The Waterbuck
1985
oil, 25 1⁄2" x 35 3⁄4"

During my national service a bunch of soldiers were skinny-dipping in a deep river pool during a break from maneuvers when we suddenly heard excited barking from a pack of dogs. Through the bush that fringed the pool burst a large male waterbuck who plunged into the water among us and submerged until only his nostrils were showing. The dogs ranged back and forth along the shore searching for the scent until we chased the waterbuck off with stones and verbal abuse. The waterbuck are a proud-looking animal that seems strangely ill-adapted for the heat of Africa with its long, shaggy coat seemingly more appropriate for a temperate climate.