Blue Elephant

This lively watercolor depicts an African elephant striding confidently through the landscape. Rendered in loose, expressive lines and delicate shades of blue, ochre, and pink, the animal appears both monumental and wonderfully playful. Its oversized ears, sweeping trunk, and long tusks lend the image a subtle touch of humor. Sketchy black contours emphasize the spontaneity of the drawing, while loosely suggested areas of color evoke the surrounding landscape. Fritz gave me the work for my 17th birthday, as indicated by the handwritten dedication, because he knew how much I loved the picture. It has accompanied me throughout my life ever since.