Sisters of the Coop

by Wim's Pastelart

In this vibrant and atmospheric dry pastel work, the Belgian artist Wim Cuppens pays tribute to rural life with a characterful group portrait of four free-range hens.

The work stands out for its distinctive style, in which a powerful interplay of light and shadow is combined with an expressive, layered touch.

The composition immediately draws the viewer into the intimate dynamics of the poultry. The chickens’ warm, rust-brown and ochre-yellow feathers are rendered with a beautiful, tactile texture. By placing subtle, bright accents on the necks and feather coverings, the artist brings the animals’ volume and movement fully to life. Their bright, red combs and attentive gazes give each of the chickens its own unique personality and alertness.

The work gains extra depth from the bold and contrasting background. The soft, sky-blue hues of the wooden barn wall form a beautiful complementary contrast with the warm earth tones of the animals.

Typical of Cuppens’' ’ innovative approach, a soft, almost glowing undertone shimmers beneath the cooler top layers, creating a rich optical vibration in the light. In the bottom right-hand corner, a subtle green accent featuring small, fresh flowers beautifully balances the natural setting. This work is a gem for any modern or rustic interior. Thanks to its expressive style and powerful colour vibrations, it strikes the perfect balance between realism and contemporary impressionism, ensuring it is sure to catch the eye in any room.