Wildlife Sketches

Back to the drawing board

David Dancey-Wood — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:35:04 GMT

It has been quite a while since I last made an entry on this blog, I must admit it is not because I have been rushed off of my feet, more of a case for giving myself a bit if time. Time is now drifting by and I really need to get back in the swing of things and start to sink my teeth into some new drawings.

First off I need to tackle a new picture of Charlie the famous rehabilitated chimp from Monkey World in Dorset and from Monkey Life on channel five. The last picture I drew of Charlie was relieved very well, particularly by Jim who had it hung on his office wall at his home. It upsets me knowing he won't be around to see anymore of my new drawings but know I have to continue, he would be furious if I didn't.

Recently I have become aware that the original Charlie print has become highly collectible, and they are very hard to get hold. We still have a sample copy of the print on the wall of the gift shop at Monkey World and it is almost the case that not a day goes by without someone requesting to purchase it. With this in mind I know it is definitely time to tackle another portrait of this wonderful character.

So for those of you waiting for a new one, watch this space it won't be long and I hope you won't be disappointed. It has a lot to live up to as my last portrait of him was one of my favorite drawings I have done, so much so I used it to illustrate the cover of my biog 'Pencils Patience and Primates'.

'Charlie' 1st print - Released 2005 (sold out)

New Giraffe Calf at Marwell Zoo.

Wildlife Sketches — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:50:36 GMT

On the 23rd of May 2008 Marwell Zoo announced the birth of a female giraffe calf at the zoo in Hampshire, England.

The new calf was born on the 14th May, and has been named Christa after her father. She measured in at 6 ft WoW!

"Christa’s arrival has taken a long time as giraffes are pregnant for around 15 months. The keepers kept a close eye on mum, Matilda during her pregnancy and were delighted to be able to watch the new baby being born without any problems.

Matilda is a very successful mum, Christa is her fifth calf. Her youngest son, Taharqa, can also be seen in the family herd at Marwell. Matilda and Christa can be seen in the giraffe house or out on the hard stand in fine weather together". Marwell Zoo Website.

To read more about this story please visit the Marwell Web Site:
http://www.marwell.org.uk/Christa.asp

Marwell Zoological Park is owned and run by Marwell Preservation Trust, a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats both locally and internationally. The Zoological Park in Hampshire is open daily from 10am.

And there are some great webcams on their site:
http://www.marwell.org.uk/marwell/interactive_zone/webcams.asp

Vince De Luca.

"Safe and Secure" African Elephants by David Dancey-Wood 2005

Wildlife Sketches — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:57:20 GMT

"Safe and Secure" 2005

African Elephants by David Dancey-Wood.

This is a limited edition of just 295 prints, signed and numbered by David.
The print size is 350mm x 268mm.

This image is a lovely moment when the baby is so young that he is dwarfed by his mother, and yet you get the feeling that he is so safe and secure where he is.

I love this image. You can sense the motherliness and the sense that the baby feels secure where it is.
Elephants are beautiful! They really are very caring for their families. Which is obviously due to their groups being led by a matriarch.

To order any of David's prints please click below:

WWF Alarm!

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:39:39 GMT

The WWF announces 25% drop in World Biodiversity in the last 35 years!

The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) announced that their Living Planet Index, which tracks some 4000 species, shows an overall fall in population trends of 27% between 1970 and 2005.

"With nations set to gather in Bonn next week for the latest meeting of the Convention of Biological Diversity – an international treaty that aims to sustain the diversity of life on Earth – WWF's report shows that governments are not on track to meet their target to achieve by 2010 a 'significant' reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss."

"While nature continues to decline, WWF research from 2006 concluded that we are now globally consuming about 25% more natural resources than the planet can replace in each year. In the UK alone, we are generating carbon emissions and consuming natural resources at such a rate that we would need three planets to support us. WWF believes this highlights the need for us all to move to a one planet future."

"…it is alarming that despite an increased awareness of environmental issues we continue to see a downward trend."

Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK

These are truly alarming statistics, it's absolutely ridiculous that we continue to destroy the other species and habitat that we share this planet with.
I am very concerned, as we all must be, because this is the only planet we have. Where will we go if we continue in our progress of destruction, disregard and disrespect of our world and all it's species?
Eventually, we will cause our own demise, and I fear that time is running out FAST!

