Awakening

by Maria Arias · Houten, NL

An elephant standing against a breathtaking African sunset outlined by warm hues. The elephant symbolizes strength, expressing that we are powerful and everything we seek is already inside us. We need to view ourselves with reverence. It is heartbreaking that only 50,000 elephants remain in the wild, classifying the species as endangered. I once met an elephant up close—she lived with a donkey because elephants are not meant to be alone. They love companionship and will do anything to protect their friends. Isn’t that beautiful? Jury report “Painting of the year 2024” Almost a photograph, but just barely. The artist understands well how to translate a photograph into a painting. With lots of different techniques. Wonderful how the cool colours stand out against the warm background. It must not have been an easy job to paint the folds of skin. It looks convincing. Light and dark are important in this work. Nothing is too light and nothing is too dark. The pleasure with which this work has been created splashes off the board. It calls for many more beautiful works, carefully painted like this elephant. Keep up the good work.