A06: Loving Devotion

Oil on Canvas
24" x 36" 

Having spent hours with the emperor penguins, I often forgot they were birds. Closely watching how they interacted with each other every day, I could feel their spirits, as well as their strong family bond. 

Emperor penguins uniquely suffer through 3-4 months of harsh Antarctic winter storms, with subzero temperatures that get down to -100°F.

The parent's ultimate devotion to their offspring provide a meaning glimpse into the complexities of life in Antarctica.

After being well fed with a greenish yellow protein mix, this fluffy chick was happily standing between two parents, spending quality family time together. I was captivated by their body language, as well as the loving expression in their eyes through the camera lens. The light snow blowing through their faces looked absolutely romantic, and I quickly took this shot.

In reality, adult penguin's flippers are black, but I purposely painted them in midnight blue to give it a more mysterious feel, as well as to echo the light blue backdrop.