Giraffe Calf Julius is Struggling to Survive as He is Being Painted (update-just passed)
First off, I can’t tell you how shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of the baby Giraffe Calf Julius that was recently born at the Maryland Zoo. I just found out about it minutes ago today, July 15, 2017. As I type this, I have a pit in my stomach, chills and a tear in the corner of my eye. So I’m asking for prayers for this sweet little calf. Here is the latest news http://www.marylandzoo.org/2017/07/maryland-zoo-provides-support-newborn-giraffe/.
How Giraffe Calf Julius Relates to My Painting
Rest assured, I am not the type to create paintings of recently passed celebrities or tragic cases such as Ceasar the lion. For me, it never felt right to use that as a public relations focus. It just so happened that recently I found the most beautiful baby Giraffe Calf with it’s Mommy photo from the talented Christina Hoy.
Since painting The Rising Soul Giraffe, I’ve been looking for a Mother and baby Giraffe to paint. After searching and searching, I happened to find Christina’s beautiful image. Upon contacting her, she kindly gave me permission to paint from her photo.
Painting Julius and Mom Kelsi-The Mix up
When the news was released yesterday of giraffe Calf Julius’ declining health then later passing, I was positive it was the giraffe I was painting. After all, sweet Julius was at the Maryland Zoo, the same place the photographer Christina Hoy took the photo.
I’ve been working on the giraffe calf painting the past week or two and it is almost near completion. Oddly enough, the calf’s face detail is one of the final portions I was working with. For some reason, maybe because it is smaller, I was struggling with it. Could it be I had a connection to the little giraffes struggles? Well, here come the goose bumps again.
Update: Christina Hoy, who lives near the Maryland Zoo, contacted me tonight and told me it is not the same Giraffe. Although I felt relief in the fact that I would not be sad finishing the painting, I am still sad for baby Julius. I had no idea so many Giraffes were being born, After doing some research, there has been a big poaching problem threatening the giraffe species, so I believe this may be a conservation effort.
Watch The Willow Calf and Mom Juma Painting Process
My plan is to finish these sweeties this week. I’ve actually recorded much of the painting process, but haven’t stitched the videos together yet to post to my YouTube account. Meanwhile, below is a fun little glimpse from Google Photo Assistant. The unrelated photo was randomly picked when Google put together a video of closely related events. This photo is my late grandfather from WWII that the new Markay Gallery was so kind to display.
Name Suggestions Please
My plan is to finish this painting by the end of the weekend. I’m looking for a name, so please comment with any suggestions. This painting of Julius the Giraffe calf and it’s Mother Kesi is a medium size, measuring 16 x 20 inches by 3/4 inch deep with painted sides.
Donations for Julius
Due to his struggles, I’m planning to donate some of the proceeds of this painting to the Maryland Zoo. I’m open to suggestions, so feel free to comment. Please help spread the news and say a prayer, or send positive thoughts and healing energies for little Julius.
Update, baby Julius just died . I’m feeling very sad.
Written by Tina A Stoffel,
www.TinasFineArts.com
