When The Campers Are Away 

"When the Campers Are Away" is a humorous and satirical oil painting by Lucia Heffernan (b. 1966), featuring an anthropomorphic groundhog enjoying a leisurely picnic complete with a glass of wine and a cell phone call, seemingly taking advantage of the campers' absence. The painting's subject matter is sure to resonate with viewers who have ever found themselves daydreaming of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while also poking fun at our modern reliance on technology even in nature. The artist's masterful use of realism in portraying the groundhog and its surroundings creates a vivid and captivating scene that prompts contemplation on our relationships with nature and technology.