Art & Nature
| Wishful Thinking |
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Wishful Thinking Oil on canvas 20” x 30” - SOLD The fox cubs are showing their playful nature in this painting but it is the little orange butterfly that I would like to draw your attention to. The Marsh Fritillary is one of our most threatened species in N.Ireland and indeed globally they are listed as Vulnerable facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The biggest risk to this species is from habitat loss or inappropriate land management. The Butterfly Conservation organisation is working to help protect their important breeding grounds. Fox: Species of least concern Marsh Fritillary Butterfly : Species of High Concern Wingspan: 45mm, flight occurs Mid May– July |
| Imminent Departure |
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Imminent Departure Oil on canvas 34” x 24” £5800.00 In the summer of 2009 I travelled to the beautiful Cairngorms Mountains. It was here I encountered this family of Osprey. It is an awesome site to see the nest silhouetted against the misty dawn lit sky. The stillness of daybreak was interrupted only by the squawking of the Osprey young as the adult birds approached the nest Ospreys usually raise 2-4 chicks on a very large nest. The nest can measure 1.5m wide and reach up to 2m thick. The pair return from migration to the same nest each year and begin a 5 month process to raise another brood. The chicks in this painting were participating in lots of wing stretching indicating that they were soon to leave the nest. At the age of 8 weeks old they take their first flight then embark on the task of learning how to catch fish by emulating their parents. Osprey : Species of Special Concern Estimated Population: 148 pairs in Britain Migrant: Summer Migrant from Africa arriving late March Wingspan: 150cm (average)
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| The Homecoming |
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The Homecoming Oil on canvas 24” x 20” £2100.00 Depending on food availability the younger chicks may become food for their older siblings! The weather also plays a huge role in their survival, favouring dry hunting conditions, Ireland’s long wet summers are not conducive to the success of rearing broods. Barn Owl: Species of Special Concern Interesting fact: Human beings can tell the direction of sound within 3 degrees but Barn Owls due to one ear being positioned slightly further forward can detect sound to an accuracy of 1 degree. |
| The Comeback |
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The Comeback
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| The Ambush |
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The Ambush
Oil on canvas
18” x 24”
£1400.00 SOLD
The Kestrel visited our farmyard on a daily basis throughout the summer. He hunted behind my studio and on a couple of occasions swooped into capture a little mouse loitering underneath the bird table. However it was not an easy task; as soon as he appeared the Swallows went on a major attack. Most times he endured their swooping and chirping advances then other times he relented and retreated to the peace of the telegraph pole on the other side of the road.
Kestrel: Vulnerable: Species of Special Concern
Wingspan: 60cm—65cm
Swallow: Vulnerable: Species of Special Concern
Wingspan: 30cm—35cm
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| The Waiting Room |
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The Waiting Room
Oil on linen
8” x 10”
£475.00 - SOLD
The House Sparrow is the most popular bird at our bird table, often there are more than 20 perched waiting their turn to get some seed. However although numbers appear healthy, recent years have seen a rapid decline in the House Sparrow population dropping as much as 35% in N.Ireland. Although the cause has not been determined, it is believed that factors such as loss of nest sites, predation by an increasing cat population, lack of food during winter and summer months and competition from other seed eating birds such as Doves and pigeons have all contributed to the drop in numbers. (www.katevincent.org House Sparrow Research).
House Sparrow: Species of High Concern
Wingspan: 24cm
Interesting fact: According to the British Trust for Ornithology
there are 10 million less House Sparrows than 25 years ago
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| The Strike |
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The Strike
Oil on linen
18” x 24”
£2200.00
I photographed this Osprey early one summer morning in Scotland. With my camera ready, I patiently waited as the Osprey surveyed its prey below. Watching for an opportunity they would circle overhead, once they spotted a trout they would drop in height then almost without warning plunge vertically into the water grabbing the fish with their talons reaching a depth of up 1m. The Osprey then uses its forceful wings to lift out of the water. Despite their size and stature the Osprey are surprisingly wary of ducks or gulls when fishing, this is because they are at their most vulnerable when in water. Particularly in breeding season ducks become very protective of their young and deem an Osprey a threat, even though it isn’t one. Once in the water an Osprey is at serious risk of drowning if it is unable to lift from the water. There were as many 8 Ospreys in the air that morning, frustratingly there were also as many duck, so there were few that ventured into the waters! Osprey: Species of Special Concern Interesting fact: The Osprey catches 1-3 fish per day
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| The Opportunist |
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The Opportunist
Oil on linen
8” x 10”
£395.00 SOLD
During the summer, a fox began to frequent my friend’s garden. We began leaving scraps for her; within a number of weeks she appeared with a small cub. It is likely that there were a few more cubs hiding in the woods. She dutifully arrived each evening and packed her mouth until it was completely full. Her prize food were eggs; regardless of what was placed out, chicken, beef or bread, the eggs were collected first and sometimes buried or carried off for her cubs.