We are the only creatures on this planet that can save it! For all our sakes, lets not waste any time or opportunity to sort out this mess. Our very existence depends on it. Vince De Luca.

To read the full article, please visit: http://www.wwf.org.uk/news/n_0000005089.asp

The WWF have started a One Planet Campaign. To get everyone to live as we have too in order to save our world and all it's species, including ourselves, and our futures.
Please follow the link here to read about it:
http://www.wwf.org.uk/oneplanet/ophome.asp

Rare White Moose

Wildlife Sketches — Sat, 24 May 2008 11:06:22 GMT

Here is another set of amazing images that my son in Canada has sent me!

These images are of a very rare White Moose. The photo's were taken in British Columbia, Canada.

Moose at Montney Coolie B.C.
This is just outside of Ft St John. Photographer is anon.

In this image you'd miss the moose if you just glanced.

Now we see you!

This moose is quite large compared to the others nearby.

I was under the impression that moose are quite difficult to spot at the best of times!
This moose just blends into the winter environment. The photographer must have had a tip off!

Oh dear! We've been spotted.

Wow! these are great images. I hope you enjoyed them too.

Vince De Luca.

Please Help Burma

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:31:36 GMT

Like so many of you I turned on the news at the weekend and was horrified to observe and listen to the awful news of what has happened in Burma. After the events of recent months Burma has been in the news quite often and unfortunately always for humanitarian reasons. It is almost unbelievable that these poor people on top of it all have been subjected to such a gargantuan natural disaster. I have never actually been into Burma more often than not because of the political reasons and humanitarian groups worldwide have strongly discouraged all forms of tourism here. Having spent a lot of time in Thailand I have had many encounters with Burmese people and I must say they are wonderful people with a very rich culture.

If you do want to help The Disaster Emergency Committee are now accepting donations, they guarantee the money will go directly to help the people that need it most.
Tel 0870 60 60 900 http://www.dec.org.uk/

The show goes on

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:40:41 GMT

After months of build up for my most recent exhibition, the opening has now come and gone and without any hiccups thankfully. For those of you lucky enough to attend I would like to say thank you and it was nice to see some new faces and catch up with some old ones. If any of you would have liked to have come but were unable, don't worry the show will be staying up for another few weeks, and all are welcome.
It is always nice to work with new galleries as it is always a new experience for me. Every gallery works in a completely different way, with Iona House it was nice to see them working as a solid family team. The gallery is run by three sisters all of whom have various strengths and they all have a genuine passion for art and their gallery. They gave a superb warm welcome to all who came through their doors.
What always amazes me at any show is the reaction to my art and which piece will turn a out to be the favorite. I always have in the back of my mind a notion to which picture I consider to be the strongest and most popular. This always turns out to be far from reality with the most popular picture being the one I would have least suspected. It turns out that Kudus are the flavor of the month at the moment with so many of you complementing me on my new kudu study 'The magnificent seven'.
Anyone who came along on Saturday will appreciate that there is nothing like going to an exhibition and seeing at first hand the original pictures of your favorite artists with a nice glass of bubbly in your hand. It is a shame that in this age of technology so many decide that art can be viewed of an evening from an armchair on the internet. I cannot be over critical of this as I am expecting you to read what I have written here today. All I can do is encourage those of you who are contemplating a future trip to an exhibition to take the plunge. Whether it be to one of my shows, another artist or even the national gallery, I promise you that you will be more than rewarded with the opportunity of viewing original artwork up close.
I suppose it is now time for me to catch up on a few of those commissions and to start a new collection of work for my next exhibition.
Speak to you soon,

