Saturday, March 6, 2010

Impala's Soul

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
~Herb Caen~


Animals are wonderful to paint... not only do they show character and expression, love and energy but they have the ability to creep into the hearts of all that know them. 

The juvenile Impala that were prounching and pronking around at Jejane Nature Reserve were a delight to watch. We were in hysterics at their antics, I just had to capture these lovely graceful little creatures with my camera. The Impala are very common in South African Game Reserves and are often overlooked as they seem to be grazing around every corner and hill. One starts becoming complacent every time we see them. It's such a shame! We take it for granted as we know there are more herds over the next rise and just drive straight past them.   Meanwhile, they have the most wonderful markings and colouring and have gorgeous big eyes, I think that's where the expression 'doe eyed' comes from........ I also love this quote........


An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~ Martin Buber

I did a watercolour of a male ram I captured as he looked on, totally bemused by his offspring's 'race day'. This expression was a delight to paint...... hope you love his expression too!
 Male Impala


This is the study sketch I did to get his colouring...
 







6 comments:

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Nice one Debbie, and I like the quote too.

Debbie said...

Hi Carol... Thanks for stopping by!

Melissa Fischer said...

WOW!!!!!!! You did this fellow beautifully, Debbie!

martinealison said...

Hi Debbie,
Sorry if my english is bad but i wanted to tell you i like very much your next painting and i'm happy to read you. You talk with a lot of pleasure about what you see. I don't know your country but with your description i think to know a little and with you eyes. Thank you. Kisses

martinealison said...

Hi Debbie,
Sorry if my english is bad but i wanted to tell you i like very much your next painting and i'm happy to read you. You talk with a lot of pleasure about what you see. I don't know your country but with your description i think to know a little and with you eyes. Thank you. Kisses

Debbie said...

Hi Martine Alison.

You English is fine and I do understand what you are saying, pity I didn't do French at school.... a bit late now!!!!!

I'm so happy you like reading the stories behind my paintings, and am happy to share the wonderful sites of South Africa with friends afar.

Hopefully one day you will be able to visit.
Thanks for stopping by!

xx