Featuring 30 works of art by Diana Madaras and 12 guest artists/photographers.
Watch the Video
The philanthropic show was the result of a chance meeting between Diana Madaras and Terry von Guilleaume, owner of Destination Southern Africa, a safari tour company which specializes in tailor-made trips to Africa. When Terry learned Diana had an animal foundation called Art for Animals, he knew they could do some good things together. Von Guilleaume offered to give Madaras a free safari, and Madaras agreed to donate the proceeds from the paintings that resulted from the trip. "I'm taking an opportunity to 'pay it forward' by donating to a South African sanctuary dedicated to preserving the awesome wild creatures of Africa and their habitat," said Madaras. In addition, proceeds from the show benefited an African AIDS orphanage and a community vegetable garden for school children, as well as two local organizations - Tucson's Reid Park Zoo and TROT's equine therapy program. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of original paintings were donated to these charities, $80,000 in all! The show took on a life of it's own and grew larger each week as well known wildlife artists such as Dino Paravano offered to donate paintings, as well. And finally, thanks to our show sponsors Cole and Jeannie Davis!
Below is a sampling of the art from the show, though not all of the pieces are shown here.
Title: Sister Act Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 6,500 Original Acrylic 24" x 30" Image size 32" x 38" Framed size SOLD
I took hundreds of photos of giraffes in the bush. What attracted me to this scene was the wonderful composition created by the juxtaposition of the two giraffe heads and necks; so long and gangly but at the same time, graceful and elegant. The give and take between positive and negative space made for a beautifully designed painting. Since these two giraffes were girls (they have fuzz on their horns unlike male giraffes who fight and rub off their fuzz), I named the piece "Sister Act" in honor of my sister, Sandy Levine, a television producer from New Jersey who also participated in this project by traveling to Africa to video the charities that will benefit from the show. Sandy also created an 8 minute video specifically for the African Sojourn which is airing in the Gallery today.
Title: Sweet Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 3,200 Original Acrylic 18" x 24" Image size 26" x 31 1/2" Framed size SOLD Sandibe, Botswana
Who could resist this face? The baboon seemed to stop to savor the moment before devouring the sacred fruit. The photo was taken by fellow traveler and friend, Cole Davis, and he kindly allowed me to use this reference for the painting.
Title: Splendor in the Grass Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 2,500 Original Acrylic 18" x 24" Image size 26" x 31 1/2" Framed size SOLD Leadwood, South Africa
I was fascinated by the unique and engaging faces of the Cape Buffalo, every one distinctly different from the other. Though aggressive at times, this herd was quiet and calm on the day we stumbled upon them, and our presence was certainly not going to interfere with the grass eating on this particular morning.
Title: African Queen Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 7,000 Original Acrylic 24" x 30" Image size SOLD Leadwood, South Africa
Citing this magnificent female leopard was a rare and special occasion and amazingly, she was one of the first animals we saw on safari. As soon as I took her photo, I knew she'd be one of the 10 subjects I'd choose to paint from the more than 4,000 photos taken on the trip. The light and shadow on her eyes were a painter's dream.
Title: Communion Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 2,500 Original Acrylic 18" x 24" Image size 25 1/2" x 31 1/2" Framed size SOLD
I wasn't sure how I would paint a rhino until I was given this photo by Dr. Charles Hackenbrock who then agreed to let me use it as a painting reference. The rhino's heavy head and thick neck which slump towards the ground are perfectly balanced by the lightness of the ethereal bird about to fly from his back. The symbiosis created between the two is heavenly.
Title: Baby on Board Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 8,500 Original Acrylic 30" x 40" Image size 39" x 48 1/2" Framed size Chobe, Botswana
This mother and baby stole my heart as they slowly meandered across the sandbar in the water flats of the Chobe River. The contrast between the color of the elephants and the water and vegetation, as well as the endearing connection between the mom and baby, made this painting exciting for me.
Title: Grazing Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 6,500 Original Acrylic 24" x 30" Image size 32" x 38" Framed size SOLD Phinda, South Africa
Zebras have always been one of my favorite animals and I felt so lucky to finally see them roaming in their natural environment. Their stripes protect them from predators since the predator perceives the whole herd as a single entity when one striped body blends into another.
The painting, Grazing, celebrates the meshing of striped bodies and the beautiful geometric designs created by one zebra melding into the other.
Title: Mom and the Twins Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 8,500 Original Acrylic 30" x 40" Image size 48" x 37 1/2" Framed size SOLD Phinda, South Africa
Watching the mother cheetah and her offspring made for one of the most memorable game drives of the trip. We tracked the family for a good part of the morning, then followed them quietly until they came to rest on a termite hill. We sat for hours watching the youngsters playing; mom ever alert for impending danger. Fortunately, she determined we did not pose a threat. The cheetah faces were truly an irresistible painting subject.
Title: The Bull Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 16,000 Original Acrylic 48" x 60" Image size Phinda, South Africa
I always leave the largest painting of a show for last (no logic behind this--just the way it is) and The Bull is the largest painting I've tackled to date. The painting size pays tribute to enormity of this incredible African inhabitant. Coming upon this animal in the wild is literally breath-taking and the elephants at Phinda were larger than any others we encountered. At night, the elephants came into our camp to graze but stepped so gingerly on the fallen branches that we barely sensed their presence. I loved the contrast between the intimidating size and stance of this guy, and the soulful gentle look in his eye.
Title: Kudu Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 1,500 Original Watercolor 12" x 16" Image size 25 1/2" x 29 1/2" Framed size SOLD
Title: Cheetah Artist: Diana Madaras Price: $ 1,500 Original Watercolor 12" x 16" Image size 25 1/2" x 29 1/2" Framed size
Title: Princess Aurora Photographer: Miro M. Tymosiak Price: $ 725 Framed Giclee 30" x 40" Image size 39" x 49" Framed size
Title: Impala at Sunset Artist: Dino Paravano, Master Wildlife Artist Price: $ 5,000 Pastel 14" x 20" Image size
