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....

Hi all. Just wanted to share with you my latest painting, the first of a group of big cat paintings inspired by my dear friend Joanne who loves "big" cats. This painting's environment was created totally out of my head, remembering different Discovery channel African landscapes. The Cheetah design was from a photo I took when I went to the San Diego wildlife preserve/zoo in southern Ca.  Cheetah's are the fasted animal on the planet sprinting upwards of 70 miles per hour. They can survive drinking only once every 3 days which works out good with the  sometimes crazy dry conditions they endure in Africa. Their young sometimes hang around with them up to 2years . They have no predators except Man and lions. As a predator, you would have to see them first which is really hard to do with their great camouflage and by the time you did see them, they would be gone so fast , why bother.... I have no idea which big cat will be next featured in my art. I will just grab the brush and see what shows up.  take care and until next time    ENJOY~~