David

kicking back thinking of the great outdoors

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:41:55 GMT

Now that I have completed the work for my forthcoming show I normally allow myself a few days of composure before getting back to it. During the summer this would normally mean a bit of quality time in my wonderful tropical garden. Unfortunately the weather being the way it is, I have to find other ways to entertain myself at this time of the year.
Whatever time of the year it is, I always get hunger pangs for travel to far off destinations and escaping somewhere quiet, remote and wild. Sometimes Dartmoor is the ideal place for this if I don't have a lot of time and need to stay local but thats for another entry for another time.
I managed the other night to combine two of my loves in one evening, the great outdoors and a fine film. I escaped into the wonderful new film directed by Sean Penn 'Into the Wild', for anyone who hasn't seen this, but dreams of escaping back into nature, it is a must. It is a very haunting film and it certainly stirred my desires for such an adventure, I won't spoil too much but it shows how often enough, it is not as easy as it looks, to escape and be happy.
For those of you interested after all these polar bear entries I shall hopefully be releasing a new polar bear print later in the year. So many of you went wild over the new picture of a PB asleep it would be mean to keep it from you.

David

"Sleepy" Brown Bear Cub 2003 by David Dancey-Wood

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:42:17 GMT

"Sleepy" 2003

Print size 252mm x 240mm

Edition of 495 prints, signed and numbered by David Dancey-Wood.

Sleepy is a beautiful image of a bear cub. and very popular with everyone.

I really like this drawing because "Sleepy" looks like he's either calling to his mum, or just yawning, and that's really cute.
He also looks like he's still a bit unsteady on his feet, and that is what you'd expect from a cub I think. So, all in all, David has managed to capture a great moment in this Bears life, and he catches the essence of the young cub in this lovely picture.

To purchase any of David's prints either email us or visit our website:

sales@wildlife-sketches.com

Vince De Luca.

"Polar Prince" Polar Bear 2002 by David Dancey-Wood

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:43:51 GMT

Polar Prince, 2002

Print size 331mm x 345mm
Edition of 495 prints, signed and numbered by David Dancey-Wood.

Polar bears, says David, are almost the perfect predators of the Artic. Despite their creamy white appearance, they actually have translucent fur with black skin. Amazing, but it is actually the reflections of the sun that give them their perfect camouflage. They appear white at midday, then their fur appears to change as the sun goes down. David goes on though, that despite this little known fact, "it doesn't help when you try to draw them with grey pencils on white paper".

David adds "Ever since I saw those miserable images of the pacing Polar Bear at a zoo when I was a child, I knew it was right to make sure my drawings were showing these animals where they belong, in the Wild!"

To order a one of these stunning Limited Edition Prints please email me or visit my site:

sales@wildlife-sketches.com

Vince De Luca.

When Bears get too close to human towns!!!!!!!

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:42:38 GMT

You might not be aware, but there are still some remaining Bears in the Central Europe, Italy, Switzerland and there abouts. But for how much longer?

I read this story in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
Their article is in Italian, but if you'd like to read it click:
http://www.repubblica.it/2007/06/sezioni/ambiente/orsa-jurka/abbattuto-jj3/abbattuto-jj3.html

                                             JJ3
Berne Zoo (Switzerland) had offered to give this bear a home, but the Swiss Federal Authorities had maintained that the bear, known as JJ3, had become too dangerous to allow to continue to roam around the villages in the Canton of Grigioni.

JJ3 had followed the the same destiny as his half brother Bruno: he too had been killed because he had become too dangerous for man.


                                                 Germania, abbattuto 'Bruno'
L'orso Jj1 ucciso in Baviera" src="http://www.repubblica.it/2006/05/sezioni/scienza_e_tecnologia/orso-germania/orso-abbattuto/afp_8391351_14350.jpg" width=200>Bruno

Yesterday it was the turn of JJ3.

Jurka, the mother of both these bears, had herself cause some alarm previously, by getting to close to human settlements and their animals (chickens) and ski resorts. She had not been aggressive, just that she had become to comfortable in human areas.
The past year Jurka has been in roaming in an enclosed area in the Trento area of northern Italy. She was captured on the 28th of June 2007. Jurka was sedated with a dart, and moved to the penned in area, which is surrounded by an electrified fence.
                                           Trentino, Jurka torna in cattività
catturata l'orsa indisciplinata" src="http://www.repubblica.it/2007/06/sezioni/ambiente/orsa-jurka/orsa-jurka/este_613106_53210.jpg" width=280>Jurka
Jurka was examined and found to be in good health and weighing 130kg. She has been moved temporarily to try an area where she will be very removed from any humans in order to return her to the wild in the future.
Jurka has also been fitted with a radio collar to monitor her movements.

