Secret Places

Spotted Turtle, Clemmys guttata ~ The Owen Sound Field Naturalists Collection, #4

First Edition OSFN Collection Giclée Canvas Prints - Available now until May 31st, 2026.

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is one of Ontario's most strikingly beautiful and elusive reptiles, its jet-black shell adorned with bright yellow spots that make it look almost jewelled, and it represents one of the province's most urgent reptile conservation priorities. A species of cool, clean wetlands, including bogs, fens, marshes, and shrubby swamps, the Spotted Turtle has a limited and fragmented distribution in Ontario, with Grey and Bruce Counties sitting within its core Canadian range, making the region critically important to the species' survival. The Spotted Turtle is listed as Endangered under both the Ontario Endangered Species Act and the federal Species at Risk Act, facing severe pressure from wetland drainage and degradation, illegal collection for the pet trade — which remains a serious and persistent threat — road mortality, and the same slow reproductive maturity that makes all turtle population recoveries painstakingly slow. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats, monitoring known populations, and enforcing anti-poaching measures. Because of their rarity and sensitivity, wildlife biologists strongly discourage sharing specific location data for Spotted Turtle sightings to prevent targeted poaching.

Reference photography for inspiration was kindly provided by Rob Way, thank you!

✨ 35% of profits will be donated from all OSFN Collection prints ✨

In a collaboration to highlight the enjoyment of our backyard wildlife here in Ontario, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and signature member of Artists for Conservation, Sarah McComb Turbitt, created a challenge to paint as many local species as she can during March 2026. 15% of original artworks, 35% of limited-edition prints, and 50% of artwork cards will be donated to OSFN. The Owen Sound Field Naturalists promotes and fosters learning about nature through their ongoing programs and sponsorships. They support a wide variety of activities, including a Young Naturalists Program, stewardship of many natural heritage properties in Grey Bruce Counties, interpretive signage, presentations by knowledgeable speakers and outdoor excursions with experienced leaders.

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Giclée Canvas Prints

All my canvases are printed on premium 410g/m2 fine art matte canvas using Giclée printing. The pigment ink is designed to meet gallery and museum longevity requirements and ensure the consistency of shades for over 200 years. All prints are finished with a professional varnish coating to provide you with an additional layer of protection, more contrast, and a more pronounced canvas texture.

All print orders are produced on-demand, so please allow up to 2-4 weeks for processing, production, and distribution.

Shipping within Canada & US: Canvas prints are custom framed using premium-grade 1.5-inch-thick wood for an authentic gallery look and shipped ready to hang.

Shipping beyond North America: Canvas prints travelling internationally beyond North America will be shipped unframed inside mailing tubes. Shipping canvas without a wooden frame keeps shipping expenses low and helps to ensure your artwork arrives safely. The image is printed with a 1.75” white border, which leaves enough space for the canvas to be stretched around framing bars, or you can hang it as is.