This painting bursts with a whirlwind of colour and bold, sweeping strokes. I felt carried away in this piece, using thick layers of paint to create a sculptured effect, as though the peacock was alive and demanding my attention. He may arch his neck gracefully, but he is unashamed of his dramatic beauty and backed by an explosion of abstracted feathers: countless eyes that gaze out of the canvas. The peacock is a shimmering embodiment of nature's fearless opulence - truly a "Jewel of Nature.'

This painting portrays an Indian Peacock, commonly found in Tanzania but not native to Africa. Whilst I have never seen the lesser-known African Peacock from the Congo in person, this piece aims to celebrate a familiar beauty whilst raising awareness for its African counterpart.

The African peacock, specifically the Congo peafowl, is a rare and lesser-known species native to the rainforests of the Congo Basin. It faces significant conservation challenges due to habitat destruction from deforestation, mining, and agriculture, as well as hunting for bushmeat. Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, its population is declining. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its rainforest habitat and combating illegal hunting. Protected areas aim to safeguard its future while raising awareness of this unique species, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the Congo's ecosystems.