Original – colored pencil on paper by T. Rutter of Arte for Elephants that is signed by the artist and includes a certificate of authenticity.

Size: 9” x 12” 

From the Artist: Sweet Karma is shown with her friends, the magic butterflies, and her flower. With this piece I wanted to show that though Karma's life (being blind and worked so hard) had been difficult, through her rescue and new life at Wildlife SOS, she is able to "smell the flowers” and enjoy her well-earned retirement.

Karma lived 50 years never knowing what it was like to be an elephant. She is blind in both eyes and was used as a begging elephant for tourists to give her owner money. She was rescued by Wildlife SOS in January 2020, and started our year off with “Good Karma.” 

Artist Statement: “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. 

About the Artist: Acclaimed Artist and animal activist, Thyra Rutter (known as the “Elephant Portrait Artist”) 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.