Dog Portraits   Cat Portraits   Horse Portraits   Gift Store    Site Map

African Wildlife Art Paintings & Drawings
This original colored pencil drawing  is available. To enquire or commission a custom wildlife painting or drawing from your photo, image or picture, please contact the artist.
A word about the drawing: During a trip in 2005, I had the opportunity to photograph zoo animals for future reference for my wildlife artwork. This impressive rhino was standing a mere few feet away from me, and all that stood between us was a meager wire fence. He stood there quietly, with a seemingly unexpressive gaze, as if patiently hoping for the chance that the next passerby would throw a tid-bit of food his way.  As I stared in awe from behind the fence at this mighty creature, it  reminded me of a documentary I had seen about saving  rhinos from extinction by relocating wild populations inside a fenced game reserve or sanctuary. As a result, I created "Behind Enemy Lines" in  the hope to remind the viewer about the plight of the world's rhinos and to raise awareness for the need for conservation.
Current Work in Progress-view the step by step creation of this portrait by visiting the work in progress link on the left navigation bar.
White Rhinoceros Drawing
"Behind Enemy Lines"-White Rhino original colored pencil drawing
approx. size of unframed drawing:12" x 19"
-The artist's  depiction of a white rhinoceros living on a game reserve in Africa, peering through a wire fence designed to keep rhinos in the park and away from poachers. Sadly, this may be the only way to save the world's five endangered species of rhinoceros.
An Endangered Species: The African white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is a relatively long lived animal capable of reaching 50 years of age in captivity. It is the second largest land mammal after the African elephant. This beautiful beast is the least endangered of all the rhino species, numbering close to 11,000 individuals. Despite this fact, all rhino species are highly endangered due to constant pressure from poachers who fetch a mighty dollar for rhino horns.  For centuries, Asians have used powdered rhino horn as a medicine which they believe could cure everything from fevers and nose bleeds to measles, diphtheria, and food poisoning. The powdered horn is also used as an aphrodisiac and is believed to help retain the vigor of youth. Rhino horns are also carved into dagger handles and are carried as a status symbol in some Middle Eastern countries.