Without any ado whatsoever, I’m skipping-like-a-schoolgirl excited to share the theme for my 2025 not-just-another-calendar, annual wildlife calendar:
Move!
This concept was greatly inspired by the incredible image above, expertly captured by award-winning wildlife photographer, Albert Froneman, of an African Purple Swamphen performing a grand jeté of note!
The painting of this hovering hen is already underway, and I’m planning on sharing the final piece with you here next month. You can expect its 11 fellow South African critters (to be featured in the 2025 calendar) to be equally as dynamic and energetic!
Some of my older work will definitely be amongst these, but I do have quite a few new paintings to complete. For that reason, I’m extending a call for reference photos that aptly fit this theme.
Here are a few things to take note of:
- Photos must be your own or taken by a loved one - I only use photos with the express written permission of the photographer (because plagiarism is theft!).
- Full credit will be given to the photographers - I’m always happy to share social links and websites!
- You do not have to be a pro photographer and it does not have to be an award winning photo! However, it is important that it is in focus and not overly grainy. Cellphone photos miiiiight work, but sometimes the resolution is just not good enough to clearly show detail.
- Only indigenous South African wildlife!
- Not all photos make for good paintings, no matter how fantastic they are. And the way I select photos to work from has a lot to do with my gut instinct - it is in no way a reflection on the quality of the photography. I would also like to add a variety of different animals/birds to the calendar. I don’t want to upset anyone, so if you think you might be offended if I don’t use your photo, please don’t send it (she says with an uncomfortable giggle)!
If in doubt — please share your photo with me. You never know…! If you know any budding photographers (pro or amateur), please do share this with them.
If you have any questions, or already have a photo that you think will make for a lovely painting, please email me at info@thehappystrugglingartist.co.za.
Go take a looky-look here to find out why I refer to my calendar as not-just-another-calendar...
And make sure to sign up to my exclusive mailing list to be the first to know when the pre-orders for the 2025 wildlife calendar are open!