• Bird painting by Laurence Saunois, wildlife artist

"The sentinel"

 For further information or to make a purchase, feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you with your request.  

 ABOUT THE ARTWORK   

Behind the scene / Naturalistic view / Exhibitions and Awards / The Original / Fine Art Prints

The Sentinel – A Fleeting Moment of Starlings in London

"The Sentinel" is a large oil painting (50 x 70 cm) capturing an iconic urban wildlife scene: starlings feasting on the leftovers of an abandoned meal on a riverside table in London. This immersive artwork highlights the adaptability of wildlife in cityscapes while raising awareness about overconsumption and food waste.

The stunning realism of the scene, the intricate feather details, and the masterful interplay of light reflect Laurence Saunois' artistic virtuosity, renowned for her ability to blend naturalistic precision with deep emotion.

International recognition and awards:
Winner of the "David Shepherd Choice Award" at the prestigious Wildlife Artist of the Year competition in London (2016). David Shepherd CBE, a leading figure in wildlife art and conservation, personally selected this piece as his favorite.
Selected and exhibited at the Salon National des Artistes Animaliers in Bry-sur-Marne (2017).

• A thought-provoking masterpiece : More than just an animal painting, "The Sentinel" incorporates modern-day elements such as plastic packaging and food remnants, subtly questioning human impact on nature and how wildlife adapts to it.

• Own an Award-Winning Artwork :Available as a unique original painting and high-end fine art prints, "The Sentinel" is a must-have for art collectors and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an artwork that is both visually striking and deeply meaningful.
Order yours today and let this striking urban scene captivate you.


Behind the scene : What I want to share with you, as an artist.

During a trip to London, I witnessed a scene that struck me deeply: a group of starlings feasting on the leftovers of a riverside lunch. This moment inspired me to create The Sentinel. As someone who loves birds, I’m always in awe of their resilience. Birds are the direct descendants of dinosaurs—they've adapted to all climates, travel immense distances during migrations, and live with an incredible lightness in the world.
In this painting, the plastic cups symbolize our consumer society and the environmental damage caused by plastic waste. It’s a material we all use every day, yet it pollutes our lands, rivers, and oceans. The tomatoes left uneaten speak to another issue that matters to me: food waste. While some people don’t have enough to eat, in other places we waste what could nourish others. Here, at least, nothing is truly lost—these clever birds make the most of what we leave behind.
And finally, there’s water. The river that serves as the table’s background raises questions about how we use and share freshwater. How will we manage this essential resource in the future?
This painting is both a snapshot of everyday life and a reflection on larger environmental and ethical issues. It’s my way of inviting you to observe, question, and maybe see things just a little differently.


Naturalistic view

Highly social birds with fascinating behavior, European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are famous for their spectacular aerial displays known as murmurations. Opportunistic and remarkably adaptable, they thrive in both urban and rural environments, often living close to humans in search of food. Their glossy black plumage shimmers with iridescent hues in the light, revealing unexpected beauty. In cities, they perch on windowsills, gather in parks, and boldly feed on human leftovers—showcasing an intriguing blend of wild instinct and modern life. As symbols of intelligence, resilience, and collective movement, starlings invite us to reflect on the fragile balance between nature and civilization.

Exhibitions and Awards

  • Prix "David Shepherd Choice Award" lors du prestigieux concours Wildlife Artist of the Year à Londres en 2016. David Shepherd CBE, figure incontournable de l’art animalier et de la conservation, en a fait son coup de cœur personnel.
  • Salon National des Artistes Animaliers à Bry-sur-Marne en 2017.
  • Artist Magazine Annual Art Competition "Catégorie Wildlife" - 2015
  • Exposition "Birds in Art" au Yawkey Woodson Art Museum - USA - 2014

THE ORIGINAL 

ABOUT THIS ARTWORK
Sizes50 cm x 70 cm – 19.68 in’ x 27.55 in’
FinitionsNot Framed
MediumOil on Canvas
SignatureAt the bottom right
Certificate of AuthenticitéYES
InvoiceYES

LIMITED FINE ART PRINTS ON CANVAS

ABOUT LIMITED FINE ART PRINTAVAILABLE
SizesSimilar to the original work
FramingUnframed (custom framing available on request)
SupportFine art print on museum-quality canvas 340 g/m², satin gloss, acid- and lignin-free
SignatureIdentical to the original on the front + my signature on the back of the art print
Certificate of AuthenticityYES with Artrust Certification
InvoiceYES
NumberingEdited and numbered on 25 copies (n° 1/25, 2/25 etc up to 25/25)

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