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It’s funny how inspiration works—it often finds you when you’re looking for something else entirely. Years ago, before pastels became one of my primary mediums, I believed my artistic destiny lay behind the lens of a camera.

I remember the afternoon vividly. It was a beautiful, clear day at the Denver Zoo. I was there with my film camera, patiently waiting for a compelling shot. Digital devices were still a thing of the future, so every click of the shutter felt important and deliberate.

I happened to be standing by the elephant enclosure, not specifically seeking them out, but simply enjoying the quiet grandeur of the space. That’s when the moment unfolded. Two magnificent elephants, a mother and her young one, or perhaps two bonded adults—it didn’t matter—slowly approached each other. Their heads gently met, and their great, powerful trunks intertwined in the most tender, comforting embrace.

It was a profound display of empathy and connection. I was in the perfect place at the perfect time. I quickly lifted my camera and captured the moment on film.

That photograph, a simple capture from a day dedicated to a different craft, sat in my archives for years. As my path shifted and I truly fell in love with the vibrant, immediate texture of pastels, I rediscovered the image.

The photo was the perfect reference. The soft, airy quality of the original blue sky and the gentle grey tones of the elephants translated beautifully into the rich, velvety texture of pastel on canvas board. The resulting painting, which I titled “Gentle Giants,” became a tribute not just to the elephants’ profound bond, but also to that quiet afternoon where inspiration was found entirely by chance.

I was thrilled when the original painting found its forever home with a wonderful collector of animal art.

Now, I’m excited to share this deeply personal piece with you through my art design shop. The image is now available on high-quality art prints, apparel, and home décor, ready to bring a little bit of that Denver Zoo magic and gentle affection into your own space.

My takeaway from this experience is simple, yet profound: Keep your eyes, your mind, and your camera (or your pastels!) open. You never know when true inspiration will cross your path. It might be during a planned excursion, or simply during a quiet afternoon at the zoo, waiting for something entirely different.

Stay creative, and stay observant!