Mr Squirrel

by Wim's Pastelart

In this intimate and utterly charming dry pastel work, artist Wim Cuppens captures the lively, alert gaze of a red squirrel amidst a tranquil winter landscape. The painting is a magnificent example from his wildlife collection, in which the tenderness of nature is combined with an expressive and richly textured composition.

The composition opts for a penetrating close-up, in which the squirrel looks the viewer straight in the eye with its large, gleaming dark eyes. The animal’s fluffy winter coat is rendered with masterful, tactile layering. Warm rust-brown, chestnut and ochre-yellow tones on the back and the characteristic large tufted ears contrast beautifully with the soft, white-grey fur on the chest. Subtle, light accents perfectly mimic the fine hairs and the tangible softness of the full tail, whilst the delicate whiskers lend the little creature a lively alertness.

The background elevates this intimate nature portrait to a modern artistic level. The squirrel rests on a thick, textured layer of snow in the foreground, built up from cool, violet and soft blue shades of shadow. The background, by contrast, consists of abstract, expressive brushstrokes in deep moss-green and earthy umber tones. This dark setting does not absorb the viewer’s gaze, but rather powerfully brings the fiery, warm hues of the squirrel to the fore in a three-dimensional manner.

This masterpiece strikes a unique balance between realism and contemporary impressionism. It exudes a serene forest tranquillity that is simultaneously brimming with vitality. It is a fantastic, atmospheric and luxurious eye-catcher that instantly brings a natural character, warmth and refinement to any modern country-style interior or cosy living space.