The Curve

A charcoal and pastel rendition of a Hartmann's Zebra.

I have just completed a six weeks "residency" in Central Namibia, just a stone's throw away from the very famous Sossusvlei. It is a landscape of stupendous proportions with vistas that just stretch out before your eyes and seemingly go on forever. However, it is a harsh landscape, one where water is extremely scarce and grass even scarcer. The Hartmann's zebra, a mountain zebra, has made its home in this unforgiving land. Their numbers have dwindled over the centuries as they have been hunted down for their uniquely striped skins and only around 20 000 exist in a relatively confined area. Although there is some control now, and hunting cannot take place without a permit, the animals are the most skittish I have come across in years.  They see you coming for miles and getting close is quite an art.

I was extremely lucky that on the farm Schlesien, where I stayed and worked, there is a small hide and waterhole and with some careful planning, stealth and early morning starts, I was able to get close enough for some fabulous studies of these fierce creatures. Here is just one of the close up images I was able to capture.

I loved how the mane frames the curve of the neck and the back is emphasized by the unique pattern of the stripes.

Shipping for this unframed artwork is FREE to any destination in the world if you purchase it directly from my website. Just send me an email to [email protected]. 

Finalist in the Africa Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024