Surprisingly she shared the food with a badger on a number of evenings. The cub however kept a safe distance. Although foxes have no natural predators in Ireland, the badger would pose a threat to a young fox.
They are believed to be a more successful at catching mice than cats.
Red Fox: Species of least concern
Lifespan: average of 2 years
Interesting fact: A fox has more than 28 different types of call.
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| Macro Nature |
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Macro Nature
Coloured Pencil
8” x 2” SOLD
The Seven Spot Ladybird is widespread across the British Isles. Its bright red colour warns off any predator that it is an unpleasant taste. Known as the ‘gardener’s friend’ it can eat as many as 5000 aphids in its year long life.
The Green Hairstreak is vibrant metallic green on the underside of the wing however it is a dull brown colour in flight. By tilting its wings it catches the sun’s rays enabling it to control its own body temperature. They can be seen in bogs and heath-lands.
The Great yellow Bumblebee is one of Britain’s rarest bumblebees. Numbers have declined rapidly due to loss of habitat. According to Natural England, March 2010 the Great Yellow Bumblebee is now believed to be extinct.
Seven Spot Ladybird: Species of least concern (UK)
Green Hairstreak: Species of concern
Great Yellow Bumblebee: Believed to be Extinct (UK)
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| Ghost Owl |
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Ghost Owl
Oil on linen
18” x 24”
£1195.00
In the past many cultures associated the Barn Owl with imminent destruction. The Romans believed if a Barn Owl landed on the roof it was a sign that someone was going to die! Often associated with hunting in graveyards, the Barn Owl quickly became a bird of ghostly encounters, with its bright white appearance and eerie screeching calls, it was understandable how someone would believe they had come upon a ‘spirit of another realm.’
Barn Owl: Species of Special Concern
Interesting fact: A Barn Owl family will consume as many
as 1000 rodents in one year!
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| The treasure beneath |
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The Treasure Beneath
Oil on linen
15” x 26”
£1550.00 - SOLD
Few people have heard of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, indeed, looking at this painting it is easy to overlook this hidden underwater treasure. I have always admired and photographed the creatures on the surface, Heron, Otter, Kingfisher but the reality is that what is under the water supports that which is on the surface.
The Freshwater Pearl Mussel has one of the most interesting life cycles. They live in unpolluted fast-flowing rivers or streams. Partly buried or sometimes fully buried in the coarse sandy/gravel riverbed they can live up to 150 years. The beginning of their life is not an easy one, in the early summer the males shed sperm into the water which is inhaled by the females. The fertilised eggs then gather in a pouch on the gills of the Pearl Mussel and are released from July to September. She can eject as many as 1 - 4 million eggs called glochidia, most of these are swept away and die but some are inhaled by juvenile Brown or Sea Trout and by Atlantic Salmon. The young mussels which are only 0.6mm in length attach onto the gills of the fish and remain there until the following spring. In May or June they drop off and begin to grow. This is when they are most vulnerable; all of the environmental elements must be correct for this process to be successful. Pearl Mussels are a good indication as to the health of the river; a healthy
colony reflects a healthy eco system.
Presently the Freshwater Pearl Mussel is considered to be an endangered species with numbers plummeting over the past century. Although strategies have been put in place to improve water quality and replace fish stocks, grass roots conservation is one of the most important elements in the conservation plan. WWF along with Ballinderry Fish Hatchery are at the forefront of this action plan. Part of the plan is to educate school groups of the importance of looking after rivers and its species. A wonderful example of their teaching was when a young girl came across a colony of Freshwater Pearl Mussels deposited on the edge of the riverbank following the time of bad flooding, instantly she knew of their importance and returned them back to the river. This type of conservation is one of the most valuable; “In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, we understand only what we have been taught.” (Baba Dioum)
With thanks to the Ballinderry Fish Hatchery.
