintings. I had intended for these two paintings to be a diptych, but I am willing to sell them separately. I will give you a discount if you buy them both! So if you want them both, send me an email and I will adjust the pricing accordingly. This is an original oil painting on canvas measuring 36 x 36 inches. It has been painted on a gallery wrapped canvas, and just like "Some Ears Are Bigger Than Others," the painting continues around the edges of the canvas. It can be hung without a frame. (Yes, you can frame it if you wish.) It is wired and ready to hang on your wall. The painting has been signed on the back and the front by the artist. (me) Questions? Please reach out. karine@karineswenson.com
- [Uncertain Rabbit Cigar Box Painting](https://www.desertanimalart.com/c/products/uncertain-rabbit-cigar-box-painting): This is an original, one of a kind oil painting of a desert cottontail rabbit, painted on a wooden cigar box. The cigar box measures 7 x 8.25 x 4 inches approximately. The painting was inspired by one of the wild cottontail rabbits that visit our New Mexico property in the summer months to eat the flowers I plant and the grass that appears after the monsoon rains come. I just love to watch them. This one wasn't so sure it wanted its portrait painted. I have signed the painting on the front and the bottom will also be signed. You can use this box to store all of your treasures, or it can simply be displayed on a shelf. You can even hang it on the wall! (You'll need to put a hanger on the back of it - something like a sawtooth hanger would probably work) If you love this little bunny, make it yours today. It's the only one, and you don't want it to hop off to live with someone else! ;) Questions? email me at karine@karineswenson.com