Puffin | Wildlife Commission Oil Painting | Atlantic Puffin | Liliya Muglia

Puffin is an original oil painting on canvas measuring 12 × 12 inches (30.5 × 30.5 cm), created as a private commission centered on the conservation of the Atlantic puffin, an increasingly endangered seabird. The work was developed using carefully selected photographic references provided by the client, allowing for both anatomical accuracy and expressive character.

The composition captures the puffin mid-step, its distinctive form rendered with warmth and subtle humor while maintaining a respectful naturalism. Soft atmospheric tones contrast with the bird’s vivid markings, drawing attention to its fragile presence within a changing environment. Beyond portraiture, the painting functions as a quiet statement on stewardship, preservation, and the personal bonds that often motivate conservation efforts.

This artwork now resides in a private collection and is not available for acquisition. It is presented here with the owner’s permission as an example of commissioned work.
Commissioned pieces are thoughtfully created using a combination of photographic reference and live study, with finishes ranging from finely detailed to more expressive brushwork, tailored to each client’s vision and subject.