Grey Heron: Species of least concern
Brown Trout: Species of least concern
Freshwater Pearl Mussel: Special of high Concern
Lifespan: up to 150 years old
Size: At the age of 4 they are 1cm in length; at 100 years old they can reach 10-15cm in length.
Interesting fact: Pearl Mussels in the Ballinderry River are unique to any other river in N.Ireland
A PhD Student from Queens is electronically tagging Mussels which are 12/13 years old and 3.8 cm in length enabling studies on their location, movement and weight.
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| Autumn Gold |
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Autumn Gold
Oil on linen
6.5” x 10”
£350 - SOLD
I have seen Red Squirrels on a number of occasions, mainly in Scotland. In Ireland the
population is believed to be approximately 40,000. Their plight is well documented.; indeed since the end of the 17th century Red Squirrels were declining in number.
The Grey Squirrel has certainly added to its survival difficulties. It was introduced in the late 19th century with the intention of ‘improving’ the diversity of the large estates, instead it brought with it a host of issues.
The Red Squirrel’s history has not been a positive one, in fact as many as 10 reintroduction programmes were recorded between 1820 and 1856. In the past they were deemed a pest and persecuted. There has been a notable change in their habitat, deforestation to make way for housing, industry and farming has had an impact. Although tree planting has been encouraged, the tree species that have been planted have favoured the Grey Squirrel more than the Red.
Red Squirrel: Species of special concern
Interesting Fact: You can take part in conserving the Red Squirrel
by reporting any sightings of either species to cedar.info@nmni.com
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| Summer Siesta |
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Summer Siesta
Coloured pencil
14” x 26”
£1650.00 SOLD
The Mallard is one of the most recognizable and widespread species of duck across the world. At a glance it would seem to be quite a boring species but the Drake performs an interesting moulting process. Once breeding is finished, it begins its moult. They moult all their flight feathers at the same time, rendering them flightless for almost a month. First they loose their brightly coloured body feathers replacing them with brown ones; at this stage they resemble females. This provides them with some camouflage from predators. Once their flight feathers have grown they moult again and by October they regain their full plumage feathers. This process is called ‘eclipse’ plumage. This may answer your question, if you have ever noticed an absence of drakes in mid-summer.
Mallard Duck: Species of Special Concern(UK) due to decline in population Wingspan: 90cm |
| In the Shadows |
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In the shadows
Oil on canvas
20” x 24”
£1850.00 - SOLD
The Badger emerges from his sett as dusk falls. His diet is varied; he eats fruits, seeds, eggs, frogs and rodents. He also feasts on earthworms; if the conditions are correct he can eat as many as 20,000 earthworms in just one year! He keeps his nose close to the ground foraging through the undergrowth. A Badger does not have great eyesight or hearing so depends much on his sense of smell. Did you know a Badger’s sense of smell is thought to be 700 times better than a human!
Badger: Species of least concern
Lifespan: up to 14 years
Interesting fact: A badger is the fastest digging animal on the planet!
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| Kiss me quick |
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Kiss Me Quick
Oil on linen
5.5” x 6.5”
£295.00 SOLD
This little chap is kind of cute but he is the joker of my collection. He is not native to the UK and is considered to be an alien species. He is called a Marsh frog and can be found in the South East of England. He is an introduced species from mainland Europe and is spreading through England.
Introduced species can bring a variety of problems with them such as disease, however sometimes it may be as simple as competing for the same food which may, in turn, push our native species into danger.
