An original wildlife painting inspired by the Aberdare ecosystem is being offered for sale, with 50% of the sale price donated to Rhino Ark.
Rhino Ark is pleased to share the opportunity to acquire Monarch of the Aberdares, an original oil painting by UK-based wildlife artist Bas Evans.
The painting is priced at £24,000, with 50% of the sale price going directly to support Rhino Ark’s conservation work.
A painting inspired by the Aberdares
Painted on linen canvas,
The work was created following Bas Evans’ research trip to the Aberdares, where he was inspired by the landscape and its black rhinos. The painting depicts a black rhino in the early morning light, accompanied by oxpeckers.
Bas describes the work: “The black rhino found in Aberdare National Park are truly the monarchs of this wonderful area in Kenya.” He goes on to reflect on the importance of protecting these endangered animals and the hope that they will continue to thrive in the wild.
A remarkable story behind the painting
The painting has an unusual connection to the British Royal Family and Kenya. Bas originally began the work as a commission from the Emir of Qatar, intended as a wedding gift for Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The commission was subsequently cancelled after the royal couple announced that they would not accept wedding gifts from dignitaries.
Rather than leave the work unfinished, Bas decided to complete the painting himself. The story also has a connection to Rhino Ark. Bas was a friend of the late Simon Combes, whose brother, Rob Combes, was one of the founders of Rhino Ark and Clerk of the Course for the first Rhino Charge.
The Combes family remains closely connected to the Rhino Charge. Trisha Combes, Rob’s widow, continues to present the Rob Combes Spirit of the Event Trophy at the annual Rhino Charge.
Art supporting conservation
The sale offers an opportunity to own an original work of wildlife art while directly supporting conservation in Kenya. 50% of the £24,000 sale price will be donated to Rhino Ark, helping support the organisation’s work to protect Kenya’s mountain forests, biodiversity and the communities and wildlife that depend on these ecosystems.
The painting is being offered internationally, with potential buyers in Kenya, the UK, USA and elsewhere invited to enquire. Bas Evans has also kindly offered to deliver the painting personally to a successful buyer in the UK. For buyers elsewhere, the painting will be sent fully insured through a specialist art courier, at the artist’s expense.
Interested in acquiring the painting?
If you would like to enquire about Monarch of the Aberdares, please contact Rhino Ark.
Original oil painting: Monarch of the Aberdares
Artist: Bas Evans
Medium: Oil on linen canvas
Dimensions: 20 × 48 inches (50 × 122 cm)
Asking price: £24,000
Donation to Rhino Ark: 50% of the sale price
To enquire about purchasing the painting, contact john@rhinoark.org
More of Bas Evans’ wildlife and conservation artwork can be viewed through www.artofbas.com