Great White Shark

Great White sharks have always fascinated me, but they've also filled me with a fair amount of trepidation. Every time I see one launch its head out of the water with its mouth wide open, there's always a little nervousness. The power they possess, combined with their sheer size, makes them one of a kind.

I've wanted to paint this piece for a while now, almost as a way to pay homage to the species. There was a time when the Monterey Bay Aquarium would rescue Great White sharks and place them in its Open Sea exhibit. Unfortunately, by the time I learned about the program, it had already been discontinued.

YouTube videos are great, but seeing a Great White with my own eyes has always been on my bucket list—as long as there's at least 12 inches of glass between us!

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• Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias

• Habitat: Great whites inhabit temperate and subtropical waters around the world, from coastal shallows to the open ocean. Off California, they gather seasonally near seal and sea lion colonies.

• Range: Tropical and warm-temperate oceans worldwide

• Typical size: Adults can reach around 20–21 feet long and weigh more than 4,000 pounds. Their streamlined bodies and powerful tails help them accelerate quickly when hunting.

• Diet: Young great whites eat fish, squid, and smaller sharks and rays. Larger individuals often hunt seals and sea lions, while also feeding on fish and occasionally scavenging dead whales.

• Fun Fact: Great whites are partially warm-bodied: they can maintain parts of their bodies warmer than the surrounding water, helping them remain active in cooler seas.