Acrylic on canvas – 8 x 8 inch – Unique work

Animals hold a very special place in my heart, in my life. They are my life. I continue this artistic trilogy with reptiles.

These cold-blooded animals, both literally and figuratively, both fascinate and terrify me. Their eyes are incredibly terrifying, their speed astounding. They patiently stalk their prey hidden and rarely miss.

In this painting, a waterfall and a cactus surreptitiously surround the snake and the crocodile. Many stories are possible when looking at this painting. I’m spoiled for choice. And in the end, it’s almost too much!

Imagine a fight to death between two rival species. They’re fighting over a particularly sought-after water body. The ideal spot for a nap, both in the shade and in the sun. Facing south, likely highly coveted. While the crocodile nonchalantly heads there, looking absent and peaceful, the snake, which has been watching it since sunrise, crouching in the grass, slithers skillfully and swiftly to cut off his path.

Suddenly, the crocodile sees a shadow and a few blades of grass moving. On edge, he stops and prepares to… But he doesn’t have time to anticipate anything, the snake pounces on him and surrounds him. Its immediate goal is to suffocate him. Will he succeed?

The task is arduous. He’s no longer young. The snake is in the prime of life. And, after a few minutes, which seem like an eternity to the victim, the trick is done. The crocodile lies with its mouth open and its eyes glazed over. He’s still just as terrifying. The snake exults. He has easily won a new little piece of territory.

But what a beautiful symbol the winner of this fight embodies. Indeed, he is associated with transformation and healing. Nature is cruel too. They could have lived side by side. But, sometimes, life can be full of surprises.

A few days later, while the snake was enjoying the first rays of the April sun, he was astonished to see a very young crocodile, most likely a member of the deceased’s family, approaching him shyly. Filled with remorse, the snake gives the crocodile a small place beside him. He rubs himself gently against him to show his genuine kindness.