Drawn to Africa

September 05, 2017David McEown

In July I had the opportunity to paint and experience a slice of Africa. It will take awhile to process the immense wildlife diversity and the richness in possible compositions for larger paintings. It was very moving to be in the presence of rhinos, elephants and lions to name just a few animals plus have time to sketch and ponder their behaviour , power and precarious existence in this age of habitat loss and the threat of poaching.

I am in gratitude for the parks , reserves , photo safaris and conservation groups that are working so hard and with often great sacrifice to protect these amazing animals and habitats. Many thanks to Pangolin Photo Safaris , Jacki’s House at Sabi Sand , Madikwe Safari Lodge and our dear friends in South Africa for guiding and teaching us so much about Africa!

Posted here are a few drawings and paintings plus a 5 minute video of encounters with the wildlife of Chobe National Park in Botswana, as well as Midikwe and Sabi Sand Game reserves plus Kruger National Park in South Africa . (Also with a side trip to Victoria falls in Zimbabwe) More paintings from Africa will be posted on the Africa page of this website.

African Elephant study n. 1

David sketching on location

White Rhino

African Elephant at sunset

David sketching on location

Lion study n.1

categories Africa, Botswana, Travel, Safari, Landscape painting, en plein air, Wildlife
tags en plein air, Watercolor, drawing, elephant, lion, rhino

In Svalbard Ice

September 05, 2017David McEown

While recently painting studies of the sea ice north of Svalbard on an ice strengthened research vessel we encountered Minke and Blue whales as well as Polar Bears hunting for seals. Here are recent videos from the voyage as well as paintings completed on location. More paintings from Svalbard and other dynamic locations in the arctic are posted on my the Arctic page.

Many thanks to the team at One Ocean Expeditions for guiding us there. I look forward to be on the team next summer as part of the "Art in the Arctic" trips" . There is still availabilty for those that may want to paint or draw in the arctic plus brush up on photographic skills!