St. Cuthbert – Patron Saint of Otters

This illustration is part of a collaboration between multiple artists and the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group. The aim is to produce works of art that can be included in a collection booklet on otter folklore and/or related merchandise. The funds will go solely to the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group and affiliated conservation and awareness projects. All collaboration was voluntary due to the non-profit nature of IUCN/SSC Specialist Groups.

I was assigned the story of St. Cuthbert, the Patron Saint of Otters. After reading the folklore about him and researching the story’s era and region, I experimented with a new style based on the animated movie The Secret of Kells (2009). I chose smooth linework and modified watercolor fills to display a blend of stained-glass and illuminated manuscripts effects.