Marsh frog: Alien species ( no status)
Interesting fact: A female can lay as many 16,000 eggs in a season
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| One in a million |
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One in a million Oil on linen 5.5” x 6.5” £295.00 SOLD It is believed that there are around one million hedgehogs left in the UK, this number has dropped from two million in the mid 90’s. The hedgehog hibernates from November through to March then emerge to ‘feed up’ in preparation for mating season. The hedgehog can have up to two litters per year with 5-7 young per litter. The young are not born with spines instead they have hairs that develop into spines. It is believed an adult hedgehog has 6000 spines on their back. Hedgehog: Species of special concern Interesting fact: There can be any many as 500 fleas on one hedgehog |
| Blue Wonder |
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. Blue Wonder Oil on linen 5.5” x 12”
£350.00 - SOLD Sometimes a flash of blue is all that is seen of the Kingfisher, but it is enough to leave the viewer with a sense of wonder and amazement. The Kingfisher nests in a burrow in the riverbank; laying the first clutch of 5-7 eggs in April, the Kingfishers work together to catch as many as 100 fish per day to feed their hungry brood. The young fledge after approximately 24 days, and are feed by the adults for a further 4 days before the parents drive them out of the territory to begin the next brood. Kingfisher: Species of concern Wingspan: 25cm
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| Safe Passage |
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Safe Passage Oil on linen 6.5” x 16” £475.00 SOLD The White-tailed Eagle was re-introduced into Ireland in 2007. Once widespread on the West coast of Ireland the White tailed Eagle population dwindled following shootings, poisoning and trapping. By 1900 they were proved extinct. Unfortunately not much has changed today; although there is an excitement about their return, an element is strongly opposed to the re-introduction. As many as nine birds have been illegally killed. The White tailed Eagle with its impressive 6.5-7.9 feet wingspan has been given the name the flying’ barn door. We must protect this awesome species and grant it the freedom of the skies. White tailed Eagle: Species of High Concern Interesting fact: Anglo Saxon records describe White tailed Eagles scavenging the corpses at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD.
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| The Call |
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The Call
Oil on linen
26” x 22”
£2100.00
The Common Buzzard has become a regular visitor to our farmland. However its prominence has really only been noticeable within the last 5 years. It’s history has been a troubled one becoming extinct in Ireland by the early 20th century. Thankfully it is now common to see a Buzzard perching on a telegraph pole or hear the unmistakable mewing as it soars the thermals but unfortunately it still falls victim to illegal killings such as poisoning or shooting.
Illegal killings often stem from a misunderstanding of birds of prey. The buzzard does not hunt on the wing but sits waiting for an unsuspecting rabbit or rodent to appear, then he swoops on his quarry. He will also eat
carrion, amphibians and can be seen searching for beetles or earthworms in the open fields.
Buzzard: Species of least concern
Wingspan: 113cm—128cm
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| Fist Light |
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First Light
Oil on linen
24” x 18”
£1895.00 SOLD
The Barn Owl is a species in N.Ireland which is considered to be at great risk of extinction. Although little is known about their present numbers it is believed that there may be as few as 50 breeding pairs. The rapid decline of the Barn Owl has been attributed to many factors; lack of breeding sites and more efficient farming methods which led to a reduction in successful hunting grounds are just a few of the issues. Once known as ‘the farmers friend’ the Barn Owl has little connection with the new farming ways. Providing nest boxes may encourage numbers to increase.
Any sightings of Barn Owls should be reported to the Ulster Wildlife Trust to help establish the numbers in N.Ireland.
Barn Owl: Species of Special Concern
Interesting fact: found on all continents except Antarctica
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| Preen time |
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Preen Time
Coloured Pencil
16” x 12”
£1100.00 SOLD
The Greylag goose is the species from which most domestic geese were bred. Greylags are widespread across the UK and can be easily seen in marshlands, reed-beds, estuaries and lakes.
Although there are resident flocks in the UK, migrant birds also arrive in N.Ireland in late October/November. It is one of the last geese to migrate hence its name, Greylag, as to ’lag’ behind the other geese.
Greylag Goose: Species of concern Wingspan: 1.49m-1.68m
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| Hare today, gone tomorrow |
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Hare today, gone tomorrow
Coloured pencil
20” x 11”
£895.00 SOLD
Early one morning, when the sun had just risen, I grabbed my camera and headed off to a field on our farm which had been reseeded. The grass was just coming through, blanketing the soil with a delicate green hue. I nestled down in the long, rough grass at the edge of the field and waited. One hare appeared, then some leverets too. I sat still as they moved towards me. They were within touching distance........... an amazing experience! Only problem, I couldn’t move to photograph them, sometimes it is more beneficial to just sit and watch. Paintings are built on experience and observation. The image used was unfortunately not one of my own, I was too busy just watching!!! ( Hare photograph courtesy of Tom Ennis)
Irish Hare: Found only in Ireland, Species of high priority Interesting fact: Can jump up to 2m and reach speeds of up to 30 mph!
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