lrs-MillerMelissa-Salmon Run Melissa Miller

The composition presents a dynamic scene centered around a cascading waterfall and a struggle for survival. Here we observe a large bear engaged in capturing salmon leaping upstream against the powerful current. The animal is positioned prominently at the lower center of the frame, its posture conveying intense effort and determination as it attempts to seize one of the fish.
The artist has rendered the water with energetic brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement and turbulence that dominates much of the visual field. The falls themselves are depicted as multiple streams, suggesting both power and complexity within the natural environment. The salmon, painted in vibrant shades of red-orange, appear almost luminescent against the cool blues and whites of the water, emphasizing their vitality and the urgency of their journey.
Above the central bear, other individuals of the same species are visible on a rocky outcrop overlooking the falls. These figures seem to be observing or participating in the hunt from a more secure vantage point, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the group. Their placement reinforces the idea that this is not merely an isolated event but part of a larger cycle of predation and survival.
The color palette is largely dominated by warm tones – the reddish-browns of the bears contrasted with the fiery hues of the salmon – set against cooler blues and whites representing the water and surrounding rock formations. This contrast enhances the drama of the scene, highlighting the intensity of the struggle between predator and prey.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of natural cycles, the relentless pursuit of sustenance, and the inherent brutality within ecosystems. The sheer force of the waterfall serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced by both the bears and the salmon in their respective quests – the bear to feed, the salmon to reproduce. Theres an underlying sense of awe at the power of nature and the resilience required to endure its demands.