Alas, poor Ball! I Knew Him

About This Work

A curious river otter emerges from the cool water of a forest stream, clutching an unexpected prizea bright yellow tennis ball. With wet fur clinging to its sleek form and whiskers catching the light, the playful creature seems both puzzled and delighted by its discovery.

Set against a lush woodland backdrop, this piece captures a moment of spontaneous joy and curiosity in the wild. The contrast between the natural environment and the manmade object adds a touch of humor and storytelling, inviting the viewer to imagine how this unlikely treasure came to rest in the otters paws.

Perfect for collectors who love wildlife, playful animal moments, and nature with a touch of personality, this artwork brings warmth, charm, and a sense of wonder to any space.

From the artist: My otter themed oil pastels have been turning out to be rather popular. Having sold out of them in March of 2026, I needed to make some more. My daughter suggested one playing with a ball. When I was first designing it though I was listening to the movie score of one of the many versions of Hamlet. So I decided to give this little river otter a Shakespearean pose with the ball.