To Australia With Love, No. 3, 13 x 19in, colored pencil on Pastelmat

This was another fundraising auction on Instagram (click on the image to go to that post) that raised funds for Animals Australia. Reference photo by Rebecca Tregear, taken along the Great Ocean Road along the south coast of Australia. I chose a light gray background for this instead of white, wanting to subtly bring the idea of smoke without it overtaking the focus on our sweet survivor. The sparse vegetation and warm glow of light on the koala illustrate recent fires as well as the critical need for habitat regeneration. Though the fires are now out, rescued animals remain in long term care and rehabilitation before release back into the wild, and those that remain in the wild face devastating habitat loss and starvation. I loved drawing this precious being and hope that he/she is still out there somewhere, thriving.

My hope is in the shift to prioritize our beautiful earth and its many inhabitants over corporate greed and financial profit. xo