July of 2023 I was able to have an art show featuring my retrospective and current work. This was such a great opportunity and I am grateful to the Pikes Peak Library 21c for hosting area artists on a regular basis.
Below is a listing of the artworks that were on show, and most can be viewed on my Redbubble artist site listed above.
The King’s Creatures
Biography
M.R. Hyde earned a BA in Visual Arts from Point Loma College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) in 1983 and an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1997.
While working full-time in non-artistic realms, M.R. Hyde has been a practicing artist for many years. During the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation a renewed push into the arts launched her into a desire to capture the animal world and put some positive artistic work out into the world. Upon reflection and review, animals have been a significant part of the span of artwork done since her undergraduate work.
M.R. Hyde has had previous exhibitions at PPLD and in November 2022 had two works in a juried show at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts “Jumbo Shrimp” show.
The artist’s Christian faith is the source of the deep respect and admiration for all of the Creator’s work.
M.R. Hyde is also an author with nine non-fiction Christian books and eight fiction and poetry publications. She has participated in the PPLD Mountain of Authors and has done public readings in the community.
Artwork (Alphabetical by Title)
1873
The year that the repeating rifle was created brought about many changes to the American plains. Through its use and abuse, millions of buffalo were slaughtered by settlers, hunters, and poachers in a very short amount of time. By the late 1800s only a few hundred remained, depleting not only the herds but also the sources of livelihood for many First Nations peoples of the plains. While wildfires and the expansion of the west for farming and ranching made significant contributions to these losses, rifles were one of the most potent sources for near extinction of one of the Creator’s works. As the old saying goes: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
2023
Prismacolor and Vellum Paper
$175.00
Bears in Grass
In the Tongass National Forest and near the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska we encountered black bears (Ursus americanus), in particular a weary looking mother and her older cub. The National Forest Service maintains bear viewing areas and we were at a safe distance above them. I just loved the contrast of the verdant grasses and the blackness of these bears.
2022
Acrylic on Canvas
$1,200.00
Cherith
God’s provision is a theme that runs through my art. There is a wonderful story about God’ sufficient provision for an embattled prophet named Elijah. The Scriptures tell us that God directed the ravens to supply him with food while he rested next to a stream called Cherith.
2001
Graphite on Paper
Not For Sale – Private Collection
Chiron
While visiting a small ranch in Wyoming, the owner of a beautiful horse with long scars on its chest described how the horse had become caught in barbed wire. Her description of the long process to save the horse and bring it back to health reminded me of the healing that comes through suffering.
Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
2008
Linoleum Cut Print on Rice Paper
Not for Sale – Private Collection
(Reproductions available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop)
Christus Victor
Having studied old Norse Christianity and having seen deer as symbols of Christ in their metal work and jewelry, I had become more and more focused on this same symbol in my artwork. During the COVID pandemic in 2020, while sequestered from the world, I had a dream of Christ as the champion of the world as a radiant buck surrounded by vibrant colors.
2020
Prismacolor on Paper
$400.00
Faithful and True
Inspired by the depictions of Christ in the book of Revelation, I wanted to try to capture the sense of victory.
2018
Scratchboard
Not for Sale – From a private collection
(Reproductions available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop)
Fearless
While at Rock Ledge Ranch in Colorado Springs, I observed a small bird dancing and flitting about between the legs of horses. I was encouraged by this display of fearlessness and it reminded me that no matter how big the threat around me, I can be fearless because of God’s love and leadership.
2019
Prismacolor on Paper
$125.00
Foxes Have Holes
These creatures fascinate me and are found all over the world. I am particularly drawn to their rich coats, which in this piece, are reflective of the fallen leaves.
Prismacolor and Graphite
2023
$500.00
Facing a difficult health issue that required serious surgery, I was drawn to delightful and positive things to help ease the burden of this time. A Bible verse, Malachi 4:2, helped to lift my spirits. From there I started watching videos of calves being let out of barns after winter. If you need a lift, watch these wonderful things and think of the joy and thanksgiving that is possible when difficult days are past.
