"Moineau dans la neige"  

Behind the scene / Naturalistic view / Exhibitions and Awards / The Original / Fine Art Prints

Every winter, a small colony of sparrows settles into the cavities of the dry stone wall of our house. As soon as the cold sets in, I see them regularly take shelter in the wild clematis that climbs right beside it. This vigorous vine, with its dense tangle of stems reaching several meters high, offers them the perfect refuge. Not only do they feast on its seeds, but at the slightest sign of danger, they vanish into its protective maze.

It was these quiet winter scenes that inspired this painting. I envisioned a cold morning, a little sparrow puffing up its feathers to stay warm, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun. I wanted snow, frozen droplets, a crisp winter atmosphere… and of course, an ideally placed bird to complete the composition.
I spent countless hours observing the colony. Over time, I came to understand their habits—where they fed, where they rested, and where they hid when threatened. This familiarity helped me shape the image I had in mind with more precision.

It took three winters before all the right conditions finally came together for the perfect reference photo. Then, several days in a hide were needed before the male sparrow landed exactly where I had hoped, in the exact posture I had imagined.
I painted the piece shortly after, on a smooth surface to enhance every snowy detail. I chose not to include all of the clematis vines, in order to lighten the composition and highlight specific focal points within the scene.

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a small, familiar bird found in both countryside and urban areas, living close to human activity for centuries. Social, adaptable, and resilient, it readily nests in the crevices of buildings, stone walls, or old rooftops. Primarily granivorous but opportunistic, it feeds on seeds, insects, and scraps left behind by people.
Its brown and beige plumage, often considered modest, reveals subtle patterns and colors, especially when observing the black bib and gray crown of the male, which contrast with the more uniform tones of the female.
Though once abundant, house sparrow populations have declined in some areas, particularly in cities. Still, it remains a symbol of everyday wildlife—nearby, discreet, and deeply woven into the rhythms of our daily lives.