Artwork Description

This is an archival quality print (ink on paper) developed from my original graphite drawing. The work, titled My Life for an Ivory Trinket, depicts a large, bull elephant sauntering toward the viewer.

I drew the work from a licensed photograph captured by the South African photographer, Johan Swanepoel. The photograph was captured in Etosha National Park in Namibia.

The original drawing required 1,800-hours to complete. In the work, I strove to capture the essence of the elephant’s being by accentuating those features that reveal the enchanting nature of his existence. In this way, I attempt to convey the mighty aura of his presence to a viewer who may never see an elephant in the wild. I want the viewer to feel the full substance of his being, so that they may appreciate his animate life more than the inanimate, inutile trinket that he may be killed to produce.

Artwork Background & Techniques

In this work, my goal was to capture every detail as accurately as possible. I wanted the location of every wrinkle and fold to be precise, and the proportions of all elements to one another to be near perfect. To achieve this, I selected and measured recognizable features in the original drawing, and then used a scaling factor to determine precise locations on the paper on which I was drawing. As I placed the points, I would freehand the lines between them. With the lines (i.e., wrinkles) in place, I would freehand the texture, trying as best I could to accurately draw the true shapes of the skin as depicted in magnified sections of the original photograph. Texture is a major element of this work, and something that I strove to accentuate by capturing and intensifying every little detail. Rather than drawing form, texture, and highlights and shadows together, I chose to lay down form and texture first, and to address highlights and shadows in subsequent passes. In my mind, this approach models the natural characteristics of light more accurately.

Using scientific software and basic scientific sampling techniques, I have been able to accurately estimate the number of shapes that I have drawn in forming the texture of the skin. That number is ~205,100.

Series Description

An estimated 27,000 African elephants are killed each year to feed the illicit trade in ivory. In the early 20th century, the total population may have numbered 3-5 million. The current population is estimated at 415,428 ± 20,111 wild individuals across 37 African countries. The African elephant is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). While the African elephant is not at immediate risk of extinction, there is growing concern as poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, and human-elephant conflict threaten regional populations across Africa. To learn more, please visit my About Elephants page.

Drawings for Africa (DFA) is a series of large, mixed media works of African wildlife. Artistically, I strive to capture the essence of the animals depicted, while accentuating those features that make them so beautiful and so captivating. Socially, I hope to foster a greater appreciation for African wildlife within the audience, so that they may recognize the magnitude of what we stand to lose if we do not curb the poaching epidemic, minimize habitat loss, and resolve human wildlife conflict. I want to inspire people to push through barriers of indifference and passivity to act in ways that promote the well-being of these animals.

For the viewer who feels no shame in purchasing ivory, rhino horn, or leopard pelts, I want them to see that a natural world teeming with a diversity of wildlife is far more magnificent than a home filled with lifeless trinkets. For the viewer who has never seen these creatures in the wild and struggles to relate to their suffering, I want them to discover the grandeur of their existence, and feel impelled to spread the word of their situation, or make a donation to improve their condition. And for the viewer who feels nothing when the last of a species vanishes forever, I hope that as they peer into my art, a connection forms between the animal depicted and the empathy of their own heart.

My long-term goal is to reel people away from the destructive madness of the material world. There is a connection between the depredation of wild places and the deterioration of human physical and mental well-being in modern society. I believe that the salvation of human health lies in restoring the beauty and integrity of all elements of the natural world. As such, there is every reason to protect the environment. Environmental protection begins with the resurrection of the connection between human and non-human life. Fostering this connection is the ultimate purpose of Drawings for Africa.

Print Sizes & Editions

Limited Edition

• Limited Edition (68″ H x 48″ W paper): Limited edition, 25 prints
• Unique (sizes variable, paper): 15 prints
• Hors de Commerce (68″ H x 48″ W paper): 3 prints
• Artist’s Proof (68″ H x 48″ W paper): 3 prints*
• Printer’s Proof (68″ H x 48″ W paper): 1 prints
• Limited Edition (60″ H x 40″ W wood panel): 10 prints

Open Edition

The open edition print run is unlimited. Sizes are variable, but do not exceed 40″ H x 30″ W. They are developed on a variety of substrates including paper and wood panels. Open edition prints are not signed, nor are they numbered.

* I retain the right to develop up to three artist’s proofs at each size printed and each substrate developed upon.

Framing Information

Proper framing enhances the visual appeal of the artwork, and preserves its value for future generations. Framing is recommended for the conservation of your work.

Currently, I only offer unframed prints. If you are considering buying a print and would like to learn more about framing options, please contact me at chris@chrismuhlart.com.

Shipping Information

Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of your artwork. If you have requested a framed work , please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Please note that damage by the shipping company in transit is out of my control. However, if damage does occur, I am happy to work with you to resolve the issue. Damage in transit is relatively rare.

Return Policy

As my prints are made to order, all of my prints are final sale and non-returnable. I guarantee the quality of my prints, so if your order was shipped with a defect, please contact me at chris@chrismuhlart.com. Please see the Exchanges and Returns section of my Buyer’s Guide for details.

Certificate of Authenticity

All limited edition prints are accompanied by a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity to maintain the integrity of each print.

Additional Information

If you have any questions, please contact me at chris@chrismuhlart.com. Alternatively, you can reach out to me via my contact page.

Together we can make a difference

Your purchase enables me to put my art to work for the causes that I believe in. With every artwork sold, I make a donation to a charity devoted to a meaningful cause.

For the DFA series, 10% of all sales go to charities working to protect African wildlife.