Laxmi and the Lotus- Original pencil on paper by T. Rutter of Arte for Elephants

Original (not a print) pencil on paper drawing of darling Laxmi, a rescued elephant currently residing at Wildlife SOS sanctuary in Mathura India. Laxmi was rescued from a life as a begging elephant, where she became obese through poor diet and lack of exercise. Since arriving at the sanctuary, she has thrived and is very healthy! The drawing is done in a variety of pinks and purples, in order to illustrate her glow of health. I have added two lotus blossoms to symbolize her unique spirit and the happiness of healing and awareness that sanctuary brings to Laxmi and all of the rescued elephants!

Known as the “Elephant Portrait Artist” 

Acclaimed Artist and animal activist, Thyra Rutter studied fine art at the prestigious Otis College of Fine Art and Design in Los Angeles. In 2015 she founded, Arte for Elephants to sell her art and her husband David’s photography to raise money for captive elephant welfare. To date Arte for Elephants has raised over $24,000 for worldwide elephant sanctuaries.  Thyra and David travel year round in an RV attending live events to sell art, promote humane tourism and raise awareness to the plight of captive elephants.

“After drawing nothing but elephants for the past several years, it’s become apparent to me, that these beings are, in addition to being really cute, complex, emotional, sentient, intelligent beings. With each drawing or painting, I am doing my best to respect and represent that elephant as opposed to an elephant motif or decorative elephant shape.  I want to illustrate what that particular elephant is thinking, how his or her emotions are faring. I am trying to capture something of their unique, magnificent spirit with each drawing. It’s a lifelong process and one, which I feel honoured to do" - Thyra Rutter