Acrylic on Canvas
2022
$750.00
In the Winter
Winter in the mountain regions is a stark and cold season with little activity visible. Crows, in any season are ever-present. Their black wings are thick marks among the bare branches.
Graphite and Prismacolor on Blue Paper
2009
$75.00
Isn’t She Lovely
While driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, this beautiful cow elk stood in the middle of the road. She was stunning in the high mountain afternoon sunshine. As I waited for her to cross, it took a long time for me to understand why she just stood there. She was on high alert looking out over the edge of the road and she was vocalizing in a soft but urgent way. A few minutes later her calf bounded up the side of the hill and joined her. Then they turned and walked up the mountainside together.
Acrylic on Canvas
2022
Not for Sale – From a private collection
(Reproductions available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop)
Leviathan of the Prairie
While observing the mighty bison on the prairies in Badlands National Park, I was fascinated by how the grass moved like water. Wanting to depict the kind of power that moves from and around these large beasts I sought to mirror how water moved before and away from the bow of a mighty ship. In the Bible the leviathan (a curious and indecipherable creature) is so large and powerful it can only be controlled by God.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
$1,200.00
Little Lion
Inspired by another one of my rescue cats, this image reflects the small-scale and striking similarities to the large wild lions on another continent.
Linoleum Cut Print on Rice Paper
2008
Set of 3 - $135.00
Single - $45.00
Old Boy
While on a trip to Badlands National Park, I encountered one of the massive bison up close. He was aged and wore battle scars, but his spirit seemed undaunted. I watched him closely for some time and was mystified by the size and power of such a beast that simply fed on prairie grass. This work also served as a study for a later painting “Leviathan of the Prairie”.
Watercolor and Gouache
2022
$75.00
Poh
The genesis of outlining animals in contrasting colors started with this little drawing of my rescue cat Poh. It was her luxurious spine that intrigued me. As I looked down on her, I marveled at how God had created all such creatures – the quadrupeds.
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
Not for Sale – From a private collection
(Reproductions available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop)
Ram in the Thicket
The Old Testament story of Abraham being asked by God to
sacrifice his promised son Isaac has elicited many works of art over the
centuries. Rather than focusing on the sacrifice, I focused on the provision
and its unlikely source. This piece was done in 2001 and nineteen years later,
I returned to that focus in
“Rams in Queue”.
Graphite on Paper
2001
$80.00
Rams in Queue
We came upon a group of rams, some twelve to fifteen in number, on the snowy grounds of Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. We learned from the grounds keeper that the rams gather just before rutting season in this small canyon. It brought to mind the abundant provision just waiting to be distributed to those who follow God as Abraham did.
Genesis 22:13, Philippians 4:19
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
$250.00
Resting Stag (Graphite)
Penrose House near the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs has lovely grounds where deer find protected resting places. This buck was underneath one of the broad branches of a very old and expansive tree.
Graphite on Paper
2023
$75.00
Resting Stag (Ink, Bamboo Reed Pen)
Driving out of the Penrose House near the Broadmoor Hotel, a regal buck was resting under a wonderful old tree. The scene brought to mind the restful and safe space that God can provide for us.
Ink, Bamboo Pen
2023
$75.00
Running Reindeer
I love watching animal documentaries. Those with creatures running through snow are particularly fascinating to me. These hearty, short animals are amazing for their adaptability to snow. This piece was drawn for an illustration for a children’s book I am writing Keys to the Kingdoms. In one of the chapters the children encounter a small heard of reindeer that assist them in a sledding adventure.
Scratchboard
2022
Not for Sale – From a private collection
(Reproductions available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop)
Safely In
There is a wolf and wildlife center in the mountains above Colorado Springs which I have visited frequently. While it is difficult for me to see animals in cages or enclosures, I am glad for the closer encounters with them in such preserves. On one such visit I watched foxes run in and out of their holes and imagined the safety in their shelter. This was also an experiment with folder paper and Prismacolor that I found very satisfying. This piece was in a 2022 juried show at Cottonwood Center for the Arts.
