It was a chilly October morning in 2022. I woke up early, my camera bag already packed from the night before. It was fall in Alaska, and I had one thing on my mind — big bull moose.

This time of year, the bulls are in their element — antlers at their most impressive, instincts sharp, and hearts set on finding love before the early winter months bring the shedding season.

I’d seen a few promising fellas earlier that month, though they always managed to stay just far enough away for me to miss the perfect shot. (I did once cross a swift, thigh-deep river trying to catch up to one — my boldest move yet, I’d say.) But on this particular morning, something felt different. I had that quiet feeling that I was in for something special.

As I entered the valley, I spotted a large bull across the far side — not the biggest I’d ever seen, but certainly impressive. If I hurried, I might reach him before he disappeared into the trees. I made the trek across, but by the time I arrived, he was gone.

Then — the distinct sound of a moose call echoed through the valley. I moved carefully toward it, keeping an eye out for sturdy trees I could duck behind if needed. Suddenly, I looked to my right, and over a hill came an even larger bull, his antlers glinting in the soft morning light as he moved slowly in my direction. As I adjusted my camera settings, both bulls came into view — the smaller one from before, and now this massive newcomer.

With enough distance between us, I found a safe spot where I could see them both. What happened next left me completely still — the two bulls began sparring, not in anger, but with a kind of gentle respect, as if the older one were teaching the younger how it’s done. After a few short minutes, they both settled down in the tall, golden grass to rest. The soft fall sunlight broke through the clouds, melting the frost around them. It was a perfect morning — quiet, wild, and unforgettable.

This painting came to life more than two years after this encounter. It became my first piece created with the dream of becoming a full-time artist — my true return to art..