In African Skies

When I was in Africa volunteering on the rhino operation with AWARE Trust. One of my most memorable moments was flying in the helicopter over an incredible landscape. Immediately my mind goes to those beautiful panoramic shots on BBC Planet Earth. From above, the wild that is Africa, takes a totally different personal view. My time was spent inside one of the four wheel drive trucks pursuing the rhino after it was darted by the wildlife vets. But the time I had in the air was incredible. I thought I would share some of these moments.

In the first photo below if you look closely, a female ostrich protects its nest. About 40 minutes before I took this pic, the rhino, we were perusing was heading straight to the nest. But to our surprise motherhood kicked in and the female ostrich stood her ground. In front of a charging rhino! The rhino went around and continued running to evade us.

I've also included one of the videos that we shot at the bottom of this page. Enjoy the summer. Get outdoors and create!

Manu

  Rhino Operation with AWARE Trust Video Link  

The AWARE Trust

I thought I would take the time and introduce the great organization I am volunteering at in Zimbabwe. AWARE is the only veterinary conservation trust in Zimbabwe run by veterinarians, focusing on the welfare of wildlife and conservation of wildlife habitats.  The Trust provides expert veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to sick or injured ownerless wild animals on a pro bono basis, especially where these animals have suffered at the hand of man. This may include preventative treatment of wild animals at risk from disease, or pre-emptive rehabilitation of wild animals threatened by humans. 

Dr Lisa Marabini and Dr Keith Dutlow with Chief Ranger

In the lead are two great people whom I've  had the pleasure to work with, Dr Keith Dutlow and Dr Lisa Marabini.  They started AWARE Trust in 2004, the trustees were looking for independent funding to perform an important disease surveillance project. 

Keith is the Founder Trustee and Director of Operations, Keith was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1994 and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons by examination in 1996.

He has worked extensively in small animal and mixed practices in the UK, Australia and Zimbabwe. Dr Keith Dutlow's introduction

to wildlife work came through a job as an ostrich vet in Zimbabwe. In 2001, he took a record breaking 2026 ostriches by ship from Spain to Brazil. He has been working with other wildlife species, in particular lion, cheetah, elephant, rhino, buffalo, hyena and small felids since 2004.

Lisa is the other Founder Trustee and Director of Operations, she was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. She graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1998 and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons by examination in 1999. She has worked in small animal practices in Zimbabwe, Australia and the UK. Lisa has always been passionate about the conservation and welfare of wildlife. She obtained her private pilot’s license (PPL) for light aircraft in 1994 with a view to becoming a wildlife vet.

While I was there we had the privilege of working with Dr Erick Mutizhe and Dr Andy Garura, who are also wonderful vets that work for AWARE. I was there on an African Rhino Operation but they handles various projects.

Dr Andy Garura and Dr Erick Mutizhe

Dr Keith Dutlow removing horn and Dr Mutizhe monitoring vitals

Apart from seeing amazing scenery, animals and making new life long friends I was honored to take part in trying to help an animal that is in need of help. Help that we humans can offer. The hands on experience was incredible and Im hoping to take part next time this happens. If anything I hope that we have made a difference in the existence of the rhino. Here at Art Explorers, David Levy (VYLE), Thierry Doizon (barontieri), Kristy Tipton and myself (MANu)

Dr Lisa telling me. "Is that all the strength you got Manny?" :)

are all very passionate about what we do and how we can apply it to our other passions. The oceans, the forests our wildlife something that we all treasure and are thankful for everyday for who we are as people and as artists.

Baby Rhino being tagged and dehorned

Please visit awaretrust.org 

If you can donate, please do. If you have any questions send them my way. I hope you all are enjoying the African posts and promise more art exploring from digital brushes to tutorials! Feed your passions by going outside and creating!

Special thanks to Tracey and Chris Hugill, you guys are great! Team AWARE!! 

