Endangered Wildlife
Giraffes have joined my last two exhibits and I cannot think of being without them now. These gentle giants are experiencing a 40% decline in population. They stabilize the ecosystem. The tallest mammals on earth, giraffes eat leaves and shoots located higher than other animals can reach, seeking out acacia trees in sub-Saharan Africa. Often female hunters seem to target these beautiful creatures - this is not a fair sport!
Above is Snuggling, 11 x 14, framed.
Above is Snuggling, 11 x 14, framed.
I love ELELPHANTS! The painting above, "Sisterly Love" is a recent effort, 16 x 20 framed. The more I learn about them, the more my concerns extend to the silent and beautiful giraffes, to the magnificent lions, to the Asian elephants, and the Orangutans of South East Asia. What can I do to engage your passion with my passion? There is no end to the tragedy that is befalling wildlife around our World! And this also includes the Orcas, the Sharks, the beautiful exotic birds. But I cannot do it all - the bits that I can do have me focussing on the animals which are included here on this page.
This watercolour above on the right, Mom's Love, 16 x 20 framed, was donated as a door prize at our recent NSAG show in Park and Tilford Gardens. But it caught the eye of another passionate person who commissioned me to paint a second similar to it as a gift for his wife! This is truly what I love to do!
This watercolour above on the right, Mom's Love, 16 x 20 framed, was donated as a door prize at our recent NSAG show in Park and Tilford Gardens. But it caught the eye of another passionate person who commissioned me to paint a second similar to it as a gift for his wife! This is truly what I love to do!
I have done a series of small paintings that are suitable for a child's room. The baby elephant on the right was the first of this series. These are all framed in white with a white mat and are priced reasonably. This one which is sold, is called "Elephants are Golden".
African Treasures, 16 x 20, framed to 18 x 24, available
African Jewels, Treasured Orphans, 16 x 20, framed to 18 x 24, donated.
The gestation period for elephants is 22 months. Not very often, elephants have twins. Motherhood for elephants is aided by the herd of "aunties" who quietly surround the mother as she gives birth and who then continue to assist in the care of the babies. Baby elephants need their families - it is so upsetting that Zimbabwe has recently kidnapped 37 babies and sent 30 to China. This is probably a death knell for the babies who are milk dependent for at least four years and who will grieve the loss of family for the rest of their lives. Elephants do not forget!
Mom's Loving Trunk, 11 x 14, framed.
More Giraffes and other wonderful animals
Orangutans
Above the adorable Orangutan Orphan, Huggable, is only 11 x 14 inches in acrylic (SOLD, hurray!!!). He is facing extinction in South East Asia because of the burning of his habitat for Palm Oil plantations or for timber projects. The plan is to raise and rehabilitate these little guys so that they can learn to move about in a forest canopy, socialize, build nests, forage and then be released into a protected forest. Reserving that land costs millions of dollars as well as the rescue and rehab of these babies. Look at his sad eyes and consider adopting an orangutan for $100 CDN -go to orangutancanada.ca.
LIONS: The beautiful male lion below is one that I painted on the day we heard that Xanda, son of Cecil, who was previously slaughtered by an American trophy hunter, was lured out of a reserve and killed by another US trophy hunter. Xanda left three lionesses and eight cubs who had depended on him for survival. And so, that painting is called "Remembering Cecil", watercolour, framed size 16 x 20. This is my personal favourite in this collection, and while Cecil is not for sale, I could do another one similar for you!
LIONS: The beautiful male lion below is one that I painted on the day we heard that Xanda, son of Cecil, who was previously slaughtered by an American trophy hunter, was lured out of a reserve and killed by another US trophy hunter. Xanda left three lionesses and eight cubs who had depended on him for survival. And so, that painting is called "Remembering Cecil", watercolour, framed size 16 x 20. This is my personal favourite in this collection, and while Cecil is not for sale, I could do another one similar for you!
"Remembering Cecil" , watercolour, framed size 16 x 20, black frame with gold rim, not for sale
Twiggy, the Giraffe, is not for sale. Twiggy was a giraffe who lived at the Toronto Zoo and was a well-known character.
An Ivory Free Canada! Did you know that Canada still allows the import of ivory? Shocking, I hope. Please google #IvoryFreeCanada to find out more!
