Saturday, October 17, 2009

Mama Africa.

I tried something different the other day! This is a design in watercolours from my head. I wanted to portray numerous elements of Africa. The elements which brings this picture together are the cornerstone which strongly define this continent's balance in nature of Africa today. I brought components from the whole continent into the painting. A Zulu woman from Southern Africa (Mama Africa), the landscape in the painting is more that of arid, harsh, sweltering north Africa. The animals represent the prominent wildlife which are found in parts of Africa.

The (African) lady with a zebra pattern on her clothing is representational of the people of Africa. She is the balance between nature and man. The elephant and seed pod with foliage are the symbols of nature which live in harmony. Below the trees on the top left, are the roots which anchor the elements firmly in the African soil. The arid landscape depicts the decay of nature, emphasizing the need to preserve what we have or it will be destroyed, hence the dead tree and Buffalo skull.


It's not very visible on the screen... but in the bottom right of the painting is a tiny dung beetle rolling his dung ball to it's nest! :)

4 comments:

Susan said...

Debbie, this is superb! Love all the little details added to showcase Africa in it. Really a great piece of artwork!

Do you mind if I also promote your art on Facebook?

Debbie said...

Oh wow Susan, thank you! I'm honoured by your interest in my work. I loved doing this piece as it is a bit different to the work I normally do!

JANE MINTER said...

debbie you should be thrilled with this ...it's a wonderful piece , hope you do more ...

Debbie said...

Thank you Jane... There are elements of this painting that I'm happy with.....