Erin Lee Dentinger
There’s a certain magic in the wild places—an energy I’ve chased since childhood on the northern Oregon coast. Now, living with my husband Jon and our three daughters in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone, I find myself surrounded by the very landscapes, wildlife, and weather that have always called to me.
My paintings are born from a deep reverence for nature’s flawless imperfections. I’m drawn to those fleeting moments of connection: the glint of a raven’s wing, the hush before a storm, the quiet strength of a Yellowstone bison. Each piece is a blend of careful observation and whimsical imagination, where realism meets expressive abstraction. I love to play with soft, earthy palettes, fluid brushwork, and signature drips and washes—techniques that let movement and atmosphere breathe through the canvas.
At the heart of my work is a sense of duality: wildness and tenderness, solitude and connection, strength and vulnerability. I strive to honor the spirit of the wild while inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and rediscover their own sense of wonder and nostalgia for the natural world.
My journey has taken me from firefighting in central Oregon to teaching art and raising a family in the high desert, and now to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yellowstone. Each chapter has deepened my appreciation for the outdoors and the stories it holds. Today, I’m grateful to share my art through local shows, my website, and the vibrant Yellowstone community—always learning, always exploring, and always inspired by the world just outside my door.
Acrylic on Canvas