Giles Ward's "Red Shore Crab" presents a striking close-up portrait of a crustacean rendered in rich, textural detail. This mixed media work (59 x 69 cm framed) combines oil and acrylic to create a captivating study of this coastal creature against a luminous turquoise background that evokes the shallow waters of a tidal pool. Ward masterfully captures the crab's rusty orange-red carapace with a tactile quality that suggests both the creature's armoured exterior and its vulnerability. Splashes and drips of paint create a sense of movement, as though the crab has just scuttled across the composition, leaving watery traces in its wake.

Coastal Wildlife in Contemporary Art
The painting bridges the gap between scientific observation and artistic interpretation, celebrating the often overlooked beauty of Britain's shoreline fauna. When displayed, "Red Shore Crab" brings a vibrant splash of coastal energy to any space, its contrasting palette of warm terracotta against cool aquamarine creating a focal point that draws the eye. The work exemplifies Ward's talent for finding extraordinary beauty in ordinary subjects, transforming this humble shore dweller into something both monumental and intimate. The painting's textural complexity rewards repeated viewing, revealing new details in the crab's articulated limbs and the watery environment with each glance.