Firefly Keeper 

Lucia Heffernan's painting presents us with a rabbit, adorned with a flower crown, holding a jar full of fireflies. Painted in oil on canvas, it revives a tradition of portraiture, but re-orients it towards the animal kingdom. Heffernan's technique is meticulous, using a layered approach with glazes to create depth and luminosity. This is especially evident in the rendering of the rabbit's fur and the subtle glow emanating from the fireflies. Her process involves careful observation and skilled manipulation of the paint medium, building up textures and tones that give the painting a tangible quality. The whimsical scene, combined with the technical skill involved, blends genres, making it accessible and thought-provoking. Ultimately, Heffernan's work reminds us of the power of painting to engage with our imaginations. By focusing on the material qualities of her chosen medium, she opens up new avenues for artistic expression.