Prismacolor on Folder Paper
2021
$75.00
Sleeping Cat
Inspired by the colors and composition of one of my favorite artists, Wayne Thiebaud, I wanted to explore the various modes of sleeping that I saw in my cat Poh. I loved the late afternoon shadows cast by the chair and the cat.
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
$250.00
Snow Jesus
Since I live in the Rocky Mountains, my context for many things are aspens, snow and wildlife. I wanted to explore what it be if Jesus were born in an aspen grove and accompanied by regal deer rather than camels, cows and sheep. It also brings to mind one of my favorite Christmas songs “Some Children See Him” (Lyrics by Wihla Hutson, Music by Alfred Burt).
Prismacolor on Red Paper
2015
$150.00
Sweet Dreams of Bobo
There is nothing so restful to look at than a cat that sleeps away its day. This drawing was from one of my rescue cats and always makes me smile at the memory of his companionship.
Gold Acrylic Ink on Paper
1990
$75.00
The No-Barn Dance
After observing, with delight, the joyous dance of calves in the spring, I had to render this as jubilantly as possible and hopefully capturing the glorious spring sunshine. It also served as a study for the painting “Frolic Like Well-Fed Calves”.
Acrylic on Paper
2022
$80.00
The Pathfinder
This scene is based on the incredible setting near Jenny Lake in Grand Tetons National Park—one of my favorite places in the world. In ancient Norse Christianity, the deer was a representation of Jesus Christ and that symbol shows up frequently in their metal work and jewelry. In this piece the young buck, in full and vibrant velvet, also represents the role of Jesus as the Pathfinder and Guide.
Prismacolor on Paper
2022
$300.00
The Power of Peace
Peace can appear to be void of power, just like a standing Percheron horse. But inside of that creature is incredible strength. Walking next to one of these horses at places like the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, that power is palpable. The embossed foil matt was designed to demonstrate the natural sustaining source of that power in the plants of the earth. This piece is to be set in direct contrast to the drawing entitled “They are for War”.
2021
Silver Acrylic Ink
$250.00
They Are for War
Percheron horses were early bred to become war horses. You can see them frequently in Renaissance art carrying men decked out in military finery. Because of their size and power, they also became valuable modes of power for coaches and agriculture. In our time of Putin’s war on Ukraine, I wanted to deal with the kind of godless power that is evident in wars of such aggression. This piece is to be set in direct contrast to the piece entitled “The Power of Peace”.
2023
Prismacolor and Gold Leaf
$250.00
Torbjorn
I am deeply fascinated by polar bears due to their size as well as their relative isolation. This piece was drawn for an illustration for a children’s book I am writing Keys to the Kingdoms. In one of the chapters a polar bear is featured prominently. This piece was in a 2022 juried show at Cottonwood Center for the Arts.
Scratchboard
2022
Not for Sale – Private Collection
(Reproductions available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop)
Wild Horse Dreams
The only self-portrait to date comes from a photo of me as a child riding a fake bronco while on a family vacation. I remember being thrilled by it. It is definitely a Polly-Anna view of horses. I love horses but am terrified of them, so this work always makes me laugh. Underneath this, however, is the reality of the cruel use of horses for sport.
Acrylic on Canvas Board
2022
$600.00
Zack
My family has long taken in rescue animals. Zack was one of these. At a family picnic he jumped up on the empty picnic table covered with one of our favorite tablecloths. He was a fantastic looking dog with wonderfully golden eyes and luxuriant black hair. He was also a spaz. But we loved him for the time he was in our family.
Prismacolor on Paper
2021
$250.00
Interested in purchasing original artwork? Write to: hydewords@q.com
Payment plans available. Artwork delivered upon half of cost received or held in reserve until payments are complete.
Refund Policy
75% refund available if artwork is returned undamaged after 30 days. Shipping and handling included.
Otherwise, fine art reproductions and cards, posters, and more available at affordable prices at Redbubble.
https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop
