Gentle Giants - Manatee by marine watercolor artist Linda Thompson

Gentle Giants - Manatee by Linda Thompson, available from Prickly Pear Galleries.

"When I began painting 'Gentle Giants', my first impression was to show the contrast between two worlds. On the surface, there would be rough water - the wake from a passing motorboat - while beneath the water, a mother manatee and her baby would float tranquilly. As I worked, the painting evolved into a peaceful and ethereal underwater scene. By using the perspective of looking up from beneath the water I could show more action and dimension from within the fragile world of these gentle giants." - L. Thompson.

Manatees have existed for millions of years, feeding on aquatic vegetation and keeping waterways clear. Their only predator has been man, who has hunted them to the verge of extinction for meat, hides and oil. Although manatees are now legally protected, many are killed and injured by motorboats each year.
In an effort to save these gentle giants from extinction, Mill Pond Press (publisher) will donate a portion of the proceeds from 'Gentle Giants' to assist in the preservation of manatees in the wild.

Print released 1996, see also "Lunch Bunch" by Linda Thompson.