Thinking back

Sunday morning doodles, 

thinking back on Gauteng landscapes.

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Silence is beautiful

Winter reminds us that everyone and everything needs some quiet time. 

If you listen carefully, the silence is beautiful.

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Panthera pardus

 

Watercolour pencils on Amadeo 200gsm

Not only is the Leopard powerful, graceful and arguably one of the most beautiful of all the large cats and a master of stealth and survival, it seems she can teach us a thing or two about relaxing!

Here a Leopard (Panthera pardus) relaxes after a successful hunt. Did you know that leopard spots are called rosettes? Leopards are secretive, solitary animals and also the smallest of all the big cats.

The road West

W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm with a couple of ink scribbles

Taking the road West from us and going from Rustenburg towards Botswana, the landscape suddenly changes from bushveld to a somewhat dry and arid landscape, especially in winter, when everything turns to lovely yellow and brown hues.

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The Foal That Never Grew

W&N Watercolour om Bockingford 300gsm

I stand before the early dawn
Alone with my thoughts before the morn’
Remembering the night when all was dark
Not even the sound of a lonely dogs bark
When three of us in a stable small
Tried in vain to assist, the night before
A brave little mother who gave her all
To give life to her first born.

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I remember the pleasure that turned to pain
Reflected in the eyes of your loving master
As he tried again and again
Working faster and faster coaxing your heart
Hoping and praying that you won’t depart
He took one last deep breath, blew into your nose
Only to discover your beautiful eyes were closed.

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If horses become angels
And I’m sure they do
You’ll know that you are one of the few
To be touched by loving hands
Who had great plans for you
Race on little foal, across your golden sands
And as your free spirit soars high into the sky
Your master bids you farewell, and a last goodbye.

--Sue Eggersglusz

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