I have a thing about highland cows. I suspect I'm not alone.
There's something about them that just stops you completely. The sheer size and presence of them. That extraordinary woolly coat in all its layers of russet, amber and warm brown. Those wide sweeping horns. And those eyes — peering out from beneath that glorious shaggy fringe with an expression that is simultaneously serene and slightly baffled. They are, quite simply, magnificent.
My inspiration for 'Wild & Woolly' was exactly that — the animals themselves. The colours fascinate me. All those rich warm tones woven together in that impossibly fluffy coat — russet giving way to amber giving way to gold, with deeper, richer browns running through it all. As someone who loves drawing and painting animals and finding the beauty in every detail, a highland cow is an absolute gift. There is so much to discover the closer you look.
I chose coloured pencils for this piece deliberately. Layer upon layer of colour building up gradually to create the depth and texture that makes that coat look almost touchable. It's a technique that suits this subject perfectly — the patience of it, the gradual building of detail, feels right for an animal that rewards closer inspection so richly.
'Wild & Woolly' works beautifully as highland cow wall art in a farmhouse kitchen, a country living room, a hallway or a study — anywhere that needs a touch of rustic warmth and a good deal of character. It's country home decor that makes people stop, look closer and smile every single time.
Available as a highland cow print in a range of sizes, framed and unframed.