Dawn and dusk are times of magic. There is a movement and mystery in the world of nature. The shy animals come out of hiding to feed or drink, and predators are on the prowl to take advantage of concealment in the dim light.

In this painting, I wanted to capture that mood. The spectacular, even majestic, elk are shaded and subtle. They have nervously moved out of the willow scrub and are alert to possible dangers. Of course, the excitement for me in this painting is the abstract slash of bright water reflecting the last glow of a winter evening.

- Robert Bateman