Crystal Spider

Gouache on mixed media paper. Completed 26/10/2024⁣

Deep in the crystal forest, Arianell picks more pearls from the sticky spider web for her shop. A shadow flickers and she spins with a gasp. But she only sees the canopy of leaves swaying in the meagre haze of sunlight. When she returns to her task, she chokes on a scream. A huge body, covered in dank, dark fur is perched on the mound of crystals, with many long arms embracing them covetously.
The depthless eyes of the spider graze her skin like sloshing, inky waves. ‘I do hope you’re just browsing,’ it says with a voice that sounds like claws scratching at tree bark. Arianell looks at the crystals in her basket and gingerly removes them, trying her best to hide her flushing face.
The spider’s jaws twist into a shape resembling a smile. ‘Good. Seeing as you’re clearly so fascinated by my wares, let’s get down to business.’

This is the third piece in a little side series I’ve been adding to occasionally. Halloween seemed the perfect time to revisit it.