MANu 

Erick

Of all the rhinos that we dehorned, Erick is a memorable one. Let me tell you why. The day had been very successful tracking and finding all of the rhinos in the area. The rangers ha located all but one. His name is Erick. We had spotted him the day before hanging out with another rhino but he was not going to hang around. After all of the ruckus with the chopper and us capturing his buddy he split.

The search party separated into four different groups, including the chopper. We all searched the area where we last saw him and rangers told us where he liked to hang out but to no avail. The deadline to find Erick loomed over our heads. We had to find him or he would remained horned and in danger of being poached. The chopper is only allowed flight times up to a certain time in the day and that was getting close and our final day in that area. We all split up into different teams to try and better our chances of finding him. As we drove around the lake coast we picked up fishing nets that would pose a dangerous threats to wildlife. A small task but one that should not be avoided.

We just about gave up when the radio call came in that the rangers had found him. The call soon came in from the chopper that Dr. Keith Dutlow had darted him. We got the location and the race was on. The whole time Erick had been right near our camp and we were not really looking there. Smart chap! We spotted him, grabbed the oxygen and equipment and were quickly on foot. On this particular capture I was close to Dr. Dutlow rope in hand. Waiting instructions to come help push the rhino on its side if needed to.  Erick was not going to go down easy. He walked around darted, fighting the sedative and not giving up. He then turned around and charged. The animal handler, Antone, ran. I ran as well, very fast! I turned to see where the rhino was and where I needed to run too, but the sedative was starting to kick in. I cannot remember if Erick was given a second dart. What I do remember is my brother running thru some bushes that no one normally would have ran thru and the speed at which he did.  He thought like I did, if the animal wrangler runs, you better run too!

Wildlife Vet marking for dehorning

Dehorning in process, vitals being looked and checked as ranger spray with water to keep cool

Erick finally sat down and the team went to work. Tagged, blood samples taken and the dehorning all went smooth. Dr Lisa Maribini told everyone to start backing away as Erick was about to be given the reversal. Erick stood up, turned to look at us and walked away.

As the AWARE team drove away, Erick wandered into the bush and disappeared. Everything had gone well. All the rhinos in the area were finished and the feeling of accomplishment felt great. The drive back was not far at all, actually showing how close he was to camp. 

Back at camp, we unloaded and were getting ready for dinner. The sunsets are breathtaking near the body of water we were at, so I grabbed my sketchbook and headed toward the stone pier. The amount of birds was going to be be perfect to watch and sketch. As I sat down to draw, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. It was Erick! He was walking to the edge of the water and munching on some grass. He grazed for about five minutes and slowly walked towards me. I was not going to take any chances so I climbed up on a stone structure to make sure I had some protection just in case. He continued to walk forward but wasn't interested in me, there was just good grass where I was. He came very close and stopped. I grabbed a ballpoint pen and marker and sketched him. It was as if he knew he was modeling. A beautiful specimen of a rhino stood there still while I drew. It was unreal! He would go down get some grass and hit the pose. After I did the quick drawing he slowly walked away. A white winged friend even landed on his rear as he was walking away. The experience was surreal but one I will never forget. He disappeared into the bush as the night moved in. I hope I see you again soon Erick and that you will be left alone to enjoy the grass and the rest of your life. 

MANu

Erick posing for me. Thanks for the visit big man.

Video with Erick

Selfie with Erick before it was too close for comfort

On assignment for AWARE trust

We are settled in our thatched room lodges. The drive to our destination has been great. I sat in the back of one of the pick up trucks and enjoyed the views. Our wildlife vets and head of the team is Dr Keith Dutlow (I'm sure he's my long lost brother) and Dr Lisa Marabini. Instructions have been given and everyone has been given a responsibility and task. I would be the one painting on this operation :) We are told of the dangers we will face and the efficiency of teamwork. The vets will be in the air and three trucks will be the ground team. Rangers are there for protection and to help track. On this particular day we would be tracking and locating white rhinos. Rhinos are being poached at an incredible rate for their horns. Horns which consist of keratin. The same material found in hair and fingernails. In fact the rhino horn isn't even attached to the skull, it is pretty much made of a clump of super compressed hair. Not medicinal, not magical, just keratin. Those seeking the medicinal properties should in fact eat their own fingernails and hair! It'll match their own DNA much better. Leave the rhinos alone.

