Paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures and woodworking by artist Paul Woggy
This little diva scurried right up to my camera, demanding a photoshoot. Bold, face in the lens, trying different poses. Was my presence novel to her, or did she know what she was doing? I had my picture for the day so pulled the jerky out of my pack and sat back to relax. She came up to look at my trail snack and, disinterested, launched herself into the air and flew upstream.
Location: Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah
In the cool autumn morning the mule deer and brush rabbits bound through the thicket. The manzanita berries are sticky sweet and fragrant. I think I’ll take some home to savor—maybe make a cider…
Location: Corte Madera Mountain, Cleveland National Forest, California
After a morning of cloud cover, the sudden sun pouring down was blinding for a second, then refreshing. “Marvelous time to be alive!” came a voice out of nowhere. “Oh, hi!” I said, momentarily startled, “Indeed—who could ask for more?” “Sure can’t in this moment—that’s why I visit! Great seeing you, Paul!” he said as he marched on. “You too,” I replied instinctively. Wait, I don’t know that guy…
Location: Rosengarten, Dolomites, Italy
A rare sight to behold—only once a generation. All the crawly creatures come to pay homage to the Papimarado in bloom. The pull of the blossom is magnetic, the ritual infectious. The crawlies hum their chant of encouragement and praise. Motionless. Mesmerized.
Location: Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires, Argentina
On a secluded lake, a wolf takes a well earned rest after a tiring day. Building a home will be a tremendous undertaking. The reward of this majestic view will be well worth it. In the placid lake, he sees his future reflecting back—all the stories yet to be discovered. This place has chosen him as much as he has chosen it.
26″x20″ Acrylic on Canvas
The young kraken swirls his toys through the waves, lost in a grand adventure on the high seas. “The pirates are upon us, Captain!” “Arrr! Prepare the cannons—Fire when ready!” Pew, pew! “We’re going down, Captain! Ahhhh-glug glug glug!” The kraken’s completely forgotten why he didn’t want a bath to begin with.
16″x13″ Acrylic on Canvas
The last light slips through the trees. Today, the forest was quiet and rewarding, the journey successful. Even so, each step grew heavier on his return. It’s dinner time already—the kits must be concerned. Rounding the corner small faces appear, eyes wide, pressed to the window, being rocked by happy tails. He straightens. The weight of the worry drops away. Everything’s OK, now it’s time to eat and play.
9″x12″ Pastel on Paper
There are no lines to wait in. No rules to follow. The only schedule is sunrise and sunset. The only weight to carry fit in your pack. This is our happy place—and our enjoyment can’t be confined. An escape from the grayness of coloring within the lines. This is what’s real.
12″x18″ Pastel on Paper
“You’re not going to believe who I saw Marla wallowing in the mud with, Ella…”
Ella’s teacup froze mid-air. “No. Way. You mean with Gus. Again!?! After the whole Stacy incident?”
“Well, Marla told Manerva they’re ‘just friends’,” Rhiannon smirked, “but those mud splashes on Gus’ back were telling a different story!”
“Marla would die if she heard you say that!” spouted Ella.
“I’m not sure…,” feigned Rhiannon, “given the number of mud baths she’s taking I’d wager her skin’s pretty thick!”
“Ppppffffterrrt!!”
Location: Mount Laguna, Cleveland National Forrest, California
The wolf teaches with passion—today’s lesson: how to be a robot. “Robots wear metal skins to keep their soft sparks safe,” he says. “But you can dance like this when you just can’t keep it in.” Teddy watches with unblinking focus—infinite spinning wheels. Did he understand? No matter—the dance goes on for the joy of sharing.
20″x26″ Acrylic on Canvas