The Reign - Oil - Canvas - 16 x 20 inches Framed SOLD

Autumn is my favourite time of year. The earthy scents, rusty colours and warm, hazy sunshine.  It gets exciting on Exmoor too, as herds of red deer gather for the annual rut. The largest stags round up hinds and use their physical size to show superiority and keep other stags away.

I was inspired to paint ‘The Reign’ after spotting a particularly large herd of deer on the brow of a hill.  Despite the wet and changeable weather, clusters of people had also paused to experience the sight.  The stag in question paraded himself from his podium, checking in on his hinds, and occasionally peering down to us from on high.  He was absolutely majestic and he knew it!  Proud protector, reigning conqueror; the King of Exmoor.