27/07/2026
Congratulations Lucy Chambers for āThe Horror Of It Allā earning Finalist in our MOOD. Animals with Attitude 2026 juried international virtual exhibition.
Artistās description: This portrait explores the fine line between beauty and unease through the intense gaze of a ring-tailed lemur. What initially attracted me to the subject was the extraordinary contrast between the animalās soft, almost ethereal fur and the startling intensity of its amber eyes. The expression seemed to convey a moment of heightened awareness, inviting viewers to project their own interpretation of the emotion behind the stare. Working in soft pastel allowed me to build multiple layers of colour and texture while maintaining the luminous quality of the eyes and the delicate softness of the fur. The piece was developed through a gradual process of layering, blending, and refining individual strands of fur to create depth and realism. Particular attention was given to the eyes, which serve as the emotional focal point of the composition and establish the dramatic tension within the work. The dark background was intentionally simplified to isolate the subject and intensify the psychological impact of the portrait. By removing environmental distractions, the viewer is drawn directly into the encounter, creating a sense of intimacy that can feel both captivating and unsettling. The title, The Horror of It All, reflects the ambiguity of the expression. Whether the lemur appears fearful, shocked, wary, or simply observant is left for the viewer to decide. My intention was to create a portrait that goes beyond wildlife representation and invites an emotional response through atmosphere, expression, and connection.
8.3 x 11.7, Pan pastels, pastel sticks and pastel pencils
Follow this artist: facebook.com/share/17VM8SRmCC
See the exhibition at wildheartgallery.com