“Stripes in Harmony & Tranquility”
The Journey of Creating the Largest Zebra Painting by Ilse de Villiers
The Beginning of a New Journey
The excitement of starting a new painting is unmatched, especially when the canvas is as large as this one. Measuring 270cm (106”) wide and stretching over 300cm (close to 120”) when framed, this is the largest zebra painting I have ever attempted in my 20+ years as a professional wildlife artist.
My Inspiration for this large Zebra painting.
I draw my inspiration from my life experiences, which give me fresh ideas and motivate my creativity. My numerous visits to the Kruger National Park, have had a significant influence on my zebra paintings. Close encounters with zebras have enabled me to study in detail their stripes, facial features, mannerisms and body movements.
This ambitious project was inspired by an enthusiastic South African couple who challenged me to stretch my boundaries, and now, I am proud to add this painting to my repertoire.
The Blank Canvas
The journey began with the wonder and excitement of a blank canvas. As I measured and prepared the surface, I felt a sense of anticipation for the creative process ahead.
Starting on a blank canvas to paint zebras at a waterhole, presented a wonderful opportunity for me to explore the beauty of these animals and their natural habitat. I planned the composition by considering the placement of zebras, the waterhole, and the surrounding vegetation and landscape elements.
By way of realism, I can convey the animals’ grace and movement, making the artwork feel lifelike and engaging.
Building the Background
Creating the background was the first major step. The bushveld landscape started to take shape, providing the perfect setting for the zebras. The distant cloud bank and the earthy tones of the African savannah set the stage for the detailed work to come.
I applied a layering technique to guide the viewer’s eye through the painting from the foreground (e.g., grass, rocks), middle ground (zebras drinking), and background (trees), making it feel more three-dimensional and creating a sense of depth.
Ilse de Villiers painting the Bush Veld Background
Positioning the Zebras
With the background in place, it was time to position the zebras. Careful planning was required to determine where and how to place them to achieve the desired composition and perspective.
Zebras are social animals that often gather in groups, so my painting depicts their herd behaviour by positioning several zebras together.
Zebras are prey animals and will display signs of being wary at waterholes. Enhancing this sense of awareness in my painting I capture their body language to convey this alertness, by perking their ears up or positioning them in a way that suggests that they are listening.
To create the perception of distance in real life, elements in the distance were painted lighter in more muted colours, while closer objects were depicted in more richer and vibrant shades.
Bringing the Zebras to Life
The zebras started to come to life with layers of paint. I focused on their distinctive black and white stripes, using light and shadow to create a three-dimensional effect. The subtle variations in the shading and highlights across the zebras’ bodies contribute to the 3D appearance. I paint zebra stripes with a slight curve, rather than straight horizontal lines giving the impression that the stripes are wrapped around the zebra’s body.
I use light and shadow to add volume to the zebras and the surrounding environment. Shadows cast by the zebras grounds them within the scene, while highlights enhance the three-dimensionality of their forms. The distorted reflections of zebras in the water echo the shapes and colours of the zebras, creating a sense of continuity between the animals and the environment, further emphasising the depth of the scene.
These steps were critical in capturing the essence of these magnificent animals, effectively creating a three-dimensional appearance, and making the painting more engaging and lifelike.
The Cultural Significance of Zebras
In South African mythology, zebras are symbols of balance, individuality, spiritual protection, community, and cultural heritage. The Zulu word for “zebra” is “idube,” which means “to mix two or more colours.” This symbolism is reflected in the painting, capturing the beauty and complexity of zebras in their natural habitat.
“The zebra told the white horse, ‘I am white,’ and told the black horse, ‘I am actually black.'”
The stripes of the zebra represent a blending of opposites and a representation of harmony. This cultural significance adds depth to my work, showcasing the Zulu people’s reverence and admiration for these animals.
Zebras are social animals that live in tight-knit herds and through my paintings, I want to reflect on the significance of social bonds in African cultures, where community support and collaboration are essential for survival, and that strength lies in unity and that individuals thrive when they are part of a supportive community.
The Finishing Touches
After many hours and numerous layers of paint, the final details are added. Working on such a large canvas required balancing on three easels, but the effort was worth it.
The reflections of the zebras in the water were a particularly challenging aspect but they added a stunning dimension to the painting. To create a more realistic and dynamic effect I had to soften the edges and use lighter colours to show the way light interacts with the water surface. The ripples and highlights on the water’s surface suggested movement and interaction with the zebras to ensure the scene feel more alive and engaging.
Their facial expressions were important in conveying a sense of energy and engagement
Finally, I made adjustments to the overall colour harmony of my painting to ensure that the colours of the zebras, water, and background complement each other.
This painting ‘’Stripes in Harmony & Tranquility’’ has been a remarkable journey of creativity and challenge. The final result is a testament to the beauty and grace of zebras, brought to life through my love of nature and dedication to wildlife art. I hope this painting inspires others to appreciate the incredible wildlife of South Africa as much as I do. My paintings stand as a testament to my deep appreciation and artistic interpretation of these iconic African creatures.
Let’s Co-create Magic!
Feeling inspired? Have a vision you’d like to see on canvas? I’m here, ready to listen, and even more ready to paint.
Reach out to me: art@ilsewildlife.co.za
Comissioned Zebra Paintings by Ilse de Villiers
