The ungainly gnu earned the Afrikaans name wildebeest, or “wild beast”. This was due to the menacing appearance presented by its large head, shaggy mane, pointed beard, and sharp, curved horns. In fact, the wildebeest is better described as a reliable source of food for the truly menacing predators of the Serengeti savanna: lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas.
The gnu (pronounced “g-new” or simply “new”) is a member of the antelope family. However, its heavy build and disproportionately large forequarters make it look more bovine. Their habitat comprises the grassy plains and open woodlands of central, southern, and eastern Africa, particularly the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya. They travel in large herds and are active day and night, grazing constantly.
Their spectacular northward migration in search of greener pastures is dictated by weather patterns, but usually takes place in May or June. It is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, involving up to 1.5 million wildebeests as well as hundreds of thousands of other animals, including zebra and gazelle.
Pixels: 3991 x 2944 pixels (33.6 MP)
Image Size: 40 x 29.5 inches (100 dpi)
Format: PDF (2.5 MB)
Price: €15.30
Behind the Canvas
Serengeti Grasslands is a recent painting, though I had already been planning it for a couple of years. In this piece I am returning to intricate and dramatic sky patterns, contrasting against the peaceful unperturbed progress of the migrating wildebeest.
This is another large-format painting – over 3 feet wide. I’ve not yet had the time to get the painting framed: This will be the first of 3 paintings using an African theme and colors, so all 3 frames will be made to match.
About Serengeti Grasslands
Downloadable large-format PDF image scanned from Elena’s original oil painting. This is a large PDF, ideally suited for printing on canvas. A 2.75 inch (7 cm) ‘Museum style’ white margin is added to each side of the picture to allow for stretching/mounting. After completing the payment process, you will immediately receive a download link for your picture.
