Wise Owl
White Faced Owl: “I have always loved owls, and especially love to paint their incredible eyes. For me as an artist it is capturing the light in the eyes that makes the subject come alive on canvas. Luke 11:34 says - 'Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light'.” SM
50cm x 50cm Oils on canvas
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Disturbed
Elephant and Doves: “When planning this painting, it brought to mind an incident that involved my husband while we were living and working on Fothergill Island, Kariba, in Zimbabwe. Our guests were often transported to and from the island by a float plane. On one particular occasion, my husband was taking guests down to the shoreline to meet the plane. I watched the Land Rover, laden with guests, disappear over a rise. Suddenly, there was a loud shout and frantic revving of a vehicle engine. The Land Rover reappeared, moving as fast as it could in reverse, closely followed by a charging, very upset elephant bull who didn't appreciate the vehicle or the people! He was making his point. Elephants do not like to be disturbed! Fortunately, he gave up the chase and disappeared into the bush, so no harm was done. This painting is a result of that memory." SM
90cm x 70cm Oils on canvas
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The First Rains
Elephant: "Having lived on the shore of Kariba in Zimbabwe for many years, most of my memories of those idyllic days are captured in my paintings,this is one such painting. If you have ever watched one of these gentle giants as they slowly amble along the shore of the lake after the first rain, you would have experienced, not only the wonder of these immense animals gliding effortlessly through the grass, but the added wonder of one of the most delightful scents that comes after the first rain on the hot earth." SM
100cm x 100cm Oils on canvas
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Quietly Watching
"Leopards are my favourite cat to paint. I am always so amazed at their beauty, incredible strength and their capacity to just melt into the bush. Years ago, whilst walking with my husband in the bush, in a gully in Kariba, I noticed a slight movement in the undergrowth near me on the edge of the path. I looked straight into the eyes of a young leopard; then before I could blink - it was gone. A moment never to be forgotten and always treasured. I feel this painting pays tribute to their beauty." SM
89cm x 71cm Oils on canvas
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Listening
Zebra: "Having lived within the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe for a number of years, zebras were a common sight and often we would see them grazing on the lake shores. This painting depicts their stillness as they listen and watch for any predators." SM
50cm x 50cm Oils on canvas
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Elegance
Giraffe: "I have always been fascinated by the incredible grace of these iconic creatures. Back in 2002/3, whilst still living on the family farm in Zimbabwe, I had the privilege of helping to decorate a lodge in the Lowveld. There were a number of giraffe in the private reserve. On one occasion, about six of them crossed the road in front of my car. l was able to observe them close up, towering above me! They ambled along; not in the least bit perturbed by my presence. Their 'elegance' is mesmerizing observed at such close quarters. And l felt that was a fitting title for this painting." SM
50cm x 60cm Oils on canvas
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Anticipation (White Breasted Sunbird)
"Whilst living in our cottage located on the lake shore of Kariba, Zimbabwe, I rescued a sunbird chick. Its nest had fallen out of the tree after a particularly strong wind. The little chick was almost ready to fly, but needed a few more days before that would happen. So we fed him insects. And although we would see his parents close by, they didn't try to feed him. Maybe they welcomed the break!! Each day we would put him on a wooden ledge on our verandah and feed him there. He would exercise his little wings, but made no attempt to fly. Finally, one day, we noticed his parents flying closer to him on the fence nearby. He hopped onto the fence and they came closer. He fluttered up the fence towards them. I was worried that he wasn't ready to fly, but throughout the morning his parents continued to encourage him. So he would again flutter up towards them. Finally, he flew away with them that afternoon. What a delightful experience it was! Since then I have had such a soft spot in my heart for sunbirds and love to paint them." SM
40cm x 40cm Oils on canvas
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