Mimi Matsuda Art | Wildlife, Whimsical & Landscape Art

I love snorkeling. The underwater world is really another world. I learn so much by watching fish and the way water moves, while underwater. I highly recommend it.

While living on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, I enjoyed paddling often - before and after work. It was a true, rare treat. Ahead, you can see the east side of the lake with the Absaroka Mountains in the distance.

I do most of my art with soft pastels. I love the soft, powdery, pure and vibrant pigments of soft pastels. Yummy color!

Where do I get inspiration for my art? From life! I love animals, outdoors, sports, science and peaceful observation. There are so many stories to paint. My work is endless.

Here's what a framed original looks like. This soft pastel was done to be the inaugural image for the world's first International Trout Congress. A limited edition run of art posters was made from this image. The original is available. This one is one of my most favorite paintings I have done. So proud.

Skate skiing takes me to breathtaking places, clears my mind and enables me to fly like a bird (at times) on snow. This is a favorite trail near Mt. Hood, Oregon.

One of my favorite mediums - soft pastels.

I have been a juried artist into the Montana Folk Festival for many years. It is a special treat to see attendees year after year! This special event happens every July in Butte, Montana. It's not to be missed. The music is AMAZING!

Wonderful experience to return to Yellowstone and show and sell my artwork.

A special pop-up art show in 406 Brewery, Bozeman. Myself, along with Fisheye Guy (Pat Clayton), held a special art show with a percentage of the funds going towards Trout Unlimited.

My pop-up art gallery inside the Canyon General Store, Yellowstone. I was honored to be a guest artist in the summer time.

One summer I was so honored to have a pop-up art gallery inside the Old Faithful General Store, Yellowstone National Park.

Views of what it's like to be a fly-on-the-wall in an art show...in a brewery! Here's what opening night looked like for an art show featuring Derek DeYoung, Pat Clayton and myself.

Young people fire me up. They are some of my all-time favorites and I truly am honored when they are so responsive over my art. Makes my heart so happy. Thank you Gus!

Thank you, art fans, for inspiring me. Your enthusiasm and sheer joy makes me so happy. I am doing my job right.

Sometimes I paint big - this acrylic on birch panel is 8 feet long. I nearly always paint while listening to music.

For my detailed work, I usually plug into some music (I love all kinds) to really focus and channel my inner fish (or whatever I am working on.)

My Park Ranger Naturalist work directly influenced my art work. I paint to tell the stories I experienced, or that came about because of time outside, observing and learning. My life long dream: to become a Park Ranger Naturalist for Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. As a child I had two goals: to teach about animals as a park ranger and to be a wildlife artist. I am a very lucky person...

I taught a Yellowstone National Park Ranger Naturalist program: "Fly Fishing for Families" Catch and Release, on the Yellowstone River at Nez Perce Ford.

I'm loving fish, early on. Thank you, parents!

A mini pop-up booth filled with treats! Here's what my MADE Fest booth looked like in Missoula, MT. Thank you all!

We are lucky to have many wonderful trout laden rivers in the Gallatin Valley.

Earphones on, final details on the World Trout original. I'm saving the biggest fish for last in this painting for Trout Congress. The Taimen is the largest member of the salmonid family.

Take a break - while on a hike up into Cascade Canyon, pull over and sketch what you see.

In summer, you may see me at an art festival. I have a 10x10ft booth that I can set up to create a mobile art gallery. I find these art festivals to be so rewarding, because I have the chance to meet my customers in person and can demonstrate my art.

Donuts and coffee hold special places in my heart...

Trail runs up into The Teton Range - time to recharge and get ideas for my next art. My sister is one of my best running partners! The Grand Teton is visible to the right. This is on the Teton Crest Trail.