King of Sandibe- Canvas

King of Sandibe— My favorite painting! This was the first of ten paintings in the African Sojourn series in 2007 that raised $80,000 for three African charities and two in Tucson. Destination Southern Africa sent me on an amazing three week safari to gather the photographic references. When I returned, I chose to paint “The King” first. I started the painting with the premise that there would be pink in his mane and just let the rest happen. The painting literally flowed from me as I was so full of joy and excitement from this magical safari.

— Diana Madaras