Unknown Friend by Roberta Blackler

Amazing realism Roberta, I can feel the life in the eyes.

Stayed in Bristol Zoo - not as an exhibit - as a child; my uncle was a keeper there. I always wondered and worried about the gorillas, the monkeys and apes.... what can they have made of their surroundings? Did they feel they were being punished, in jail.... Or maybe they just felt pampered... in those days (nearly 50 years ago) I suspect most of them were bored into insanity. Happily, this isn't the impression your portrait of this distinguished gorilla gives. Even so, I should dissuade hubby George from taking him home; I just fear it wouldn't end well.....

Hi Robert, so sorry not to respond, didn't see your comment until just now. This chap looked quite happy actually, in fact George swears he was smiling at me!

Agree with Paul, stunning. Have been browsing your website...you are one talented lady! I answered your query at length (can be a tad long winded!) under Mercurius painting. He was my first acrylic.

This is a lovely pastel portrait of this amazingly relaxed looking Gorilla Roberta, it does seem pretty ridiculous that we still have these magnificent animals in Zoo's !

I know Ros, my heart 'aches' a little bit for him.

A wonderful portrait. I also have problems with gorilla's in zoos. I can't look at them. It's the eyes. Not only do they look sad, they also look very 'aware'.