ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

Print Dimensions: 11x14” with 2cm white border

Number in print run: open edition

Medium of original artwork: coloured pencil and pan pastel

This is a replica of an award-winning artwork.

ARTWORK ORIGINATION

As an artist, gathering reference images is an important element when it comes to preparing for a new piece. When working from one’s own reference image is not possible, I seek out places where photographers kindly offer their images for use, either for free or for a small fee.

This particular image was found when scrolling through the site Wildlife Reference Photos. The image struck me as the reflection of the squirrel in the water was so perfect. I knew it would be a challenging piece having to draw the same individual twice, and also experimenting with pan pastels to achieve a background was a new endeavour for me.

Thank you to Claudia Brockmann for providing the original image that was used to produce this drawing.

NOTE FROM THE ARTIST

I’ve only ever seen a red squirrel in the wild once. I was in Northumberland for a family wedding in late September and the red squirrel was busy gathering foods in preparation for winter.

I remember feeling awe-struck by that beautiful deep red fur, bushy tail and distinctive ear tufts that only appear through the autumn and winter seasons. I spoke to someone from the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and they explained to me how red squirrels were in decline due to an increasing population of non-native grey squirrels.

When I was producing the original artwork, the colours captured behind the squirrel and reflected in the water reminded me of that autumn day back when I was only a child. The composition had a calming influence and so I want this piece to convey a message of slowing down and giving ourselves time to remember and reflect on our lives, what we have and where we are.

SPECIES CONSERVATION

Scientific name: Sciurus vulgaris | conservation status: Least Concern | Population: declining

Red squirrels are the only native squirrel in the UK, their grey cousins were actually introduced from America.

It is believed that there are fewer than 287,000 red squirrels remaining in the UK. Their numbers have declined due to the rise in population of the grey squirrel. Grey squirrels live in larger populations and compete with the red squirrel for food resources. They also carry the deadly squirrel-pox virus which red squirrels are more susceptible too, meaning whole populations of red squirrels can be wiped out in a matter of weeks.

The framed images shown here are digital mock-ups that have been produced as examples only. Mounts and frames are not included with the print.