One of the most difficult parts of creating a realistic wildlife Painting for me is the animal's facial Expression. In most of my paintings, the animals look like they are going to turn their heads towards the viewer and make a snide remark. For a little while the elk Bull in Autumn Monarch had the sarcastic look but it's amazing how adjusting shadows and highlights can change things. This bull no longer looks like he's going to talk to you. He simply looks proud and is ready to challenge any other bull who tries to steal his harem of cows.