Sassy Sue

Fixed with secure hardware and a strong picture hanging cord.
This painting can be placed in a bright room, with minimal glare on the painting from reflections and overhead lighting
See the difference
I use as high permanence quality pigments to ensure their colour-fast durability over time.
Backing paper, tape and the ultra-deep ivory mount are all archival quality.

A statement piece!
Framed in a great style.
Bespoke burnt sienna velvety wood frame.
The eyes have it!

The story…

A tall slim painting showing what looks like a young sprightly elephant wondering whether or not to trust you. I love creating stories around my paintings. I feel Sassy Sue is actually trying not to be naughty and wants you to see her best side in her watermelon colours.

My use of colour here was to express the character of this elephant. The pinks to represent her femininity and inherent playfulness, and magenta, the deep maternal bond for which elephants are so admired. I have also used flashes of mustard yellow which, to me, represents young life and confidence. You know I keep the eyes as realistic as possible, those small small eyes. An elephant’s eyes are shrouded in long wiry eyelashes to shield them for the dusting-down with dirt which they use to cool themselves. The eyes, nestled among many creases and wrinkles, are nevertheless alert and wary. Here, many undercoats of yellow and ochre have been overlayed with soft pinks and magenta, with flashes of cherry red coming through the transparency. (Yes, there is a word ‘overlayed’.)

An elephant’s trunk has 150,000 muscle bundles, strong but agile. I hope you notice the detail in the trunk and head compared with the less defined understated bulk of its torso and legs.

I also deliberately understated the tusks as by doing this it scorns the overemphasis placed on their material value.

Follow the journey of this painting…

Do you like the sunset colours over Buckinghamshire?

I feel a deep contentment when I paint these wild animals. The video is the work of my uncomplaining husband. (Actually uncomplaining only some of the time.)

Payment equals cost of the painting plus shipping.

So it really does depend on your location. I either deliver it personally if I can or use my reliable courier which has served me well for years. Delivery is free within the London area or if collected by you.

Contact me for a quote if you would like a guesstimate before purchasing the artwork. Delivery will be by tracked courier and charged at cost. Shipping is within 5 working days but delivery to you will vary from 1 to 2 weeks.

US and International customers can pay in their local currency using Stripe or Paypal or direct bank transfer.