- Ron Ranson
"Hedgie" pencil sketch and watercolour in large Moleskine sketch-book
If you've ever tried to photograph a Hedgehog, you'll know how difficult that is, never mind trying to sketch him while he's scurrying to and fro, and then ducking from sight as you approach. I gave up trying to make a sketch of him as he was hurrying around and decided to take a photograph in stead for reference and even then it took ages before he settled down long enough for me to get a couple of shots.
I completed this sketch in about half-an-hour, after spending almost 2 hours trying to get him to be co-operative! But I got a couple of nice photographs and will be doing some more sketches of him.
And oh yes, his name is Hedgie, and him and his lady friend recently produced 5 of the most beautiful little off-spring - tiny replicas of their prickly parents. Lucky for daddy, he is free from all parental duties and merrily goes on his way while mommy looks after them until they are about 7 - 9 weeks old, when they start foraging for their own food.
There is something so charming and magical about these little hedgehogs - maybe because we don't have them here in my part of the world except in pet stores (which I think is horrible). I'm glad your's are free and creating more hedgehogs :) And the sketch is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you RH. I agree, they shouldn't be in pet shops, they need a certain amount of special care and although we mean well, we don't always know what's best for them.
ReplyDeleteI love this little guy. I think you are lucky to have the chance to photograph a hedgehog, I've never seen a real one and would love to. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathie. Hedgehogs are fascinating little creatures and each one has his own personality, from shy to tame to aggressive to comical. Sometimes the chances of seeing them is slim because they're nocturnal, so be prepared to sit up a couple of nights to catch them visiting your garden!
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