The group that I am working with is called the AWARE trust. The team of several vets lead by Keith and Lisa do incredible work throughout the country. We are accompanied by Anthony Newall who helps them and runs a lion park nearby. I'm a bit too excited to sleep. My brother and I want to wander into the bush with a flashlight but our gut says no. Probably a good thing. We lay down and enjoy the unfamiliar sounds of the night. I really wish I knew what I was listening too. 

Morning is up breakfast and ready to roll. Equipment is checked, teams depart and the tracking and location begins. Keith, Lisa and and incredible bush chopper pilot take the air. The truck convoy will carry the ground team and rangers.  The first rhino is spotted quickly and the operation begins. 

The care everyone shows is incredible. It's a horrible thing we have to do this to an animal that does not deserve this but it may be the only way. Every detail taken by every vet is keen. From oxygen to cooling the animal it must all be quick and precise. It reminded me of the crew at a formula race car pit. Quick and efficient. Horns are removed and blood samples taken. I think the painting of those numbers on the actual rhinos back is probably the most important painting I have ever done in my entire life. I hope one day my actual paint on a canvas or board will one day do the same for me of the feeling of importance. The entire crew picks up as the vet reverses the animals sedative. Dr Keith always remains behind making sure the animal is back on his feet and walking away. The rhino horn is microchipped and handed over to authorities. That's one rhino. We have quite a number to do. I'll report back soon. 

MANu

While in Africa

Hi all. I'm not sure how to begin this post.  I'm writing this from the bush in Africa and it's been a long day. A day that I am happy to partake in but also a day that makes me a bit confused and sad. I had my first on hands experience with an incredible group of wildlife vetenarians. On this assignment we are working with rhinos. Taking blood samples, DNA and dehorning. Its incredibly sad to me that we have to go to these extremes. These incredible animals are poached for their horns. These horns supposedly have medicinal properties. Not true. They're pretty much made out of the same thing our fingernails are made out of.  The experience has been incredible and eye opening. These animals do not deserve what is happening to them. They are just one of many species that are struggling. I always have hope.

Riding in the back of the truck enjoying the view. 

A very early art explorer. Hope we can follow in their footsteps. This is at a wonderful lion and cheetah park ran by a friend. One of the best things about trips like this is the bond and family that is formed. Great people who I will introduce to you all with time. My camera is filled with pictures and footage that I will share as soon as I can upload them. At the moment these are just phone pics. 

This is Erik. One of the last rhinos of that day. We had a hard time finding him in fact it was almost all day. It turned out he was near our camp all along.  After the vets were done with him he wandered closer our camp as he grazed.  I took advantage and grabbed my sketchbook. It was like he knew he was modeling. He came about 5 meters from me ate and then left. I ended up high on a rock as he got closer.  I drew the horn and felt sad that it's come to this so that they can live. I will report again soon. Internet is usually not available and warthogs are FAST! :)

MANu

Field Sketching

Hello and welcome!

I hope everyone has enjoyed the direction of our Art Explorers Blog. I am about to go on a pretty amazing trek and was resupplying my art bag and thought I would share what I carry as far as art supplies. These supplies are what I take with me to zoos, out on a hike, travel and it's always usually in my vehicle.

All of the things pictured above are packed inside an Oakley laptop bag that I've been using for years. I'm actually looking into a new bag that seems like it will work, but for now its the same bag.                                                              

The art supplies I carry are the following:

China Marker black and white. I used these years ago when I was animating traditionally and have been since. The big size of the lead stops the drawing of detail and one can focus on shape and mass. The white china marker I also use to highlight drawing on the brown paper I like to draw on.

