One of Mr. Merrick's earliest publishings, “Big Friend” is a simple portrait of a Navajo girl and her 'guardian angel.' Beneath the bows of a windblown pine, 'Melody' and her protecting friend watch the setting sun after a busy day. “There is a peaceful simplicity about the togetherness of these two,” says artist Merrick. Clad in authentic Navajo dress and deerskin boots, Melody perfectly portrays her confidence in her own, very special “Big Friend.” This piece is 26”x 36” and is signed personally by the artist..

This painting began on a rainy afternoon on the side of Cheyenne Mountain above Colorado Springs. Located above the Broadmoor Hotel, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo provided an excellent setting for Mr. Merrick to sit quietly and 'oil-sketch' the beginnings of what would eventually become another of his very popular wildlife paintings. This is a Bengal Tiger who is completely at rest in his protected environment. “'Silent strength' is how I would describe the feeling that this fellow conveyed,” says artist Merrick. This piece is 20”x 22” and signed personally by the artist.

“This little fellow was the adopted wolf puppy of some very dear friends of mine.” Portrayed inside part of the artist's creative surroundings, where clay pots are thrown, fired (and some are forgotten about), the little Taos wolf represents the careless, capricious playfulness of us all. “I have had so many 'city dwellers' approach me at shows, nationally, and tell me what a 'buddy' they have in this little wolf!” Artist Merrick goes on to say, “I had no idea when I painted him, how attractive he would become to the particularly quiet, thoughtful people who have taken him into their home.” This piece is 19”x 22” and signed personally by the artist.

In Spanish, the title simply means, “Three Wolves.” Leo Cawley of Joan Cawley Galleries, Scottsdale, gave the name to the piece when he first saw it upon its unveiling in 1996. The painting is a simple depiction of the brotherhood and comradery of three fully grown Timber wolves. “These three characters ran together as a scouting party and as general entertainment for themselves and the pack .... I often called them the 'Three Stooges,” artist Merrick fondly recalls. This particular pose happened in a random confrontation that occurred at feeding time there at the reserve. The painting forever captures the special moment of the three wolves sizing up the situation of their visitor and the pressing business at hand (dinner). This piece is a beautiful, lengthy 39”x 23” and is signed personally by the artist.

Inspired by the genius skill of outdoorsman/photographer, 'Lon Lauber,' this painting represents the airborne spirit of his earthly counterpart, the Timberwolf, “Indigo.” Through Lauber's telephoto lens, “Spirit” was about the business of caring for its young. Soaring high overhead in the crisp, Alaskan sky, is the same family of eyes and ears that watch over the entire Rocky Mountain Forest spanning from northern New Mexico all the way up into Central Canada. “Spirit of Indigo” embodies the boldness and freedom of an adventurer who knows no limits or caution. “This bird sings in harmony with the wolf and everything kindred to its unfettered dignity.” The piece is 27”x 37” and signed personally by the artist.

“Like 'Paper Tiger,' this is another cat conveying a 'silent strength,'” says artist Merrick. This is a snow leopard who comes from around Tibet and places south. This was another resident of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Captured in oils, he is, on a large log, doing what many of his 'house cat' relatives do all the time while hanging off the backs of sofas and chairs – he is 'lounging.' “This guy was pure muscle, fashioned beneath a coat of beautiful, lush, golden fur,” says Mr. Merrick. Above him are the tender spring leaves of a locust tree. “This image brings a sense of peace to wherever it is displayed.” It is 26”x 38” and signed personally by the artist.