Original artwork description:

This small format egg tempera painting is a study in harmony and restfulness. Two small mice curl up asleep together, nestled amongst golden stems of grass. The red on black background gives a glowing warmth and depth to the composition.

Although the painting depicts mice, it is inspired by my cat, Lolly, who often curls up to sleep on a chair in my studio while I work. I wanted to capture the calm and contentment that she exudes and give the gift of it to others.

The painting is on a solid oak panel in egg tempera paint, made by grinding dry pigments in egg yolk and water. The blades of grass are gilded using the historical water gilding technique, where the delicate leaves are applied to a base of wet bole.

The painting is signed and dated on the reverse, with a d-ring attached so that it is ready to hang.

Materials used:

oak panel, pigments, egg tempera, gold leaf

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