24” H × 20” W
Acrylic on Canvas
Gallery wrapped on a 1.5” deep stretcher bar — painted edges
Some of my earliest memories are of the forests in southern Poland, where nature was simply part of everyday life. As a child, Bambi was my favorite story. Long before I understood its meaning, I was drawn to the quiet strength and mystery of the stag.
Years later, I realized I wasn’t just painting a deer—I was painting that feeling.
To me, this guardian represents the kind of strength that doesn’t need to be loud. It quietly watches over the beauty around it, reminding us that resilience can be gentle, wisdom can be silent, and the most meaningful things are often found in stillness.
Perhaps that’s why this painting feels so personal. In many ways, I think I’ve been painting my way back to a feeling I first discovered as a child.
"In the hush of ages long ago,
the forest kept a tale to know—
of a king whose crown was living bone,
not forged of gold nor bright with stone."
-By Anna Smeda
The complete poem will be featured in my forthcoming book of poetry inspired by my original paintings.
Want to be the first to know when it's available? Join my email list.
