Ruth Baker-Walton’s donation to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

On the sale of this painting, Ruth will donate 100% to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
For more information please email Ruth Baker Walton.

Shimba’s Story

The story behind the painting comes from one of our many visits to Kenya when taking a day safari to Shimba Hills Reserve near the coast south of Mombasa.  We had taken a lunch break at the Shimba Hills Lodge, which like Treetops is built up on stilts beside a man made waterhole.  While waiting for lunch, presumably aware of my camera equipment and long lens, the head waiter asked if we would like to see something special.  When I enquired as to what that would be he just smiled and said ‘wait and see but get your camera ready’  then proceed to throw a bread roll into the air over the waterhole.  We had noticed previously a couple of Fish Eagles sitting in a tree on the opposite side and one of them immediately swooped down taking the bread roll between its talons before it dropped into the water.  I managed to capture quite a few shots before it returned to its perch and proceed to eat the roll !   A little while later while eating lunch a small family of forest elephants came out of the trees, walking around the waterhole towards some sugar cane sticks the hotel had hung down to attract them for the visitors.  Although I took photographs,  the angle wasn’t good enough for the picture idea I had now formed in my mind.  Fortunately I have hundred of elephant photo’s taken over the years and searching through them I found the family group I eventually used.  Although they had been on a safari to Tsavo East I felt they perfectly fitted the image I wanted to capture following the experience.  At the time I had been experimenting with paintings that used monochrome and colour and decided that ‘Shimba’ was the ideal subject for this technique, putting the elephants and their background in monochrome, using watercolour pencils both wet and dry to create the required textures.  To highlight the Fish Eagle and the foreground I used watercolours and substituted the bread roll for a fish, more appropriate I think you will agree.  Thus ‘Shimba’ was born, a momento of a special experience.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ruth's Poetry

IN CELEBRATION OF BIRDS
By Ruth Baker Walton

What miracle of Nature enables birds to fly?
With grace and effortless ease they soar into the sky.
On outstretched wings it seems as if they’re floating thro’ the air
Masters of the skies in a way we cannot share.
Migrating birds can travel far, for thousands of miles
Enduring many dangers and overcoming many trials.
Some can fly so high they reach the highest mountains
Across the Himalayas, inhospitable, cold terrains.
Complexity, diversity describes the world of birds.

The Peregrine folds his wings to dive with breathless speed
But the Barn Owl’s wings are silent when he goes out to feed.
The brightly coloured Kingfisher dives swiftly for his fish
While others probe the waters edge to catch a tasty dish.
Birds of Prey will scatter flocks so they create confusion
And the camouflage of feathers for some is a protective illusion.
The Ostrich and his kind have lost the power of flight
Relying on their speed to run ‘til dangers out of sight.
Various, ingenious the wonderful world of birds.

Tiny little Hummingbirds that dance like butterflies
And iridescent feathers to please and dazzle our eyes.
The colourful Birds of Paradise with striking courtship displays
The Swan, all the swimming birds that inhabit our waterways,
From rivers and lakes to oceans deep, deserts and mountains high
Birds inhabit all these lands to hunt and breed and fly.
So numerous and colourful, living wild and free
Without the song of birds how empty life would be.
Enunciate and celebrate the wonderful language of birds.

Ruth Baker Walton 2014

(Illustration – Painting entitled “A Celebration of Birds”)

Rhythms of the Wild by Ruth Baker Walton

Exploring the Beauty of Nature in Picture and Verse.

The 'Forward' has been written by John Sparks, former BBC Wildlife Producer and the book contains 30 nature inspired poems all illustrated by my paintings and/or photographs. 'Rhythms of the Wild' can be ordered directly from me at a cost of £9.95 plus P&P. Please quote ISBN 978-1-901098-6 on ordering.

The release of Safari Adventures Diary complete with illustrations.

Coming Soon!

If you are interested in either of the above books,please register your interest here

Illustrated Talks

The painting 'A Portrait of the Mara' illustrates the talk
- A Brush with Africa and many other titles.

For a complete schedule and further details please go to About Ruth - Illustrated Talks.