Puffin

Oil on Birchwood Panel | 12″ x 9″

Is there a bird in Britain more instantly recognisable than a Puffin? So small and perfectly formed, with a
beak that would look more at home in a rainforest than the craggy coast of the UK. Flashes of orange and
red like neon lights against the monochrome body. Feathers so small and fine they’re almost hair like,
slicked against the skin aiding its movement in water.

Often referred to as a clown, their small stature and cumbersome movement on land can reinforce this
stereotype. And while they can be very amusing to watch, I wanted to inspire some dignity and reverence
for our humble Puffin. Allowing its striking features to do the talking, water droplets connecting it to its
landscape.

With a lifespan of up to twenty years, and a monogamous nature, who can say how much life
this Puffin has already seen? How many months have been spent at sea, how many pufflings have been
successfully raised, and what its next adventure will be?

Painted from reference photography by Jere Tuori

To create this painting, I’ve used my signature tool – a sword liner brush (typically reserved for
watercolours). Applying the layers of colour and texture using the wet-on-wet technique. Not waiting for
the layers to dry but pulling my brush through them while they’re still wet, creating clean, fine lines.
Painting small sections at a time, finishing each to completion before moving on to the next.

Painted on a Birch wood panel, and finished with a protective layer of gloss varnish. Framed in an exclusive
hand-built moulding, with gold inlay. Designed to accentuate without detracting or distracting.
All materials used are vegan and cruelty-free.