It seems that at the moment the population of bears in the Trentino region numbers just 20-25 examples, with 13 cubs noted in the past seven years. The trend is positive so it looks hopeful for Bears in Central Europe, Italy in particular.

Some Good News in the end then.

Vince De Luca.

Polar Bear Visit!!!

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:05:22 GMT

My son sent me this story and images. They are absolutely amazing!

The story is about a Polar Bear that visited some tied up Sled Dogs in Canada.
The images were shot by Norbert Rosing in the wilds of Hudson Bay.

So now you know where it happened, let's look at the images.

Ok, so one day, the photographer was watching his Husky sleg dogs, which were tied up, when!

Now that's Scarry!

He thought he'd loose all his dogs.

Things were looking very serious!

However, fortunately, it was a well fed Polar Bear. Phewwwww!

Looked like he was just out for some fun!

These images are fantastic! They really capture the fun side of these animals, and yet they don't diminish the immense power of the Polar Bear. He seems to be reveling in the play.

They both seem so comfortable with this meeting. And it is really lovely to see. Wonderful how gentle the Polar Bear plays with the Husky.

In this image the Husky looks quite unworried even though the Polar Bear looks like he has him in his jaws.

This final image is my favorite, just chilling out!

Now apparently the Polar Bear came back every night that week to play with the Huskies.

I hope you enjoy these incredible images.

Vince De Luca.

D Day approaching fast

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:43:43 GMT

For those of you keeping tabs on this blog or even on my work you will be aware that the exhibition dates for my next show are nearly upon us. For me this is a strange time, I have nearly completed the work but I am confused as I feel there is still much more to do. More than often it is the nitty gritty stuff that has to be sorted now, the finances, invitations and travel. For once I must admit that being part of a managed show of several artists at a gallery most has been taken care of, it's a big relief.
I am delighted by the results of my new collection for this show, which will be entirely African, it includes animals as diverse as Bat Eared Foxes to Maasai Giraffes. If you get chance and if you are in the part of the world drop in and take a look, Woodstock is a beautiful Cotswold village. I will be there signing books on the opening Saturday but if you prefer it quieter you might want to wait until mid week but don't grumble if the picture you fall in love with has been sold.
Other artists taking part in this show of Africa include John Botham, Jan Coutts, Theodore Gillick, Emily Lamb and Nichola Theakston. The styles of the artists are both diverse and popular, there is definitely something for all tastes.
The show starts on Saturday 26th April and runs for approximately one month. The gallery is 'Iona House Gallery' Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
I hope to see you there.

David.

Penguins in Flight

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:45:38 GMT

For anyone who is passionate about wildlife no doubt like me they will never seize to be amazed by the constant flow of new footage and astonishing facts still being unearthed even today in this age of information. This was particularly brought to my attention with the trailer for a new programme by ex monty Python funny man and filmmaker Terry Jones, for the BBC about penguins.
I was amazed when I first saw this film clip which shows for the first time penguins in flight. The quite ungraceful rounded bodies of the Gentoo penguins leaving the ice for South America in search o food is almost hard to believe. When I first set eyes upon it I thought it was new computer generated imagery tricks and in places I still wonder. For those of you who have no idea what I am on about or would like to see it for themselves log on to http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/epeng001.shtml?src=ip_potpw you will not be disappointed.

April fool!!!

The end is nearly in sight

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:46:34 GMT

As some of you are probably aware I am currently getting together a collection of new pictures for a forthcoming show in April. There comes a time when you have to lay down your pencils and know that what you have done is finished. I believe this is one of the most important skills an artist can own, knowing when to walk away. Having said this it doesn't make it any easier as I am still looking at pictures from years ago spotting mistakes and areas I wish I had spent more time upon. This anguish of handing my current pictures over to my framer is what is presently playing on my mind. I often stay awake at night thinking of tiny areas of detail or shading that may have been enhanced if only I had more time.
By this point you're probably thinking, this guy needs to get out more. In fact, if you are thinking this you are probably very close to the truth, this is exactly what is needed after weeks and weeks of intense work. Walking away for a small time of a few days can be like a magic tonic to an artist, it can shine a very bright light on all the areas that are truly in need of attention.
Never mind, They are finished now and there is nothing more I can do, maybe the best thing is just to not look at them anymore (if only it were this simple).

