Description

Dimensions: 16x16"

Medium: Oil on Belgian Linen

Artist Statement: Sage grouse are indicators of a healthy, intact sagebrush habitat. Greater sage grouse populations have plunged by 80% since 1965. This is largely due to sagebrush habitat loss. The habitat loss is exacerbated by climate change effects (droughts, wildfires), the spread of invasive species and development encroachment. 

Sage grouse are well camouflaged and adept at hiding in sagebrush. The only viable way to count populations is by tallying males at mating sites, called “leks”, where they perform their courtship display. 

A couple of years ago, I accompanied my friend Aspen to several “leks” in order to “count grouse.” More recently I spent time in NW Colorado amongst sagebrush, studying and sketching the plant and its immediate environment (stones, fossils, cactus, bones). My GREATER SAGE GROUSE painting emerged from these experiences and a longing to bring attention to the importance of sagebrush in restoring a resilient landscape.

Respecting and restoring sagebrush meadow ecosystems will hopefully mean the future survival of these beautiful and iconic birds. Indeed, sagebrush habitats support a unique biodiversity for over 150 species of western wildlife including pronghorn, mule deer, elk, rabbit and sparrows.

Artist Bio: Joanne Orce loves to paint subject matter front and center, local scenes mainly, welcoming you into the color and texture of her daily life. Working from life, outside painting an old barn, a ski mountain or a moose, is her true passion. Joanne attended Pratt Institute in Manhattan in the early 2000’s for illustration but soon discovered a love for oil painting. Joanne designed the 2023 Winter Carnival poster and was voted Best of the Boat Artist 2023. She is a mom to 3 children and an athletic coach.

Artist Website/Social media: https://www.instagram.com/joanneorce/

Fine Print

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