Summer Days – warthog

This closely framed portrait explores texture through a varied language of marks. Loose, sweeping strokes describe the mane and whiskers, contrasting with carefully worked creases around the eye and snout. Strong charcoal shadows and pale accents give the curved tusks a sculptural presence against the grey ground.

Hand-drawn in graphite and charcoal on grey 250gsm cotton art paper. Artwork: 148 × 210 mm. Mounted size: A4 (210 × 297 mm).

Meet the subject

Meet Bongani, a familiar Zululand character with dusty knees and a very busy snout. He approaches a patch of short grass with complete concentration, kneeling down to make a proper meal of it. His serious expression suggests pressing business, although his afternoon plans usually involve a good wallow and somewhere comfortable to rest.