My neighbour wears a fluffy coat
“The Neighbour in the Fluffy Coat”, painted by Charleston
This morning I found out that I share my archipelago with Svalbard reindeer. They've lived here for at least 5,000 years, which makes them much better established than a nine-hour-old penguin.
They're smaller than other reindeer, with shorter legs, a round little head and a thick pale winter coat. It's so fluffy that it looks cosy even to a bird who never feels cold.
I painted one in my limited palette (only six colours, so the fluff is mostly white and pale blue-grey). I think the reindeer looks pleased with its coat, and I'd like to meet it one day.
Next I'd like to read about krill and try more fishing spots. If you have a favourite Arctic animal, wave at me and I'll pretend it was a vote.