TheStarSpangledBear Kathy Morrow

Here we observe a striking composition blending naturalistic animal portraiture with patriotic symbolism. A large bear dominates the foreground, its head turned in profile and rendered with considerable detail; the fur appears thick and textured, suggesting both power and resilience. The bears mouth is slightly open, revealing teeth, which conveys an impression of alertness or perhaps a restrained growl.
The background is entirely consumed by what appears to be a stylized representation of a flag – specifically, one featuring alternating red and white stripes and a field of blue dotted with stars. These stars are strategically positioned, some overlapping the bear’s head, creating a visual merging of the animal and national identity. The flags folds are depicted in a manner that suggests movement, adding dynamism to the scene.
The artist has employed a color palette primarily consisting of reds, whites, and blues, reinforcing the patriotic theme. The use of watercolor lends a softness to the overall effect, preventing it from becoming overly aggressive or militaristic. Instead, theres a sense of gentle strength conveyed through the bear’s posture and the flag’s flowing lines.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of national identity and wildness. The bear, an animal often associated with untamed nature and American wilderness, is integrated into the symbolic representation of the nation. This suggests a connection between the countrys ideals and its natural heritage – a possible commentary on the relationship between civilization and the environment. The merging of the two elements implies that national strength might be rooted in embracing both progress and the preservation of wild spaces.
The signature at the bottom right corner, Morrow 1990, provides a temporal anchor for the work, placing it within a specific historical context.