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Tell Hicks
Art



01
Massasauga
Date: 1994
Size: 12in x 16in
Material: Oil on paper
This painting depicts what were then the three sub-species of these small-to-medium sized rattlesnakes, found in the United States.
Size: 12in x 16in
Material: Oil on paper
This painting depicts what were then the three sub-species of these small-to-medium sized rattlesnakes, found in the United States.

02
Massasauga
Date: 2004
This painting was painted at the same time as the commissioned Massasauga, in 2004. Prints were made from this image, but almost all were destroyed in the 2007 ECO warehouse fire and no pristine prints remain available. Marginally damaged prints, salvaged from the warehouse, are still available occasionally at benefit auctions.
This painting was painted at the same time as the commissioned Massasauga, in 2004. Prints were made from this image, but almost all were destroyed in the 2007 ECO warehouse fire and no pristine prints remain available. Marginally damaged prints, salvaged from the warehouse, are still available occasionally at benefit auctions.

03
Eastern Massasauga
Date: 2004
Size: 12in x 10in
Material: Oil on canvas
This massasauga was a commissioned painting. My friend, Theresa Moran, wanted a portrait of “Pepper,” the patriarch of her four-generation breeding group of Eastern Massasaugas. Theresa didn’t want prints made from her painting, so I painted another, very similar image at the same time, from which ECO had prints made.
Size: 12in x 10in
Material: Oil on canvas
This massasauga was a commissioned painting. My friend, Theresa Moran, wanted a portrait of “Pepper,” the patriarch of her four-generation breeding group of Eastern Massasaugas. Theresa didn’t want prints made from her painting, so I painted another, very similar image at the same time, from which ECO had prints made.

04
Arizona Black Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This species shows great variation in its colouration. We found this beautiful male specimen while on a hike in the Rincon Mountains of Arizona.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This species shows great variation in its colouration. We found this beautiful male specimen while on a hike in the Rincon Mountains of Arizona.

05
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake in situ
Date: 2011
Size: 20in x 16in
Material: Oil on canvas
Features a mid-sized Crotalus abyssus snake found around the Grand Canyon region. Note that its subtle, often muted patterns give rise to its common nickname, the "pink rattlesnake".
Size: 20in x 16in
Material: Oil on canvas
Features a mid-sized Crotalus abyssus snake found around the Grand Canyon region. Note that its subtle, often muted patterns give rise to its common nickname, the "pink rattlesnake".

06
Arizona Ridgenose Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This small species is the State Reptile of Arizona. It is named after the row of upturned scales on its snout. One of everyone’s favorite North American Pit-vipers, this image was produced as one of nineteen illustrations for a book on Arizona Rattlesnakes.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This small species is the State Reptile of Arizona. It is named after the row of upturned scales on its snout. One of everyone’s favorite North American Pit-vipers, this image was produced as one of nineteen illustrations for a book on Arizona Rattlesnakes.

07
New Mexico Ridgenose Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This subspecies lacks the prominent facial markings of the Arizona form. Sadly, it is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This subspecies lacks the prominent facial markings of the Arizona form. Sadly, it is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

08
Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
An impressive species named after its black unstriped tail. Its coloration varies according to its range and elevation.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
An impressive species named after its black unstriped tail. Its coloration varies according to its range and elevation.

09
Mojave Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The large scales on top of its head help distinguish this species from the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This species has extremely toxic venom.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The large scales on top of its head help distinguish this species from the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This species has extremely toxic venom.

10
Rock Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This species of rattlesnake, sometimes referred to as Banded Rock Rattlesnake, feeds mainly on giant centipedes and lizards. The image depicts specimens from three mountain ranges within Arizona.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This species of rattlesnake, sometimes referred to as Banded Rock Rattlesnake, feeds mainly on giant centipedes and lizards. The image depicts specimens from three mountain ranges within Arizona.

11
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is the largest and most familiar rattlesnake in the southwest. It is quick to respond with rattling and striking.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is the largest and most familiar rattlesnake in the southwest. It is quick to respond with rattling and striking.

12
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is one of the Crotalus oreganus group found exclusively in the Grand Canyon and along its rim.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is one of the Crotalus oreganus group found exclusively in the Grand Canyon and along its rim.

