Alabama Beach Mouse (c)2008 Val Webb
Sketch: Delmarva Fox Squirrel (c)2008 Val Webb
A few weeks ago, Terry Burger mentioned the dwindling fox squirrel population in his beautifully written — and unfailingly relevant — blog. I had no idea what a fox squirrel looked like, so I did a little research. Here, I quickly realized, is a furry little creature with a cuteness quotient worthy of a Disney animated feature. Big, bright eyes and chubby cheeks. An abundantly fluffy tail. A perpetually cheery and inquisitive facial expression. I remembered reading that funding for species protection has been found to heavily favor cuteness. Public support is strong for penguins, pandas and koalas… but most people find it difficult to get misty-eyed about critically endangered fish, moths or worms.
Nevertheless, the fox squirrel and the equally appealing Alabama beach mouse have been added to the growing collection of little paintings on postcards I’m creating for an upcoming show. Postcards from the Edge of Extinction will open May 9 at the Mobile Arts Council galleries.
Last night, we dined on the first salads of spring. The leaf lettuces (buttercrunch, romaine, oak leaf and red oak leaf) are sweet and crisp. They taste like sunlight and promise. We picked the tender side leaves at dusk, after a day of soft rain. Mmmmmm… eating the first harvest of the spring garden always feels like the height of luxury.
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Wow! I’ve been referenced! I don’t think THAT ever happened before! Thanks, Val! How do I get my hands on some of those post cards?
I’m envious…all those crunchy garden things. I just got mine planted, about a month late for our climate. I may be green with envy, but my garden is still mostly just dirt-colored.
I just realized my email in the box to the left was the old address. This is the correct one.
Hey Val, how in the world are you eating lettuce? I grow mine through the winter and by now I am already collecting seeds. Special spot? I really love those postcards. And…my snow peas are scooting upwards of seven feet as well. We had a good crop this year as did you. Last year, they were pathetic!
Gorgeous work, as is everything else I’ve seen of yours. I had no idea the red fox squirrel population was dwindling?? They are very common around my neighborhood, in fact a nuisance to some people. I’ll have to read up on it as now you’ve piqued my interest.
oops, after reading Terry’s post, I realize he’s talking about an entirely different squirrel. I’m glad they are reintroducing them tho ~ I hope that helps! It’s really hard to repair the damage we do to nature, isn’t it?
Val, I’m always in awe at the gorgeous illustrations you produce. Those postcards are fab — do you sell them?
I’m envious that you’re already eating fresh lettuce. Enjoy!
I am so happy that I found this site with your delightful sketches. That mouse is so darling. Will you sell those postcards? Are you a book illustrator? Ooops, now I will look around your site some more and perhaps find some answers.
plectra says : I absolutely agree with this !
shindy says : I absolutely agree with this !
You make two creatures I’m not normally enamored of seem, well… cute enough to wish for as pets. These drawings are beautiful as all your work always is.
All I can think to write is “YUM!” Perfect Man indeed!~~Dee
I’m a bit late to the party, but I wanted to say: I LOVE these illustrations!