I just finished(although sometimes I go back in to alter) a new painting for my Safari Collection.  This time deviating from the big cats for a fun change , to a group of giraffes at sunset. If you notice there are actually 4 giraffes. Of course I had to make a statement so I have the largest one right up in your face. Giraffes eat mostly acacia tree leafs which contain most of the water they need but will drink gallons a day in addition.  A huge number of acacia trees in Africa have been altered in their appearance because of giraffes taking on more of a umbrella shape. They have an 18" tongue and a 4 chambered stomach. They also have the longest tail that grows up to 8 feet long. They also apparently have the highest blood pressure of any mammal on the planet.  Ancient Romans thought they were a cross between a leopard and a camel and the genus name was adapted from that believe  " camelopardalis" .  I hope you enjoy giraffes as much as I do and enjoy viewing this painting.  Until next time....

This post is dedicated to my latest painting with a featured Leopard.   To see information about this fine creature go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard   . I am thrilled to have created this portrait painting in a very short time of less than 8 hours. I started off with a black back ground of acrylic paint(it dries faster) and then created the entire leopard in acrylic as well. Then I went over the animal with oil paints to enhance its beauty and give it a more 3 dimensional look.  I have got a lot of great feed back from my friends on this piece so far and really appreciate their positive affirmations .  To see this painting and other works by myself(John Garland Tyson) go to www.tysonart.net .  I paint these and other animals in their environments so the viewer will appreciate nature and hopefully do all they can do to keep it thriving for generations to come.  Until the next painting.  Enjoy!!