13
Tiger Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This rattlesnake from the Sonoran Desert is usually found among, or close to, rocky areas. It has a small head relative to its body size
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This rattlesnake from the Sonoran Desert is usually found among, or close to, rocky areas. It has a small head relative to its body size

14
New Mexico Ridgenose Rattlesnake in situ
Date: 2011
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
My quest to photograph this protected rattlesnake, in its natural habitat, took me to the Peloncillo Mountains. Being a very remote and potentially dangerous area, on the Mexican border, added to the excitement. This painting was chosen as the cover for the book, Rattlesnakes of Arizona.
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
My quest to photograph this protected rattlesnake, in its natural habitat, took me to the Peloncillo Mountains. Being a very remote and potentially dangerous area, on the Mexican border, added to the excitement. This painting was chosen as the cover for the book, Rattlesnakes of Arizona.

15
Twin-spotted Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The image depicts one of the small montane species from the Sky Islands of Arizona. Its coloration matches the lichen covered rocks of the high elevation talus slopes, where species are most often found.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The image depicts one of the small montane species from the Sky Islands of Arizona. Its coloration matches the lichen covered rocks of the high elevation talus slopes, where species are most often found.

16
Great Basin Rattlesnake
Date: 2012
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This highly variable species is found on the high plains and plateaus North and West of the Colorado River.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This highly variable species is found on the high plains and plateaus North and West of the Colorado River.

17
Desert Massasauga
Date: 2012
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This small rattlesnake has large plate like scales on the top of its head. It is found exclusively in semi-desert grasslands.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This small rattlesnake has large plate like scales on the top of its head. It is found exclusively in semi-desert grasslands.

18
Prairie Rattlesnake
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on Canvas
As its name suggests, the Prairie Rattlesnkae is adapted to live in wide open grasslands.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on Canvas
As its name suggests, the Prairie Rattlesnkae is adapted to live in wide open grasslands.
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19
Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (basking)
A note reflecting on the artist's frequent field excursions ("herping trips") taken to observe and search for these small rattlesnakes in the wild.

20
Tiger Rattlesnake
Date: 2013
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
A Tiger Rattlesnake in its Sonoran Desert habitat. This painting was commissioned by ECO Publishing for the cover for the Biology of the Rattlesnakes II.
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
A Tiger Rattlesnake in its Sonoran Desert habitat. This painting was commissioned by ECO Publishing for the cover for the Biology of the Rattlesnakes II.

21
Hopi Rattlesnake
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
Some scientists refer to the Hopi Rattlesnake as a “dwarf form” of the Prairie Rattlesnake because of its small size, with adults growing to around 24 inches in length. It is identified with the Hopi people who share the snakes’ geographical area. It has well-defined markings, and is associated with the Hopi “rain dance” ceremony.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
Some scientists refer to the Hopi Rattlesnake as a “dwarf form” of the Prairie Rattlesnake because of its small size, with adults growing to around 24 inches in length. It is identified with the Hopi people who share the snakes’ geographical area. It has well-defined markings, and is associated with the Hopi “rain dance” ceremony.

22
Mojave Desert Sidewinder
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
There are three subspecies of this iconic rattlesnake found in Arizona. Although they are all very similar in appearance, I decided to produce an illustration of each subspecies for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona book. The newest rattle segment of the Mojave Desert subspecies is always brown.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
There are three subspecies of this iconic rattlesnake found in Arizona. Although they are all very similar in appearance, I decided to produce an illustration of each subspecies for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona book. The newest rattle segment of the Mojave Desert subspecies is always brown.

