This piece was inspired by a squirrel I saw at Balboa Park in San Diego. It was one of those everyday moments that made me pause to appreciate it. The sunlight highlighted his eye at just the right time. Squirrels are so common that we tend to overlook them, so I was happy to capture just how cute and full of life they really are.
 
"The Fat Squirrel" is drawn in detail while the abstract swirls around him are meant to guide your eye through the piece, creating a sense of energy and connection. I used earthy tones to ground the subject, with bright greens and blues to add a sense of life and vibrancy. The matted frame gives the drawing space to stand on its own while highlighting both the details and how everything flows together.
 
This drawing is the first in a series I'm creating that focuses on the often overlooked creations and details in the world around us. I will be experimenting with a new style that blends hyperrealism with expressive flowing elements.
 
My goal is to help people slow down and appreciate what's here and realize that there's always more there than we think, because for me, there's nothing more grounding and uplifting than the beauty of nature.