Description
A Look That Was Hard to Ignore
Martin Mere WWT reserve in Lancashire runs regular otter feeding sessions, and I visited in 2025 to photograph them. It’s a managed setting rather than a wild encounter, but it gives you something that’s genuinely hard to get in the field: time with an otter at close range. I came away with a lot of shots, and most of them were fine. This one was different. The otter looked straight at the camera with an expression I can only describe as curious — alert, head up, fully present. That was the one I wanted to paint.
About Asian Short-Clawed Otters
Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest otter species in the world, weighing just 1–5 kg fully grown. They’re native to South and Southeast Asia and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Despite their size they’re highly social — they live in extended family groups centred around a monogamous pair, and they’re one of the few mammals known to mate for life. They’re also remarkably vocal, communicating with at least 12 distinct vocalisations including chirps, squeaks and alarm calls. Captive individuals are regularly observed juggling stones with their paws, apparently just for the fun of it.
The Painting
I painted this in my Sheffield studio in a single session in 2025, working in oils on a 6×6″ Ampersand Gessobord panel. That expression was what I was after, and I kept everything else simple around it.
Original Artwork Details
Prints are available on request — contact me here for details.
Specifications:
- Medium: Oil on gessobord panel
- Size: 6 × 6 inches (~ 15 × 15 cm)
- Depth: 0.3 cm (~ 1/8 inch)
- Unframed
- Year: 2025
- Signed on reverse
Shipping & Care
Your painting will be carefully packaged with protective materials and shipped via Royal Mail within 3–5 business days. The panel is robust and archival — oil paintings on panel have been proven to last for centuries when properly cared for. Display away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity for best longevity.
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