The Sentinel Print

Inventory number: 201711001 Title: The Sentinel Size: 20”x20” Medium: Oil Support: 360g Gesso Canvas Date of production: 11/2017 Status: Ready to hang This Painting - On one of our many trips to the “Bush” to photograph wildlife, we encountered this Kudu cow. I am always impressed by the bravery of these large antelope and this cow showed the usual interest they have in us when we go into their habitat, but contrary to any of my other Kudu experiences, this cow seemed particularly unhappy with our presence. She did stand long enough to grant us a few photographs but soon bounded off influencing the others in her herd to follow. She may have been aware of a predator in the area and was on high alert. Kudu - Kudus have a narrow body with long legs, and their coats can range from brown/bluish grey to reddish brown. They possess between 4 and 12 vertical white stripes along their torso. The head tends to be darker in colour than the rest of the body, and exhibits a small white chevron which runs between the eyes. Bulls tend to be much larger than the cows, and vocalize much more. The bulls also have large manes running along their throats, and large horns with two and a half twists. This is one of the largest species of antelope. Bulls weigh 190–270 kg (420–600 lb), with a maximum of 315 kg (694 lb), and stand up to 160 cm (63 in) tall at the shoulder. Cows weigh 120–210 kg (260–460 lb) and stand as little as 100 cm (39 in) tall at the shoulder; they are hornless, without a beard or nose markings. Their habitat includes mixed scrub woodlands. They will occasionally venture onto plains only if there is a large abundance of bushes, but normally avoid such open areas to avoid becoming an easy target for their predators. Their diet consists of leaves, grass, shoots and occasionally tubers, roots and fruit (they are especially fond of oranges and tangerines). Females usually form small groups of 6-10 with their offspring, but sometimes they can form a herd up to 20 individuals. Male kudus may form small bachelor groups, but they are more commonly found as solitary and widely dispersed individuals. Solitary males will join the group of females and calves only during the mating season. I chose Oil on Stretched Canvas as this is my medium of choice. Oil is a versatile medium allowing for the creation of brilliant light and colour. Strong colour dominates my work so oil is an obvious choice. It is also the medium of quality art through the ages and because of its slow drying allows me to work detail. Oil also has good archival qualities and paintings done in oil, following good technical practices can last for generations to come honouring the buyer’s investment in my work. This painting is ready to hang, coated with a clear coat of Alkyd resin which provides a tough layer protecting the surface from minor bumps and scratches, cleaning efforts and minor temperature changes. The Alkyd also provides a semi satin finish with more gentle reflections than a gloss finish and more quality than a matt finish.

Print:Giclee on Canvas

Size:16 W x 16 H x 1.25 D in

Size with Frame:17.75 W x 17.75 H x 1.25 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.