Murciélago

I painted Murciélago during a two-week trip to Spain, inspired by the history, textures, and visual storytelling that surrounded me.

In this piece, I wanted to flip the script—what if the animal wasn’t the hunted, but the one stepping into the arena with quiet power? To me, Murciélago is a gladiator. A symbol of reversed roles. He walks into the ring with focus and readiness, but this time, the prey is human.

His clothing draws from Spanish traditional patterns—elegant embroideries and rich drapery, the kind that feels ceremonial and proud. I spent time observing how fabric folds under pressure, how it responds when gripped by the hand, and worked those small tensions into the painting.

Shadows were another key focus. Not just for realism, but for mood—how they stretch and gather around someone who is preparing, waiting, calculating.

Murciélago is not loud. He doesn’t need to be. He’s calm, deadly, and in control.

And he’s not here to survive. He’s here to win.