23
Sonoran Desert Sidewinder
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is one of the three subspecies of Sidewinder found in Arizona. All sidewinders are adapted to survive in hot, sandy, barren deserts and are renowned for their ability to move rapidly across the sand in a side-winding motion. The newest rattle segment of the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder is always black.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is one of the three subspecies of Sidewinder found in Arizona. All sidewinders are adapted to survive in hot, sandy, barren deserts and are renowned for their ability to move rapidly across the sand in a side-winding motion. The newest rattle segment of the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder is always black.
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24
Colorado Desert Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens)
Date: 2014
Size: 16in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
The third subspecies of this species in Arizona usually has 23 scale rows at midbody (The other two subspecies usually have 21 rows). It is found in the southwest part of the range of the species. As all three subspecies are quite similar I decided to break away from my usual composition format and portray a full body image of the Colorado Desert.
Size: 16in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
The third subspecies of this species in Arizona usually has 23 scale rows at midbody (The other two subspecies usually have 21 rows). It is found in the southwest part of the range of the species. As all three subspecies are quite similar I decided to break away from my usual composition format and portray a full body image of the Colorado Desert.

25
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Date: 2014
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This was the last of the paintings I produced for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona. In my quest for detailed information on this snake I was able to locate and photograph several specimens from elsewhere within its range, but never able to track down any specimens from their very limited range within Arizona. The dorsal markings of Arizona specimens do not appear to be as ‘faded’ as specimens from elsewhere, but analysis of their DNA confirms their identity.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This was the last of the paintings I produced for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona. In my quest for detailed information on this snake I was able to locate and photograph several specimens from elsewhere within its range, but never able to track down any specimens from their very limited range within Arizona. The dorsal markings of Arizona specimens do not appear to be as ‘faded’ as specimens from elsewhere, but analysis of their DNA confirms their identity.

26
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
Date: 2016
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Alkyd oils on canvas
This snake can vary greatly in color, from white, blue, red, brown, and even pink along with varying combinations of all, depending on what part of its range it’s found.
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Alkyd oils on canvas
This snake can vary greatly in color, from white, blue, red, brown, and even pink along with varying combinations of all, depending on what part of its range it’s found.
01 / 26
Massasauga
Date: 1994
Size: 12in x 16in
Material: Oil on paper
This painting depicts what were then the three sub-species of these small-to-medium sized rattlesnakes, found in the United States.
Size: 12in x 16in
Material: Oil on paper
This painting depicts what were then the three sub-species of these small-to-medium sized rattlesnakes, found in the United States.

01
Massasauga
Date: 1994
Size: 12in x 16in
Material: Oil on paper
This painting depicts what were then the three sub-species of these small-to-medium sized rattlesnakes, found in the United States.
Size: 12in x 16in
Material: Oil on paper
This painting depicts what were then the three sub-species of these small-to-medium sized rattlesnakes, found in the United States.

02
Massasauga
Date: 2004
This painting was painted at the same time as the commissioned Massasauga, in 2004. Prints were made from this image, but almost all were destroyed in the 2007 ECO warehouse fire and no pristine prints remain available. Marginally damaged prints, salvaged from the warehouse, are still available occasionally at benefit auctions.
This painting was painted at the same time as the commissioned Massasauga, in 2004. Prints were made from this image, but almost all were destroyed in the 2007 ECO warehouse fire and no pristine prints remain available. Marginally damaged prints, salvaged from the warehouse, are still available occasionally at benefit auctions.

03
Eastern Massasauga
Date: 2004
Size: 12in x 10in
Material: Oil on canvas
This massasauga was a commissioned painting. My friend, Theresa Moran, wanted a portrait of “Pepper,” the patriarch of her four-generation breeding group of Eastern Massasaugas. Theresa didn’t want prints made from her painting, so I painted another, very similar image at the same time, from which ECO had prints made.
Size: 12in x 10in
Material: Oil on canvas
This massasauga was a commissioned painting. My friend, Theresa Moran, wanted a portrait of “Pepper,” the patriarch of her four-generation breeding group of Eastern Massasaugas. Theresa didn’t want prints made from her painting, so I painted another, very similar image at the same time, from which ECO had prints made.

04
Arizona Black Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This species shows great variation in its colouration. We found this beautiful male specimen while on a hike in the Rincon Mountains of Arizona.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This species shows great variation in its colouration. We found this beautiful male specimen while on a hike in the Rincon Mountains of Arizona.

05
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake in situ
Date: 2011
Size: 20in x 16in
Material: Oil on canvas
Features a mid-sized Crotalus abyssus snake found around the Grand Canyon region. Note that its subtle, often muted patterns give rise to its common nickname, the "pink rattlesnake".
Size: 20in x 16in
Material: Oil on canvas
Features a mid-sized Crotalus abyssus snake found around the Grand Canyon region. Note that its subtle, often muted patterns give rise to its common nickname, the "pink rattlesnake".

