A red squirrel nibbling his food has been a familiar sight to me since my childhood. It always fascinates me that they eat with their forepaws which resemble little hands, and sit upright with their tails erect against their backs.

I enjoy painting animal life in characteristic positions and posed this way, nibbling a nut, is how I picture this active little creature. I think of myself as an animal portraitist and while other positions would also be appropriate, it is while the squirrel is eating that the observer has the best opportunity to watch for longer than a few moments. - CB