12 Days of Cole

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

In this work, a serene scene unfolds as a pod of three hippos leisurely emerges from rippling waters. The focus rests on the top halves of their faces, each adorned with distinct features and expressions. Their serene yet curious gazes fixate directly upon the viewer, drawing them into the tranquil ambiance of the water’s surface. Cole meticulously captures the gentle waves, conveying a sense of calmness in the surrounding aquatic environment. The composition invites viewers to share in a quiet moment of connection with these magnificent creatures, evoking a sense of wonder and admiration for the beauty of nature.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

Cole wanted to capture the energy and unique hunting strategy of one of Africa’s most icon birds, the secretary bird. Wings splayed, for balance, and foot poised, for impact, the bird almost looks as serene as a ballet dancer, belying the skillful assassin about to deliver the telling blow!

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

A majestic silverback gorilla commands attention with its powerful presence in this piece. The composition centers on the gorilla’s robust form, its muscular back dominating the frame as it faces away from the viewer. With meticulous shading and intricate detailing, the texture of the gorilla’s silver-toned fur is brought to life, showcasing the intricate contours and nuances of its coat. Despite its back turned, the gorilla’s head is elegantly turned towards the right, revealing a gaze that exudes both strength and contemplation. The play of light and shadow adds depth to the artwork, accentuating the gorilla’s imposing yet contemplative demeanor, inviting viewers to ponder the enigmatic nature of this remarkable creature.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

In this exquisite artwork, a majestic Amur leopard is depicted in a tranquil pose, lounging gracefully against a white backdrop. Every meticulous stroke of the pencil captures the leopard’s sleek fur, the intricate patterns distinct to its species meticulously rendered. The poised stance exudes a sense of calm and confidence, with the creature’s piercing eyes conveying a serene yet powerful presence. The absence of a detailed background allows the viewer to focus entirely on the captivating beauty and elegance of this endangered feline, emphasising its rarity and significance in the wild.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

This piece captures the tender essence of affection between two baby gorillas. Their small, fuzzy forms radiate a sense of innocence and vulnerability, conveying a touching display of companionship and familial bond. With delicate strokes and intricate detailing, Cole brings forth the warmth and connection shared between these young gorillas. The artwork invites viewers to witness a touching portrayal of connection and unity in the animal kingdom, reminding us of the universal language of love and compassion.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

In this striking pencil work, a meerkat is portrayed in a crouched position, its body poised in anticipation, and its gaze directed upward, fixed on planes beyond the bounds of the paper it is drawn on. With a subtle play of light and shadow, the meerkat’s posture conveys a sense of cautious curiosity and readiness, creating a captivating focal point that draws the viewer’s eye upwards along with the creature’s gaze, inviting contemplation and wonder.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

The inspiration for this piece came from Cole’s honeymoon and an evening spent in his favourite place in the world, Hwange National Park, in his home country of Zimbabwe. Coles spent the evening with his wife watching a herd of more than 500 cape buffalo, slowly make their way down an open vlei to the waterhole. The dust kicked up by the massive herd obscured all but the leading animals, which meant that they all appeared slowly, one by one, out of the haze. It was a memory Cole will not soon forget and one he hoped to have captured the feeling of, even in part, with this piece.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

This artwork captures the majestic presence of a polar bear in profile, gazing outward, its keen eyes fixed on a distant horizon. Created with meticulous shading and intricate detailing, the bear’s fur is depicted in delicate strokes, conveying both the softness of its thick, insulated coat and the strength inherent in its posture. The graceful curve of its head and the defined contours of its features are beautifully rendered, portraying a sense of serene contemplation and quiet strength. The surrounding space is left open, emphasising the bear’s solitary and stoic nature, inviting the viewer to admire the raw beauty and resilience of this magnificent Arctic creature.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

Rhino’s as a whole are clinging to existence and have an uphill battle to survive, but the Indian One-horned rhino is a beacon of hope. Once numbering only around 200 at the start of the 20th century, there are now believed to be around 4000 rhinos in northeastern India and the Terai grasslands of Nepal.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

In this stunning pencil artwork, a majestic gibbon is depicted with remarkable precision and detail, suspended gracefully from a tree branch. The gibbon’s fur is meticulously shaded, capturing the subtle textures and tones that add depth and realism to its form. With incredible dexterity, the gibbon grips the branch with one arm, showcasing its agility and strength. In its other hand, delicately portrayed, the gibbon subtilty holds a luscious piece of fruit, the fine lines conveying both its tender grasp and the succulence of the fruit itself. The composition exudes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, inviting viewers to admire the elegance and grace of this remarkable creature in its habitat.

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

This image came from Cole’s first ever trip to the Masai Mara. “What an unbelievable wildlife spectacle the Mara is and we weren’t quite prepared for the magic of the place.” Amongst many wonderful wildlife encounters, Cole’s favorite was spending the evening with this lioness and her two small cubs. Whilst the cubs explored, played and wrestled, mom was ever watchful for the multitude of threats, that are never far, in the African bush. He wanted to capture the intensity of her vigil in this piece. A dedication to every fierce mother out there.