I have always been fascinated by zebras, even as a child my curiosity was not if black cows gave chocolate milk, but which came first, the black or the white stripes. Maybe I asked this question because I could never figure out which color to use first when painting or drawing the zebra. According to a Bushmen folk tale the zebra was once all white but got its black stripes after a fight with a baboon over a waterhole. After kicking the baboon so hard the zebra lost his balance and tripped over a fire and the fire sticks left scorches mark all over this white coat.

I’m still fascinated by this animal, who’s unique stripes and behaviors make these among the most familiar animals to people, however I do not condone the rugs, furniture and clothes the are made into. A couple interesting features about zebras is that they have excellent eyesight, and hearing. It is believed that they can see in color and have night vision.

Zebras tend to be loners and are not easily domesticated, they tend to either be bachelors, or if they do match up, leave the herd in a few years, getting bored with the same old friends, I quess. Like some of my close and personal friends, they also tend to be a little moody. They don't pout or throw fits but you can look at thier ears to determine thier mood. When a zebra is in a calm, like eating or dating, or hanging with thier buds, its ears stand erect. When it is frightened, its ears are pushed forward. When they get mad that they can't find shoes to match thier outfit, their ears are pulled backward. When checking out thier surroundings for predators, zebras will stand an alert  with ears erect, head held high, and staring, sort of saying 'I dare you to come closer'. They also make strange noises like snorting or barking, to confuse thier enemies.

I have paid homage to these cute animals by trying to paint them in oil. I have painted them white on black, and black on white and even in browns.