Since I’ve been in Mwanza two things which I’ve enjoyed seeing are the little black faced monkeys who regularly visit our garden and the large colourful hibiscus flowers which grow everywhere.
However, I have noticed that remnants of these stunning flowers were often strewn on the lawn. I didn’t know why, until now.
While I was sat in the garden the other day trying to sketch both hibiscus and velvet monkeys, one of the monkeys ran boldly down the branch of the hibiscus tree, towards the flower, snatched the large trumpet shape, put it up to its mouth and shoved it in.
Behind him was another monkey, who proceeded to start a fight with monkey number one. There was a full on brawl, with gnashing of tiny but sharp monkey teeth, lots of squealing noises and tufts of fur flying around; this was evenly matched.
Eventually the monkeys calmed down and decided to share the flower. They then went on to divide the petals of all the hibiscus flowers on the tree, putting them into their mouths, as if they were chewing tobacco. And if monkeys could smirk, and I think they can, they both sat there smirking at me.
So now I have solved the mystery of the chewed up and spat out tropical flowers, I have decided to put them in a painting together, entitled The Hibiscus Thieves. I hope you like it.
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- Vervet monkey poised in a yellow oleander tree, ready to jump on the trampoline in my garden.
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- Vervet monkeys eating the hibiscus flowers in our garden in Mwanza, Tanzania
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- Hibiscus
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- Paintings of Vervet Monkeys from my Tanzanian sketchbook.
The Hibiscus Thieves
sandydunne October 2, 2014
I’ve just had a lovely time exploring your blog Ali, – wonderful paintings and drawings and stunning photos. Thank you, I feel utterly inspired! Your sketchbooks are amazing too, – I would love for our students to see your work, – and I have a plan for you (that doesn’t focus on English support) which I hope you’ll agree to… 🙂 Sandy
alidunnell October 3, 2014
Thanks so much for spending time to look at it Sandy. This is my first chance to sit down and say thanks. I really enjoy doing an art and travel blog, especially over the last few year – it gave me some focus while I was been looking after my young children. Am looking forward to working with you and getting some of those students inspired. Glad you are inspired too… we need to share our enthusiasm. I’d love to have a look at some of your art work too sometime. Have a great weekend. Ali x