Glorious 12 (Red Grouse) by Jasper Leadbeater

Medium

Mixed media on spent shotgun cartridges

Dimensions

H56cm x W70cm x D7cm

Description

A bold contemporary portrayal of a red grouse, this piece celebrates the energy and heritage of the Glorious Twelfth.

Notes

This composition captures the characterful stance of the grouse with confident use of layered stencil work and spray-applied detail, creating a strong sense of texture and movement within the subject. The bird is set against a meticulously arranged field of spent shotgun cartridges, forming a structured backdrop that contrasts with the organic form of the animal. Leadbeater has an interest in reframing a thing often associated with force, alike to shotgun shells, and here he has beautifully contrasted that force with the soft feathered textures of a grouse in flight. The reclaimed materials are both a sustainable medium and one imbued with countryside sporting heritage, while the choice to position a game bird atop shows an appreciation for the create so often associated with the sport.

About Jasper Leadbeater

Jasper Leadbeater is a self-taught artist whose early passion for fine art and drawing developed into a successful career built on detailed pencil commissions. His curiosity and environmental awareness led him to experiment with spent shotgun shells as an unconventional canvas, forming the foundation of a distinctive and recognisable style. Drawing inspiration from the countryside, his work brings together traditional country pursuits with a contemporary approach to animal portraiture, using intricately hand-drawn and hand-cut stencils combined with spray paint.

Through continued experimentation, his focus has evolved towards capturing the beauty of the animal kingdom, particularly within Highland settings, resulting in work that feels both modern and deeply connected to the natural world. Browse all our Jasper Leadbeater pieces.