The Natural Heritage of Singapore
Jillian Cheong, Singapore
The Natural Heritage of Singapore draws attention to the hidden secrets of Singapore’s natural heritage, celebrating the beauty and diversity of animal species in Singapore. My paintings aim to evoke in each of us a sense of wonder and kindle a desire to preserve our native fauna.
Noisy Neighbour
© Jillian Cheong
Acrylic painting on A2 gallery wrapped canvas
The Oriental Pied Hornbill is one of the most charismatic local bird species. Yet, at one point in time, their numbers had declined to the point of local extinction. Thanks to sterling conservation efforts, there are now regular sightings of these birds, not just in our nature parks but also within our residential estates. They are bold and noisy, making their presence known with loud calls and screeches. It is a joy to know that we have found a way to co-exist with them as neighbours.
Painted with permission referencing a photo taken by Bertram Lee shared on Nature Society FB page.
A Future
© Jillian Cheong
Acrylic painting on 20 x 20 inch gallery wrapped canvas
Life: fragile and precious, treasured and protected. A new generation carries the promise of a future for the Raffles’ banded langurs in Singapore. Will this promise be fulfilled? Can we make space for them to continue to live and have a home?
Painted with permission referencing a photo taken by Kelvin Leong shared on Nature Society FB page.
Eye of the Beholder
© Jillian Cheong
Acrylic painting on A2 size gallery wrapped canvas
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I was amazed by a photograph taken of one of our local Sungei Buloh saltwater crocodiles. The emerald green of its eye stood out against its alien contours, a gem that gleamed in a landscape of browns, blacks and greys.
Painted with permission referencing a photo taken by Trevor Teo shared on Nature Society FB page.
Look Out
© Jillian Cheong
Acrylic painting on 30cm x 30cm gallery wrapped canvas
The lesser mousedeer is the world's smallest deer. Listed as critically endangered in Singapore, this shy and timid creature can be found within our nature reserves. To see one of these elusive creatures, one must deliberately be on the lookout for them. Patience rewards the quiet and observant. Caught like a deer in the headlights, this startled mousedeer turned to look at the photographer at just the right moment.
Painted with permission referencing a photo taken by Steven Cheong.
Inflorescence
© Jillian Cheong
Jillian Cheong is a part-time biology teacher, a part-time artist and a full-time mother of three rambunctious children. A self-taught artist who particularly enjoys painting animals, most of Jillian’s artworks draw inspiration from the local wildlife in Singapore which she believes should be treasured and celebrated. When wildlife proves too elusive, Jillian tries to persuade the neighborhood stray cats to sit for their portraits.
