Michael • 13 • Tipperary

12-15 Category   •  2026
This felted artwork shows a group of penguins standing in front of a blue background made of layered wool. The piece was created using needle felting, a process that involves repeatedly pressing wool fibers together to form shapes and textures. I chose this medium because it allows for soft edges and visible texture, which suits the subject matter. The background is made up of different shades of blue to represent water and sky. These areas blend into each other rather than being clearly separated. Light-colored wool is used to form clouds, which add contrast and help balance the composition. The colors are kept simple to keep the focus on the overall scene rather than small details. The penguins are placed along the bottom of the artwork in a single group. Their shapes are simplified, with black and white bodies and small orange details for their beaks and feet. The felting process is slow and requires careful layering of wool. This allowed me to build depth through texture rather than line or shading. Uneven surfaces and soft outlines are part of the medium and were left visible instead of corrected. I chose this because I thought of a conversation I had with my father because he pronounces penguin as pengwing Overall, this artwork focuses on colour, texture, and composition. It uses simple forms and materials to create a clear scene while showing the physical qualities of needle felting as an art process.