Inspired by Mavericks & Moose

Did you know that Moose are the mavericks of the animal kingdom?

The top two reasons for their rebel status are:

• Lone Wolves (But, You Know, Moose): While most deer like to hang out in herds and be all social, moose are the introverts of the bunch. They do their own thing and go their own way, unless it’s mating season or they’re a mom with a calf. You’ll rarely catch a moose in a crowd (this is so me!) —unless there’s deep snow or wide-open spaces that force a little mingling. That independent streak? Total nonconformist vibes.

• Wild Cards: Moose have a reputation for being unpredictable and, honestly, a little bit wild .  If they feel threatened—or it’s their time to find a mate—they can get seriously aggressive.  Not so fun fact: Moose are actually more likely to charge at humans than bears or wolves ! And it’s not just about self-defense; they’ll take on anything they see as a threat, from predators to cars. Most prey animals run away, but moose? They stand their ground and show the world who’s boss. All kidding aside, if a moose appears in your neighbor don’t try to pat it! But do take a few photos and send them to me. I’m always in need of good animal reference photos New “Moon Mavericks” Painting

Even with all their wild quirks, I can’t help but find moose absolutely fascinating—and honestly, kind of adorable. They’re the perfect mix of gangly and regal: so massive you can’t miss them, yet somehow totally elusive. Since I’m not a fan of the cold , the odds of me actually sitting with a moose under a winter moon are pretty slim. So, I brought my daydream to life in my latest painting, “Moon Mavericks” (show below).

“Moon Mavericks”

A 10”x10” acrylic mixed media painting

Speaking of hanging out with moose… I’ve got to admit, I’m a little jealous of a guy named Dan up in Alaska who gets to chill with Lovey the Moose. He’s actually befriended a few local moose and shares awesome videos of their visits to his home and property. You can catch all the moose magic on his Instagram, @akshiloh. I’m not the only fan—over 135,000 people are following along!