06
Arizona Ridgenose Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This small species is the State Reptile of Arizona. It is named after the row of upturned scales on its snout. One of everyone’s favorite North American Pit-vipers, this image was produced as one of nineteen illustrations for a book on Arizona Rattlesnakes.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This small species is the State Reptile of Arizona. It is named after the row of upturned scales on its snout. One of everyone’s favorite North American Pit-vipers, this image was produced as one of nineteen illustrations for a book on Arizona Rattlesnakes.

07
New Mexico Ridgenose Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This subspecies lacks the prominent facial markings of the Arizona form. Sadly, it is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This subspecies lacks the prominent facial markings of the Arizona form. Sadly, it is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

08
Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
An impressive species named after its black unstriped tail. Its coloration varies according to its range and elevation.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
An impressive species named after its black unstriped tail. Its coloration varies according to its range and elevation.

09
Mojave Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The large scales on top of its head help distinguish this species from the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This species has extremely toxic venom.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The large scales on top of its head help distinguish this species from the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This species has extremely toxic venom.

10
Rock Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This species of rattlesnake, sometimes referred to as Banded Rock Rattlesnake, feeds mainly on giant centipedes and lizards. The image depicts specimens from three mountain ranges within Arizona.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This species of rattlesnake, sometimes referred to as Banded Rock Rattlesnake, feeds mainly on giant centipedes and lizards. The image depicts specimens from three mountain ranges within Arizona.

11
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is the largest and most familiar rattlesnake in the southwest. It is quick to respond with rattling and striking.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is the largest and most familiar rattlesnake in the southwest. It is quick to respond with rattling and striking.

12
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is one of the Crotalus oreganus group found exclusively in the Grand Canyon and along its rim.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is one of the Crotalus oreganus group found exclusively in the Grand Canyon and along its rim.

13
Tiger Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This rattlesnake from the Sonoran Desert is usually found among, or close to, rocky areas. It has a small head relative to its body size
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This rattlesnake from the Sonoran Desert is usually found among, or close to, rocky areas. It has a small head relative to its body size

14
New Mexico Ridgenose Rattlesnake in situ
Date: 2011
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
My quest to photograph this protected rattlesnake, in its natural habitat, took me to the Peloncillo Mountains. Being a very remote and potentially dangerous area, on the Mexican border, added to the excitement. This painting was chosen as the cover for the book, Rattlesnakes of Arizona.
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
My quest to photograph this protected rattlesnake, in its natural habitat, took me to the Peloncillo Mountains. Being a very remote and potentially dangerous area, on the Mexican border, added to the excitement. This painting was chosen as the cover for the book, Rattlesnakes of Arizona.

15
Twin-spotted Rattlesnake
Date: 2011
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The image depicts one of the small montane species from the Sky Islands of Arizona. Its coloration matches the lichen covered rocks of the high elevation talus slopes, where species are most often found.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
The image depicts one of the small montane species from the Sky Islands of Arizona. Its coloration matches the lichen covered rocks of the high elevation talus slopes, where species are most often found.

16
Great Basin Rattlesnake
Date: 2012
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This highly variable species is found on the high plains and plateaus North and West of the Colorado River.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on canvas
This highly variable species is found on the high plains and plateaus North and West of the Colorado River.

17
Desert Massasauga
Date: 2012
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This small rattlesnake has large plate like scales on the top of its head. It is found exclusively in semi-desert grasslands.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This small rattlesnake has large plate like scales on the top of its head. It is found exclusively in semi-desert grasslands.

18
Prairie Rattlesnake
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on Canvas
As its name suggests, the Prairie Rattlesnkae is adapted to live in wide open grasslands.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Oil on Canvas
As its name suggests, the Prairie Rattlesnkae is adapted to live in wide open grasslands.
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19
Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (basking)
A note reflecting on the artist's frequent field excursions ("herping trips") taken to observe and search for these small rattlesnakes in the wild.