Rare White Killer Whale Spotted

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:06:42 GMT

I saw a video about this online, then I found this article:

"Anchorage, Alaska, March 7, 2008 A white killer whale was recently spotted in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, sending researchers and their ship's crew scrambling for cameras." http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news

What an amazing creature!

Apparently not actually an albino whale, says biologist John Durban. But still very rare.

"A mythical creature" according to La Repubblica, the Italian National Newspaper.

"There have only been two other verified sitings of these rare examples of marine mammals, not however supported by photographs: in 1993 in the Berings Sea around St Lawrence Island and in 2001 near to Adak also in the archipelago of the Aleutian islands.
The Killer Whale (Orca) photographed february 23 was found in a group along with 12 others Orcas." La Repubblica. http://tv.repubblica.it/home_page.php?playmode=player&cont_id=18172

"Amur Leopard" By David Dancey-Wood 2001

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:09:05 GMT

"Amur Leopard"
Siberian or Amur Leopard 2001.
Print size 324mm x 270mm.
Edition of 495 prints signed and numbered by David Dancey-Wood.

Amur Leopard

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The critically endangered Amur Leopard
(Panthera pardus orientalis or Panthera pardus amurensis) is possibly the
rarest subspecies of leopard in the world with estimates of between
25 to 34 known individuals remaining in the wild.

Its common name comes from the Amur River; other common
names for this subspecies are "Far East Leopard"
and the "Siberian Leopard".

While the Amur Leopard inhabits the same area as the Siberian Tiger,
it has received far less attention from the media and from charities.
The Amur leopard is the rarest of all the big cats, and is in immediate danger
of becoming extinct in the wild. It is suffering from habitat loss and
is especially vulnerable to natural disasters, such as fire, because of
extensive habitat fragmentation.
Amur Leopards prefer to live in forested territory, but most of its
remaining territory is surrounded by farms and villages,
making poaching easier.

Russian plans to build an oil pipeline through the last remaining habitat of
the Amur leopard were recently redirected to a safer route after
pressure from the WWF and other environmental organizations.

A Population Management Plan has been established for
this subspecies of leopard.
The PMP is a cooperative effort among zoos and
other captive-animal facilities to monitor the status and plan breeding
of the current captive population.

On April 16, 2007 a female was shot and killed by hunters, leaving
only six females left in the wild.
A 14 week old Amur leopard made her public debut
at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, England on 28 February 2008.

Physiology

^{The Amur Leopard is differentiated from the ten other living subspecies of}^leopard^{by
its longer fur, which is an}^adaptation^{for the cold, harsh conditions of the}^taiga^{.
The fur of the Amur Leopard is golden orange and about 2.5}^cm^{long during the summer.
During the winter, the fur grows to around 7}^cm^{, when it also lightens to
a pale cream colour. Its coat has larger and more widely spaced rosettes than
other leopards".}Info from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
^{.....................................................................................................................................}^{For further information please email:}^{info@wildlife-sketches.com}

^{To purchase one of the Amur Leopard Prints please click below}

Rare Leopard birth raises hopes for species on brink of extinction

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:10:19 GMT

You may have already heard about the new arrival at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, England?

Well here is the article on the Marwell website announcing the birth of a very rare Amur Leopard Cub.

"We are celebrating the birth of an endangered Amur leopard. With less than 35 remaining in the wild, Amur leopards are one of the rarest big cats in the world.

The female cub was born on the 18th November 2007 as part of a European conservation breeding programme to help save the species from extinction." Marwell Zoo Home page. http://www.marwell.org.uk/

"Marwell’s resident Research Programme Manager, Heidi Mitchell is carrying out work to better understand big cat reproduction in captivity and believes that the extremely small wild population size makes the species vulnerable for two reasons: “Such a small wild population means that the species is extremely vulnerable to “catastrophes” such as fire or disease. Secondly, inbreeding also threatens their viability as this can lead to genetic problems including reduced fertility”

Heidi continues: “Because of these risks to the current wild leopards, planning is under way for an ambitious project to reintroduce these big cats to the wild to form a second population in an area that was formerly part of their natural range.”

