Seal Painting Van Gogh while the surrounding darkness swallows

while the surrounding darkness swallows every distraction

It belongs above a sofa in a living room dressed in earthy tones

Soft daylight filters through the canopy behind him

a honey-coloured stone farmhouse rests among slender cypress and rounded olive trees

a swirl of abstract brushwork blazes with orange

Seal Painting Van Gogh while the surrounding darkness swallowsThis lifelike painting shows a young harbour seal hauled out on smooth wet rocks, its mottled silver grey coat speckled with darker spots. It gazes directly outward with large, dark, soulful eyes, one flipper resting on the stone as shallow water laps around its body. Fronds of kelp and weed cling to the boulders behind, painted in supple browns and greens that frame the scene. The tender, watchful expression gives the piece a genuine warmth,