Common toad sketch | Limited edition fine art print from an original drawing.

Common Toads (Bufo bufo) can live for over 10 years in the wild, and sometimes over 40 years in captivity. They possess large parotoid glands behind their eyes that secrete a mild toxin (bufotoxin), making them unpalatable to most predators. During the breeding season, they undertake significant migrations, often traveling several kilometers back to the specific pond where they were hatched.
I spent hours studying the fascinating, warty texture of this silent hunter, trying to capture the ancient wisdom held within its dark eyes. This piece reflects the quiet dignity of a creature often overlooked, inviting the viewer to appreciate the raw, wild beauty of the European Common Toad.