Sarah Christie of the Zoological Society of London, species co-ordinator for the Amur leopard European breeding programme, adds: “As well as breeding for reintroduction, zoos in Europe and America are funding vital antipoaching, firefighting, education and survey work. There is no question that without zoo support, the Amur leopard would be a lot worse off than it is today.”

The cub is available to adopt. She costs £50 to adopt, adopters will receive a certificate with a picture of an Amur leopard, an animal fact sheet, 1 admission ticket to the park, a copy of Marwell News and their name will be featured on our adoptions 'Thank You' board for everyone to see!

The cub was born to Marwell’s resident adults, Mum, Ascha and Dad, Akin." http://www.marwell.org.uk/

See all of Marwells Latest News stories

If you visit the Marwell website you can vote to choose the new leopards name.

She looks lovely and amazingly the photo from the Marwell Site shows her sitting in much the same way as David Dancey-Woods drawing of an Amur Leopard. See our blog article "Amur Leopard". Vince De Luca.

A rant and a rave in the day of an artist.

David Dancey-Wood — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:38:48 GMT

I have been drawing constantly for weeks now, trying to get ready for my next exhibition. The days are long and tiresome, not to mention that the need for constant concentration it's extremely exhausting.

I thought I might add this little entry because of what someone recently said to me. In fact it wasn't just them that said it, it is something that is repeatedly asked of me at exhibitions or any general meet and greet. This statement in question is 'You are so lucky to be doing what you are doing' or 'how exciting'.

If the reality be known they could not be further from the truth. It is not that I am complaining, far from it, I love what I do, and I admit I am fortunate, it's not everyone who gets to be a professional wildlife artist. Luck does play a part for any artist but this must never be mistaken for hard work, that is the real reason anyone gets to achieve even a moderation of success. What I am referring to by the meaning of 'the reality of the situation' is what it is like as a working artist in the cold light of day. Often you can go for very long periods without seeing people, You work alone everyday, there is no doubt of the loneliness that comes with this job. The hours are very long, working on pictures for shows is time consuming and when there are deadlines this makes the pressure even harder, forcing work to carry on long into the night for weeks on end. The consolation for most artists, when in this situation, is that they are very driven people with goals to achieve and when in the full flow of artistic inspiration there is little that can be done to distract.

Of course you might think, 'but what about the travel?'. Yes this is a nice perk of the job, jetting off to exotic locations in search of my subjects. but this is balanced by the post trip blues that will last for months on end being imprisoned in my studio in solitude, churning out work constantly, ever anticipating the next adventure.
There is also the constant nagging that to make money, you must stay commercial, not drawing what you really want and the worry that perhaps what you have done will not be accepted and even worse will not sell.

How easy it would be to disappear into a job where I could mix with other friendly faces on a daily basis, work sensible hours with evenings and weekends free.

Now that I've got that off my chest, I can honestly tell you I wouldn't swap what I do for anything in the world. Giving up seeing the beautiful sights I have been fortunate enough to observe first hand and even better having a skill that enables me to at least put something back, it would be bordering on criminal.
But most of all, thank you, to everyone that has supported me over the years. David Dancey-Wood.

"Admiration" Hippopotamus by David Dancey-Wood 2004

Wildlife Sketches — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:11:58 GMT

"Admiration"

Print size 268mm x 375mm
Edition of 495 prints, signed and numbered by David Dancey-Wood.

"This was a commission for a very supportive client whose wife adores hippos. Not normally one to take on specific commissions, I was quite nervous to be drawing the animal, which was someone's passion.
Overcompensating for my fear that I might not have fulfilled the brief, I strived extra hard to make sure my finished result would be my ultimate hippo picture.
To this day I am still pleased with this picture, particularly the scarred skin on the side of the bull." Pencils, Patience and Primates. David Dancey-Wood 2007.

For more information please email me at: info@wildlife-sketches.com

To purchase this print please click below