20
Tiger Rattlesnake
Date: 2013
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
A Tiger Rattlesnake in its Sonoran Desert habitat. This painting was commissioned by ECO Publishing for the cover for the Biology of the Rattlesnakes II.
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
A Tiger Rattlesnake in its Sonoran Desert habitat. This painting was commissioned by ECO Publishing for the cover for the Biology of the Rattlesnakes II.

21
Hopi Rattlesnake
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
Some scientists refer to the Hopi Rattlesnake as a “dwarf form” of the Prairie Rattlesnake because of its small size, with adults growing to around 24 inches in length. It is identified with the Hopi people who share the snakes’ geographical area. It has well-defined markings, and is associated with the Hopi “rain dance” ceremony.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
Some scientists refer to the Hopi Rattlesnake as a “dwarf form” of the Prairie Rattlesnake because of its small size, with adults growing to around 24 inches in length. It is identified with the Hopi people who share the snakes’ geographical area. It has well-defined markings, and is associated with the Hopi “rain dance” ceremony.

22
Mojave Desert Sidewinder
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
There are three subspecies of this iconic rattlesnake found in Arizona. Although they are all very similar in appearance, I decided to produce an illustration of each subspecies for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona book. The newest rattle segment of the Mojave Desert subspecies is always brown.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
There are three subspecies of this iconic rattlesnake found in Arizona. Although they are all very similar in appearance, I decided to produce an illustration of each subspecies for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona book. The newest rattle segment of the Mojave Desert subspecies is always brown.

23
Sonoran Desert Sidewinder
Date: 2013
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is one of the three subspecies of Sidewinder found in Arizona. All sidewinders are adapted to survive in hot, sandy, barren deserts and are renowned for their ability to move rapidly across the sand in a side-winding motion. The newest rattle segment of the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder is always black.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This is one of the three subspecies of Sidewinder found in Arizona. All sidewinders are adapted to survive in hot, sandy, barren deserts and are renowned for their ability to move rapidly across the sand in a side-winding motion. The newest rattle segment of the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder is always black.
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24
Colorado Desert Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens)
Date: 2014
Size: 16in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
The third subspecies of this species in Arizona usually has 23 scale rows at midbody (The other two subspecies usually have 21 rows). It is found in the southwest part of the range of the species. As all three subspecies are quite similar I decided to break away from my usual composition format and portray a full body image of the Colorado Desert.
Size: 16in x 20in
Material: Oil on canvas
The third subspecies of this species in Arizona usually has 23 scale rows at midbody (The other two subspecies usually have 21 rows). It is found in the southwest part of the range of the species. As all three subspecies are quite similar I decided to break away from my usual composition format and portray a full body image of the Colorado Desert.

25
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Date: 2014
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This was the last of the paintings I produced for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona. In my quest for detailed information on this snake I was able to locate and photograph several specimens from elsewhere within its range, but never able to track down any specimens from their very limited range within Arizona. The dorsal markings of Arizona specimens do not appear to be as ‘faded’ as specimens from elsewhere, but analysis of their DNA confirms their identity.
Size: 15.7in x 19.7in
Material: Alkyd oil on canvas
This was the last of the paintings I produced for the Rattlesnakes of Arizona. In my quest for detailed information on this snake I was able to locate and photograph several specimens from elsewhere within its range, but never able to track down any specimens from their very limited range within Arizona. The dorsal markings of Arizona specimens do not appear to be as ‘faded’ as specimens from elsewhere, but analysis of their DNA confirms their identity.

26
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
Date: 2016
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Alkyd oils on canvas
This snake can vary greatly in color, from white, blue, red, brown, and even pink along with varying combinations of all, depending on what part of its range it’s found.
Size: 26in x 20in
Material: Alkyd oils on canvas
This snake can vary greatly in color, from white, blue, red, brown, and even pink along with varying combinations of all, depending on what part of its range it’s found.
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes of Arizona - Volume 1 (2016)
This is a photograph of the book cover of Volume 1 of Rattlesnakes of Arizona, an edited compilation comprising 17 chapters written by 22 specialists in the field. The book includes a large number of images painted by me and acknowledged on the book cover as “Original Art by Tell Hicks.”
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