Grouse over the Dalnakeddar Estate
Painting on canvas • Justin Prigmore (born 1974)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Sporting Art / Naturalism. The work is characterized by a high degree of biological accuracy blended with an impressionistic, atmospheric handling of the landscape.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas utilizing alla prima and wet-on-wet techniques. The artist employs a textured, painterly approach with visible impasto in the clouds and moorland grasses, combined with smooth glazes in the distant hills to create atmospheric perspective.
Creation Period
Modern / 21st Century (Circa 2010s-2020s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches (61 x 91 cm); Landscape format
Subject Description
The painting depicts a covey of Red Grouse in mid-flight over a Scottish moorland landscape. The composition is dynamic, using the diagonal flight paths of the birds to lead the eye across the canvas. The background features rolling purple and brown hills under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky, capturing the specific light and weather conditions of the Scottish Highlands.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The paint film is stable with no signs of craquelure, flaking, or discoloration. The canvas tension appears light and the surface is clean.
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or via a specialized sporting art gallery (such as Rountree Tryon). The presence of a formal gold-toned nameplate suggests it was part of a private collection or commissioned for an estate.
Art Historical Significance
Justin Prigmore is a leading figure in contemporary wildlife and sporting art, known for his deep ecological knowledge. This piece represents the continuation of the British sporting tradition established by artists like Archibald Thorburn and Sir Peter Scott, updated with a modern, painterly sensibility.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive brass title plate on the lower frame member identifying the artist and specific location. Exceptional rendering of movement in the birds' wings and the reflection of water in the boggy foreground.
Condition Issues
None visible. The framing is secure and the varnish appears even and fresh.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity (45-55%). Avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation of pigments. Periodic dusting with a soft natural hair brush is sufficient.