The grasses almost become a curtain, and then the serval’s face emerges between them. Serval in grass by Sarais Crawshaw S.O.F.A. brings its wild subject into a setting where the surrounding stems are part of the encounter.
Painted in acrylic on canvas, the work makes a lovely play between the patterns of the coat and the repeated lines of the grass. The large ears and alert face give us a clear individual to look for among all that movement of line and colour.
A wildlife portrait can offer more than a close view of an animal. Here, the habitat shapes how we meet the cat, encouraging us to slow down and look into the scene. The grasses create both cover and a frame for the subject.
For someone drawn to wild cats beyond the most familiar lions and tigers, this is a rewarding exhibition discovery. Spend time with the full painting and see how the serval’s patterned form sits within its surroundings.
Explore the Winter Exhibition
The exhibition closes on Sunday 15 November 2026.
