The following are a few progress shots of the Grey Squirrel, I painted in around 4hrs.

First starting off with a pencil outline of the squirrel and a rough guide to where I would place the dark shadows of the tree bark.

Next an undercoat of grey for the squirrel, this is were I start thinking I have one night to complete this painting and I have no idea how to paint fur or bark. Nothing like a bit of pressure late in the evening.

The squirrel was starting to take shape and I was feeling confident about the fur and it’s cute little face.

Once I started looking at the bark in more detail I didn’t realise how many colours and textures it was made up of, so I just gave a hint of detail.

In the end I was supper happy with the fur which was the main subject but if I had more time I would have spent it on the tree bark.

Unfortunately I had to call it a night at midnight as my friend was leaving first thing in the morning and I wanted to gift her with this squirrel as a surprise.

This painting will travel over seas to Germany, with a very special lady who has trouble saying Squirrel in English and has given me many laughs over the past few weeks, while staying at Glenella..