Bristles In The Long Grass

My love for hedgehogs, built over the years, pushed me to do my part and help the species thrive by creating a safe spot for them, far from any harm. I decided to set up a camera trap in our garden to catch a peek at the wildlife exploring and see how many hedgehogs drop by for a midnight visit. Sure enough, one night a little hedgehog popped up, nibbling at the food I’d left out.

Their small, spiky form is so endearing, and I can’t get enough of drawing them, capturing their beautiful faces. I aimed to bring out the calm feel of a peaceful evening in "Bristles in the Long Grass," with the hedgehog pottering through the grass, giving a curious glance at the camera as if puzzled by it. The soft greens and earthy browns of the scene, touched with the fading light of dusk, evoke a sense of tranquility.

I used a mix of watercolour and coloured pencil to catch the freedom and flow of its movements, layering in iridescent watercolour in gentle wash to add depth and texture. I chose 300gsm watercolor paper in A6 size, its subtle texture enhancing the piece’s natural depth.

Take a look at the pictures below to see more, and I hope you’ll find a moment to connect with this quiet scene.