About Fox in Morning Light

Fox in Morning Light by Natalie Marqus

This week's new painting, Fox in Morning Light, marks the beginning of a little experiment.

Over the years, I've painted all sorts of animals—bears, owls, elephants, foxes—but I rarely linger with any one subject for long. Usually I paint an animal once and then move on to something else that captures my attention.

This fox is different.

Rather than painting a single fox and moving on, I've decided to stay with the fox for a while and see what happens. I've already completed a second painting and am currently working on a third. I may paint more after that. I honestly don't know yet.

Why foxes?

Partly because I find them endlessly beautiful—their elegant shape and fiery colors. But I'm also drawn to the qualities we often associate with them: cleverness, playfulness, adaptability, and presence.

At this point, I don't know exactly what I'm learning. I feel like I'm still in the middle of the conversation. Sometimes a painting series begins with a clear destination in mind. Other times, it begins with curiosity and a willingness to follow where it leads.

This painting, Fox in Morning Light, is the first step on that path.