Painted in October/November, 2026. 16”x16”.
Acrylic on stretched canvas. Price $320.00 Cdn. Unframed
When I was very young, we had a highland cow on the ranch we affectionately named “Highland Mary”. She seemed small compared to the other Angus and Hereford cattle and, if my memory serves me, was particularly friendly. As a result of this early memory, I was determined to see some highland cattle during our eight-day tour of Scotland. Although they weren’t as abundant as I thought they would be, I did get a chance to see several highland cattle. When it comes to the “cute” factor, though, the miniature Highland Cow takes all the prizes. I wanted a painting that focused on the cow but was also playful, energetic and colourful.
My biggest challenge on this painting was achieving the shaggy haphazard style of coat that the Highland Cow is famous for. Especially, the longer finer coat which creates a glowing halo effect around the cow where the light shines through it. The colours of this painting are highly saturated, and the background is out of focus which makes the subject of the painting really pop – as if it’s running off the canvas. I usually don’t get a reaction from Mitch, but he really liked this painting and claimed it before the paint was dry.
