Stellar Sea Lions at Sea

A group of large sea lions emerges above calm sea waters just south of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. "The great thing about marine mammals swimming around a small boat is that they are obviously curious about us, and not the least bit intimidated," says artist Emil Morhardt. "They are clearly in their element and appear to be enjoying themselves immensely." Referencing his personal photography of the event, Emil decided to paint the sea lions in a much looser style than most of his bird paintings. "I tried to capture the sweeping motion we were all experiencing."