Copic Markers:

I like to carry the earth tones and a grey marker to do quick gestures and layouts. I like to draw using just markers as well. The drawing of the cowgirl was from a horse clinic and was drawn using a marker. I can afterwards tighten my rough using a darker marker or a brush pen. I carry a couple of marker refills in my bag as well. Usually a grey and a sand color.

Caran d'Ache supra color soft water color pencil. I love these pencils. I usually use the white pencil to highlight on my marker drawings when I'm done.   

                                                 

Faber Castell brush pens. Any brush pen will do, I just like the variety of colors they carry. I actually do an alteration to the tips on most of them. I get my leatherman scissors and actually cut the brush tip to fray it. I like the variety I get in the line work. I like  to turn the pen as I draw and get a variety of lines or a repetitive pattern. I'll do a video tutorial soon and explain. The horse is an example of the lines one can get with this frayed tip. I do carry unfrayed ones as well :)

Bic Ballpoint Pen. Old reliable. Its waterproof, its very inexpensive, its fun and I've been doodling with these since high school.

Pentel Brush Pen. A great pen that I recommend playing with. Its brush tip is great for sketching and the variety of brush lines it can make is beautiful. The only downside is its not waterproof. I have refilled and experimented using different waterproof inks. The Rapidiograph ink seems to work the best and hasn't clogged yet. Unclogging these brushes can be a task so be careful if trying other inks in the tube. The lioness was drawn with the Pentel brush pen, the thick Copic marker and the handy correction fluid pen.
Correction fluid pens are great. My studio mate David Levy was responsible for the influence. I actually call the brand I use "the Levy White."

Pentel Waterbrush. This is great to carry and use with watercolor pencils and portable watercolor kits. I have also used them with a drop of ink in them and they're great. Just be aware and dont let the brush sit too long or it will clog and again not fun.

The water color kit I use is this Koi Kit by Sakura. A good variety of colors and Sakura is a reputable company. The colors are nice and bright. The kit opens up and has a thumb ring which helps one keep the watercolor palette easy to hold and handle.

Pencils of course. I try a variety and have been happy with Derwent so far. I found a company that makes "Cedar" natural pencils and Like them as well. ( They smell great ran thru an electric  sharpener.) Blackwing pencils of course are great. I also use Col Erase pencils, usually blue and crimson red.  Speaking of sharpeners heres what I recommend.

I found this KUM long point sharpener and like it a lot. Im weird that I love the lead to be out quite a bit, just my preference. That's the main reason my main sharpener is a knife. (The whittling technique can't be beaten) But this sharpener does do a good job.

And there's the Leatherman. Everybody should have one of these. I use the knife and file on it to help sharpen in the field all the time. The file is two sided and the rough file works great. This tool has helped me out millions of times but that's a different post. If your going to buy a multi tool spend the money on a good quality one, it is well worth it believe me. 

The Sign Pen. One of my favorite pens ever! If you have never drawn with one go get one!!! Pentel Sign Pen. My fellow Art Explorer, Thierry Doizon introduced it to me when we shared a studio together years ago. The feel of it on paper is great!  There is also a flexible tip one as well. Super flexible and can give you those great thick and thin lines. I prefer the original tip, looks a bit like rice soaked in black ink. The Rhino is drawn with the sign pen and brush pen shadows. Only downside. Not waterproof :( sigh!

The animal below is the reason for my upcoming journey. They are suffering in numbers due to them being slaughtered for their horns. Going on quite the "Art Explorers Adventure". I will keep all you posted on the journey and hope to post while there.  Thank you Cabelas and Kuhl for your awesome sponsorship!

Now its your turn! Tell us what you have in your Art packs!!! Any certain bag you like? Certain supplies? Any art packing secrets? Please share them with us! We are always looking for the perfect art bag between all of us we will find it!!!

Best to you all

MANu