Field Vole Microtus agrestis

I had to illustrate this little rodent after I saw one brought in by a cat. The thickness of the fur, with the dark grey below the browns; and the roundness of its body were so appealing.

As always, I work in traditional watercolour, on hot press paper. I enjoyed working into the background, creating a thicket of grasses that echoed the posture of the vole.

I was worried about the ears and eyes, but am pleased with the way they've turned out. There's something of the alert nervousness in the painting that echoes the behaviour of these little animals, prey items for many species.