Otter Snow Nap

The Story

A river otter lies stretched out on a snow-covered kayak launch, chin down on the white boards, eyes half closed while snow falls around it. The dark water behind carries the falling flakes, and the otter's wet fur catches what little light there is. The whole scene reads as an animal simply enjoying the moment, in no hurry to be anywhere.

The Location

Southern Maryland's tidal creeks see all four seasons, and a snowfall turns the docks and launches along them quiet and white. River otters stay active through the cold, hauling out to rest between hunts.

Artist's Perspective

Chris Michael names this river otter in the snow as the photograph that represents him best. In his words, “I like to think that the river otter was simply enjoying the winter weather and enjoying living in the moment. Ironically as a photographer I love to live in the moment as it happens just as much as I do capturing it.”

Curator's Recommendation

A tender winter piece for a living room, cabin, or bedroom. The soft snow and resting pose make it warm and inviting, and it works as a natural centerpiece among Chris's otter and cold-weather works.

Limited Edition of 50: Each print is numbered and ships with a Certificate of Authenticity on cotton linen paper, plus a holographic, tamper-evident provenance sticker registered to your specific print.

Print Quality

Archival-Quality Canvas, Made in the USA.

Every Chesapeake Focus print is produced on archival-grade poly-cotton canvas using UL GREENGUARD GOLD certified inks — water resistant, fade resistant, and anti-yellowing. Each canvas is hand-stretched over FSC-certified, kiln-dried stretcher bars that are knot-free and warp-free. Finished with your choice of hardwood floater frame in matte black, white, brown, or natural. Ready to hang right out of the box.