I’m thrilled to share my newest piece, Vulpes vulpes, a tribute to foxes and the unique qualities that make them such captivating creatures. This painting captures foxes in their element: playful, curious, and at peace within their environment. Each fox embodies qualities that I admire most—curiosity, playfulness, and a deep-seated harmony with the world around them. Through this work, I wanted to honour the foxes' essence and their invaluable role in nature, a role too often misunderstood or even threatened by human activities.
The Heart of Vulpes vulpes: Personality and Purpose
In creating Vulpes vulpes, I focused on translating my favourite aspects of foxes’ personalities onto the canvas. Foxes are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and sometimes mischievous behaviour. As I painted, I imagined these foxes exploring their world with inquisitive, playful eyes—alive and alert to every detail, yet relaxed enough to find joy in each small discovery. These are not just moments of carefree play; they symbolise resilience, adaptability, and the vital balancing act foxes perform in the ecosystem.
Foxes have an essential role in nature: as skilled hunters of small mammals, they help maintain a balanced ecosystem, preventing overpopulation and ensuring biodiversity thrives. With this in mind, I wanted to bring a moment of peace into the piece, symbolising their place in the natural world as guardians of balance.
Autumnal Tones and Expressive Movements
For this painting, I chose vibrant autumnal hues—rich oranges, deep reds, and warm yellows—colours that embody the warmth and vitality of foxes as well as the landscapes they inhabit. To emphasise their lively, unpredictable nature, I used expressive techniques with palette knives and sponges, creating layers of colour and texture. The bold, chaotic strokes mirror the energetic spirit of foxes as they play, move, and interact with one another. The result is a blend of movement and stillness, portraying both the playful and peaceful nature of these animals in one captured moment.
Supporting the League Against Cruel Sports
As much as Vulpes vulpes is a celebration of foxes, it’s also a reminder of the challenges they face. Fox hunting remains a serious issue in many regions, despite growing awareness about the cruelty and ecological damage it inflicts. Organisations like the League Against Cruel Sports work tirelessly to protect foxes and other wildlife from harmful practices. Through campaigns, legal action, and education, they are making significant strides towards ending blood sports and advocating for humane treatment of all animals.
By supporting the League Against Cruel Sports, we can help protect the foxes that inspired this artwork and contribute to a world where wildlife is respected, valued, and preserved.
Creating Vulpes vulpes has been a personal journey of connecting with the traits that make foxes so unique and precious. Their curiosity, playfulness, and inherent peace within nature serve as reminders of the beauty that exists in the natural world—and the responsibility we all share in protecting it. I hope this painting captures the spirit of foxes and serves as an invitation for others to see them not only as animals but as symbols of resilience and harmony.
Thank you for joining me in this celebration of foxes, art, and conservation. Together, we can advocate for a safer, more compassionate world where animals like foxes can continue to live, play, and contribute to the ecosystems we all depend on.
'Vulpes vulpes' is available to purchase on my online store.