Elephants can paint too, and they produce paintings that are worthy of any home décor in addition to being highly collectible pieces of art.

It is plain from the beginning that some elephants don't show a substantial aptitude for painting. On the other hand, there are elephants who have the talent but little interest for the activity. So, the ones who continue with their painting career are those who have the aptitude and the interest to repeat the experience. Interestingly, Asian elephants seem more predisposed to painting than African elephants do. The reason remains unclear.

Just like kids, elephants start painting using very simple brush-strokes to apply color. They then graduate to choosing the way they use the brushes. However, as elephants become more confident in their technique, they add precision to their movements to create what they intend. That is why their paintings are identifiable by artist. It is their personality that transpires in their style which is their signature.

Take the following styles of abstract painting:

Tao loves long vertical strokes.

Japatee's mood influences his style, but mainly prefers vertical brush-strokes and some wiggle.

Prathida can draw sharp controlled diagonal lines.

Aet is one of the few adepts at loops and circles.

Some of the painting elephants will stick to one style throughout, others will add to their basic style with a few variations, yet other elephants will combine various brush strokes or techniques.

Duanpen, the first abstract pointilist will not stop until she covers the whole canvas.

while Punpetch may have studied geometry

The more versatile ones can even switch from one style to another. Here are examples of more realistic paintings.

Nua-un has such a delicate touch.

SriSiam, truly a seasoned painter, one who masters flower execution.

Can you believe SriSiam's dexterity (if we can use that word) to paint a portrait !!

Some invent their own technique, as we can see.

Elsa's circular work with her unique technique using 2 or 3 brushes at once.

Ging Gaow enjoys flicking a paint covered brush to create a splatter pattern.

Isn't it amazing that elephants can paint like that, and even more amazing that some of these paintings are from elephants as young as three years old?

See some in action below

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Thank you for joining me on this short art tour. Your comments are appreciated.