Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Julia

I visited the Bronx Zoo recently and
met with this beautiful Gorilla named
Julia. I'm assuming this is her, since
they say that Julia is friendly and very
curious. She looks at everyone who
visits her at the Congo Gorilla Forest
each day. I was so surprised when a
little girl was waving at her and she
waved right back...you can imagine
how happy that made her. If you're
ever in the neighborhood...Julia would
love to see you!!
at
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88 comments:

  1. Crystal CookNovember 22, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    She is beautiful Hilda. You can see her soul in her eyes. Well done!! :)

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  2. Lampros LampinosNovember 22, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    very nice... i'm afraid of gorilas bus she is cute!

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  3. padmajaNovember 22, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Those eyes breathe life Hilda, great job!

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  4. Barbara PaskNovember 22, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    Amazing work here Hilda, very tender piece. Happy Thanksgiving to you! <3

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  5. UnknownNovember 22, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    Oh Hilda she is so beautiful and you did a wonderful job capturing her. Great job.

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  6. AKNovember 23, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Chimps and Gorillas are very expressive. Great work.

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  7. PrabalNovember 23, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Oh this is just awesome.. I too love the eyes.. So much emtoion out there.

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  8. Sandra BusbyNovember 23, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    I could almost stroke her fur - It looks so soft! Oh, and those beeeeautiful, soulful eyes... Gorgeous! :0)

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  9. Roby BaerNovember 23, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    What a wonderful painting! You can tell she is friendly because you did such a great job on her eye's. Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. Pam HolnbackNovember 23, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    This made me smile!

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  11. Joan TavolottNovember 23, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Gorgeous!!! I love the way you did her fur! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  12. TitoNovember 23, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    Wow! It's really amazing this Julia's portrait, the eyes and the expression are so tender. Great work, Hilda! Ciao!

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  13. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    thank you so much CRYSTAL. I looked at her eyes and knew I had to paint her!

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  14. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    thank you LAMPROSS for your kind comment!

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  15. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    thank you PADMAJA for stopping by and commenting. She did have magnetic eyes.

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  16. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    thank you so much BARBARA for commenting! I appreciate it so much..and Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  17. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Thank you so much DORS. You made my day!!

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  18. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Thank you so much AK for stopping by. Gorillas are so incredibly expressive...She looked happy!

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  19. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    thank you PRABAL for that kind comment. She spoke through her eyes...

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  20. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    thank you so much SANDRA for stopping and for your beautiful comment.

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  21. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    thank you so much ROBY for commenting on Julia. After looking at the reference picture, her eyes are what made me want to paint her.

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  22. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    thank you PAM!!! She made everyone smile at the zoo.!!

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  23. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    thank you JOAN for that kind comment..Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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  24. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Thank you TITO for stopping and commenting! You made my day!!

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  25. Trudy R. GomezNovember 23, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    My heart aches for all the magnificent creatures whose habitats are being destroyed. You have shown her soul through your work. A truly blessed talent. Wishing you and all your family a happy Thanksgiving memory!

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  26. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    thank you TRUDY! I as well feel sooo bad for them. They should all be free in their homeland. But they have so much space to run climb, and play with their friends here at the zoo...and at least they're safe! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  27. Angela SullivanNovember 23, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Sure looks soft and cuddly. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  28. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Thank you for stopping and commenting on my blog, ANGELA.!! I really appreciate it...and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  29. Theresa PadenNovember 23, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    WOW!!! This portrait is incredible! Wonderful technique and you truly captured her sweet spirit.

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  30. JaneNovember 23, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Amazing painting! The fur and the expression in the eyes...just fabulous!

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  31. jsicignano2.blogspot.comNovember 23, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Hilda, great post and how wonderful, she waved back to the little girl. Amazing.

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Joan

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  32. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Thank you THERESA!! I appreciate your comment!! Enjoy your day tomorrow!!

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  33. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    thank you JANE for stopping by and commenting!! I really appreciate it.

