My first submission - This started out as a sketch I did for the DSG back a few months ago. I've been working on it, off and on, since then. My New Year's resolution was to actually finish some of the many paintings I have languishing on my hard drive, so I'm calling this one done!

The story... The man and the elephant are performing partners at the circus. Over time, the elephant has grown more and more attached to him, to the point where she has fallen in love. The man seems not to realize this, however.

But one night he surprises her with a golden ring. Is this part of a new act? Or is it, perhaps, a token of his affection? Ah, poor elephant, so hopeful, so confused...

This started as a charcoal sketch which was scanned and then painted with Photoshop CS2. Comments welcome -