The Thief – Original Tarāpunga Red-Billed Gull Pastel Painting
The Thief – Original Tarāpunga Red-Billed Gull Pastel Painting
The Thief – Original Tarāpunga Painting
There was absolutely nothing subtle about the look this little red billed gull was giving me.
Bold, watchful and clearly convinced that my lunch ought to be his, The Thief captures the cheeky character of one of New Zealand’s familiar coastal birds.
Created in soft pastel, every detail from that unmistakable red bill to the alert expression has been painted to capture the personality behind the feathers. It's a small original with plenty of character, and one that makes me smile every time I look at it.
One-of-a-kind original artwork, professionally framed and ready to hang.
Original Artwork Details
- Medium: Soft pastel on archival Pastelmat
- Artwork size: 30 × 20 cm
- Framed size: 41 × 33 cm
- Framing: Professionally framed and ready to hang
- Original: One of a kind
- Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
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Why This Piece?
I met this particular tarāpunga in Hagley Park while sitting at a picnic table attempting to eat my chips.
He had other ideas.
He stood watching me with the sort of unwavering concentration that left absolutely no doubt about what he wanted. There was no begging, no fuss. Just the quiet confidence of a bird who seemed fairly certain that if he stared at me for long enough, the chips would eventually become his.
Naturally, I took his photograph.
That wonderfully determined expression stayed with me, and eventually became *The Thief*. A little reminder that encounters with wildlife don't always have to happen somewhere wild. Sometimes they happen over lunch.
What Makes It Special?
It's the expression that makes The Thief.
Soft pastel allows me to build up incredibly fine detail while keeping the feathers soft and natural, but I deliberately kept the focus on that watchful face and unmistakable red bill.
Look closely and there's plenty of delicate detail to discover. Step back, and it's his personality you notice first.
As the original painting, this is the only *The Thief* that will ever exist.
Visualise In Your Space
At 41 × 33 cm framed, The Thief is an easy original to find a home for.
Its smaller scale works beautifully above a console, beside a favourite chair, as part of a collected gallery wall, or in one of those little spaces that deserves something with a bit of personality.
The neutral palette makes it easy to live with, while that flash of red and wonderfully suspicious expression give it just enough character to catch your eye every time you walk past.
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About this Artwork
This limited edition print is created from my original pastel artwork.
Each edition is produced in small numbers to preserve the integrity and collectable nature of the work. Every print is individually signed and numbered by hand.
Printed to order on museum-quality archival paper, this piece is intended to be lived with and enjoyed for many years to come.
Framing & presentation
All prints are sold unframed unless a framing option is selected.
Where framing is available, frames are made from solid wood and glazed with glass to protecting the artwork.
A white mount is included to give the artwork space to breathe within the frame unless the print comes with a pre printed border
Framed prints arrive ready to hang straight from the box.
Shipping & Delivery
All artworks are produced to order and carefully prepared for dispatch.
Worldwide shipping is available, with delivery costs calculated at checkout based on your location.
Estimated delivery times will vary depending on destination. Please note that international orders may be subject to customs delays or import fees beyond my control.
Due to the nature of limited edition and original artworks, returns are not accepted unless the item arrives damaged or faulty.