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  34. hmuxoNovember 23, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Thank you JOAN. I wish I had taken the picture of the girl's expression when she waved back...like they say .."Priceless"...Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  35. BrandNewStudioNovember 24, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Wonderful Works
    Thank you for sharing

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  36. hmuxoNovember 24, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    thank you SKIZO!!!

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  37. AnonymousNovember 25, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    She is beautiful, Hilda!!

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  38. hmuxoNovember 25, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Thank you so much SHERRY!!!

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  39. SadeuNovember 25, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    very nice, a very human look, Hilda : )

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  40. Nancy GoldmanNovember 25, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I love the softness in this painting Hilda. You've done a great job on the fur.

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  41. hmuxoNovember 26, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    thank you SADEU! for your comment. I agree..their eyes looks so expressive like humans.

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  42. hmuxoNovember 26, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    thank you NANCY for stopping and commenting.. the Velour paper is wonderful for painting animals on it since it gives it that added softness to it.

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  43. Dean H.November 26, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    The eyes seem to be expressing deep introspective thoughts...They are full of life with a touch of sadness.
    Extremely well done, Hilda!

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  44. Carol Schiff Daily PaintingNovember 26, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Wonderful, wonderful painting. My first thought was that it was a photo. The eyes are fantastic and you gave her such a sensitive persona.....bravo!

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  45. hmuxoNovember 26, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    thank you DEAN..she did look sad..but knowing she was so well treated makes you feel better..unfortunately she's always sitting by the window for us to see her "sad eyes". again, I really appreciate your comment.!

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  46. hmuxoNovember 26, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Hi CAROL, glad you stopped by! you made my day!

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  47. joshemariNovember 27, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Fantástico retrato de Julia. Tiene una mirada muy tierna y este pastel es una maravilla. Si se la enseñas a Julia se pondrá muy contenta! Seguro que sabe que es ella!!
    Un abrazo.

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  48. UnknownNovember 27, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    That's an awesome painting! You captured such a knowing, caring expression on that ape. I also like the soft blended fur, with all the rich colors. Very beautiful work!

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  49. hmuxoNovember 28, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Gracias, por tu comentario JOSH. Estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado Julia.!!

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  50. hmuxoNovember 28, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Thank you so much, KATHERINE for your comment! I really appreciate it!! Have a wonderful day.

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  51. sue grecoNovember 28, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Hi Hilda,

    So much expression you have captured in her eyes. Not easy to do. Beautiful work!

    Sue

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  52. mary maxamNovember 28, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    How completely charming! The eyes just draw you in- :)

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  53. John (JWJarts)November 29, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    I have just found your blog and glad I did. You do amazing work. I like everything about the Gorilla but the eyes are outstanding.

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  54. hmuxoNovember 29, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Thank you so much SUE for that lovely comment. I appreciate it!!

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  55. hmuxoNovember 29, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Thank you MARY for stopping by and for your comment!! I enjoyed painting her.!

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  56. hmuxoNovember 29, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    thank you so much JOHN! When I saw her looking through the window she almost looked "human" to me. Her eyes were so intense. Glad you found me.

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  57. suzanneberryNovember 29, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    I LOVE JULIA!! this is beautifully done, just gorgeous! i can't believe she waved at the little girl. that little fact makes this painting all the more lovely!

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  58. hmuxoNovember 29, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Hi SUZANNE, thank you so much for your kind comment. Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough with my camera to take the photo of her waving! I would have loved to have shared it with everyone..!

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  59. Claire Beadon CarnellNovember 29, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    This is so wonderfully painted - the expression on 'Julia' is so endearing...I love this, Hilda!

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  60. Bruce ShermanNovember 30, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Hello Hilda!... What a wonderful moment you have captured here!

    Not only have you wonderfully rendered all of the textural and visual language in this image of Gentle Julia... but in addition, you have captured that pensive... thoughtful and depth of person... which your waving incident supports. It is a portrait... a step taken beyond the wildlife drawing genre!

