Rhino at Lunch - why the black background?

I decided to draw 'Rhino at Lunch' as I read a tragic article about the last two white rhino left in the world; both being female.

I went through photos of my last trip to South Africa and found so many photos of these beautiful, powerful animals.

I hoped to capture a sense of focus on the animal by giving the drawing a jet black background. I wanted to capture her beauty but also highlight a species shrouded in a dark and precarious future.

I hoped also to capture a sense of her watching the viewer, to recognise that we all have a role to play in protecting these animals.

I know this drawing has had a big impact on those who have seen it and hope you like it.

Matt