AHURU

"AHURU"    On a trip to the Republic of Kenya in East Africa, I was thrilled to have opportunities for some amazing rhino photographs.  They are fascinating and incredible looking mammals and I knew I wanted to paint one.   Back at home and hoping to get a few more close-up shots before I put brush to canvas, I went to a nearby wildlife sanctuary that had two adult rhinos, each weighing about two ton. They roamed around in a securely fenced, forested pasture.   With camera in hand I sheltered myself behind a tree, held out an apple and tried to get the younger one, AHURU, (which means FREEDOM in Swahili) to come a little closer.    The apple definitely peaked his interest and he tentatively eased his way toward the tree.   His brother, however, did NOT want the apple... nor did he want me in the pasture and made it clear by chasing me around the tree a couple times.  The last time Ahuru reached out for the apple, the older brother snorted, stamped his feet, made a small charging motion, at Ahuru, not me, and then turned and walked off down the hill.  Ahuru watched his brother going away, looked back longingly at the apple and then turned and trotted after him.  With my new, wonderful, close-up photos however, the paint brush immediately went to canvas.  To this day, the Ahuru painting is my wife's favorite.  

The painting is 48”x 36”, oil on canvas with a gallery wrap.