    Your image is quite simply... alive Hilda! Beautifully done!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  61. hmuxoNovember 30, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    thank you CLAIRE..you're so kind. I appreciate your visit and comment!!

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  62. hmuxoNovember 30, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    thank you BRUCE for commenting on Julia. She did look gentle..makes you wonder how she would be if she was freed...hmmmm! I enjoyed painting her very much.!

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  63. Carol FlattNovember 30, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    A wonderful, very life-like portrait of Julia. I wonder what she's thinking. Well done!

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  64. hmuxoNovember 30, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    thank you so much CAROL. She's probably wondering what we're all thinking about!! LOL

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  65. Karen BrusonDecember 1, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Beautifully done.

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  66. hmuxoDecember 2, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    thank you so much KAREN!!!

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  67. Lorraine ShirkusDecember 2, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Wow! Stunning portrait of such a sweet girl! You've really captured her intelligence and make us wonder what she's thinking and feeling.

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  68. Brad MiedemaDecember 2, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Beautiful painting Hilda! I love the story of your zoo visit. How cool it must have been to see the Julia wave at the little girl!

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  69. hmuxoDecember 2, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    thank you LORRAINE for that nice comment!

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  70. hmuxoDecember 2, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    thank you BRAD! Actually, it was almost unbelievable...like I said before, I just wish I was quick enough to take the photo of the little girls face....I enjoyed painting Julia very much.

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  71. Julia Ruffles | wildlife artistDecember 3, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    She is gorgeous! :) and I'm honoured to share the same name with such beauty! Jules

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  72. hmuxoDecember 3, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    that explains it, JULIA!! LOL. She was so sweet. I still visualize her looking at everyone with those sad eyes. Thank you for stopping by!!

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  73. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comDecember 3, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Everyone of the other comments says what I feel, Hilda. What you managed to capture with the emotional quality of this piece amazes me. I love visiting your blog.

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  74. hmuxoDecember 3, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    JULIE...thank you...you just made my day!!!

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  75. Diana Moses BotkinDecember 4, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Wow... nice one, Hilda! Very fun.

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  76. hmuxoDecember 4, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    thank you so much DIANA for your nice comment. I appreciate you stopping by!!!

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  77. claire christinelDecember 5, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    Beautifully done Hilda, and I love the story of the gorilla waving back! Imagine that. :-)

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  78. Carrie Waller WatercolorsDecember 5, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Great job, Hilda!! I've been fascinated with Gorillas since Gorillas in the Mist came out. I also was honored to meet Jane Goodall, she's a personal hero. Wonderful, job, wish I was close enough to visit the Bronx zoo:)

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  79. hmuxoDecember 5, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    thank you CLAIRE for visiting!! I value your opinion!!!

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  80. hmuxoDecember 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Thank you CARRIE!! I appreciate your opinion!! How wonderful meeting Jane Goodall!! Definitely an honor..I think I watched Gorillas in the Mist a hundred times!! LOL Loved it.

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  81. Tweedles -- that's meDecember 11, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    splendorious!

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  82. Maria Kovalenko LeysensDecember 17, 2011 at 12:36 AM

    The expression you captured in her eyes is so deep. Just lovely!

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  83. hmuxoDecember 17, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    thank you TWEEDLES for stopping by and commenting!!!

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  84. hmuxoDecember 17, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    thank you MARIA for your comment! I'm glad you like her!!!

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  85. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Beautiful. And you have conveyed that this is no "dumb animal." Nice work.

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  86. hmuxoJanuary 3, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    Love your comment...thank you for stopping by!!

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  87. LauraJuly 23, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Hi Hilda. Your work is really amazing. I especially love Julia. Animals are my favourites and you have portrayed Julia so captivatingly that it's hard to tear my eyes away from her. Just gorgeous. Btw thanks for dropping by. Take care. Laura x

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  88. hmuxoAugust 15, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    thank you so much Laura, for your lovely comment on Julia! I appreciate you stopping by!!

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