This painting was made in rural Norfolk, from direct observation of a field of pigs. I set up my easel right next to the farm, and some of the pigs were quite interested. The late afternoon sky echoed the pinks of their skin. I later added the self portrait, painted from my reflection in a mirror.

Pigs have a somewhat human quality at times, and being in close vicinity to them can make us question our relationship with animals.

Additionally, the mood of the painting reflects the time it was made, when I was questioning my work choices and feeling a bit stuck and stagnant!