Mud Bath, Watercolour, 20 inches x 24 inches, (NFS) unframed size
(With thanks to photographer Mike Dexter of South Africa for permission to use his picture)
(With thanks to photographer Mike Dexter of South Africa for permission to use his picture)
Canada was one of only 4 countries in the world at the 2016 IUCN Wild Conservation Congress to oppose the closure of domestic ivory markets across the globe! Advocates were heart-broken! Elephanatics, a BC advocacy organization, led the work to petition the Canadian government to ban the import of elephant ivory. Since its inception, the movement has been joined by the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos-Toronto, Humane Society International-Canada and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. At recent count, almost 700,000 people have signed this petition. We await action on this by the current Canadian Parliament - please let your MP know your position on this vital issue; we are told that this issue is "under consultation", but so far, we still await action. Use the buttons above to connect with more information.
I have sold or donated more than 40 elephant paintings now and that has allowed me to give a nice donation to elephant charities. Of the sold paintings, one was a commission that was similar to the painting seen here. I am willing to do a special painting for you - please just contact me at thomas.susan49@gmail.com. Know that everytime you pay me for a painting of elephants (or any wildlife), I make a donation to support elephants, giraffes, lions and orangutans.
We think we are enlightened, but, while there are lots of wonderful things happening for elephants and rhinos in the way of funding, Botswana is leading the way of several countries in Africa and is joined by Thailand in stepping away from the Ban on trophy hunting of elephants and so the poaching figures are also sky-rocketing! A Travesty! The deterrents - the burning of ivory, apprehension of poachers- are good things, but the job is immense and we who are advocates and those who are on the front lines need all the help possible. Remember that this is not just about elephants and rhinos, it is about the danger that exists for all who are around these animals. Rangers lose their lives, as well. And most of the money raised by selling Ivory and killing elephants comes from Asia and hunters in the USA.
And, for those of you who support schools for children in Africa (which I also do), note that the money made through selling illegal ivory ends up in the hands of the terrorists in Africa - the Lords Army and the Boka Haram which then turn around and massacre children and women. So it is all connected to evil! Closing down the illegal ivory trade will close down the biggest money maker for the terrorists and save the elephants and rhinos. I am primarily concerned about the African situation, but I am also very much involved with the issue of violence towards animals in Asia. We are in the midst of the Sixth Great Extinction!
I have sold or donated more than 40 elephant paintings now and that has allowed me to give a nice donation to elephant charities. Of the sold paintings, one was a commission that was similar to the painting seen here. I am willing to do a special painting for you - please just contact me at thomas.susan49@gmail.com. Know that everytime you pay me for a painting of elephants (or any wildlife), I make a donation to support elephants, giraffes, lions and orangutans.
We think we are enlightened, but, while there are lots of wonderful things happening for elephants and rhinos in the way of funding, Botswana is leading the way of several countries in Africa and is joined by Thailand in stepping away from the Ban on trophy hunting of elephants and so the poaching figures are also sky-rocketing! A Travesty! The deterrents - the burning of ivory, apprehension of poachers- are good things, but the job is immense and we who are advocates and those who are on the front lines need all the help possible. Remember that this is not just about elephants and rhinos, it is about the danger that exists for all who are around these animals. Rangers lose their lives, as well. And most of the money raised by selling Ivory and killing elephants comes from Asia and hunters in the USA.
And, for those of you who support schools for children in Africa (which I also do), note that the money made through selling illegal ivory ends up in the hands of the terrorists in Africa - the Lords Army and the Boka Haram which then turn around and massacre children and women. So it is all connected to evil! Closing down the illegal ivory trade will close down the biggest money maker for the terrorists and save the elephants and rhinos. I am primarily concerned about the African situation, but I am also very much involved with the issue of violence towards animals in Asia. We are in the midst of the Sixth Great Extinction!
Cecil Standing,
Watercolour on Paper, framed
Sold
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Elephant Dream, watercolour on paper, 15 x 22 inches
Elephant Dream
Watercolour on Paper
15 x 22 inches
Framed
sold
Watercolour on Paper
15 x 22 inches
Framed
sold
Immense Thirst
Acrylic on Canvas
12 x 24 inches
For further information about my paintings or this project, please contact me at thomas.susan49@gmail.com.