Description

Elephant Smelling The Water

This photograph, Elephant Smelling The Water, shows a big bull walking steadily across Nxai Pans with his trunk slightly raised as he tests the air. The elephant smelling the water moves through a low, open landscape while a wide sunset sky stretches out behind him.

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Story Behind The Photograph – Bull On His Way To The Waterhole

I made this image late in the day in Nxai Pans, Botswana. During the dry season, elephants travel long distances over the pans to reach the same few waterholes. As they come closer, they often slow down and lift their trunks to check the direction and strength of the scent of water.

This bull appeared out of the open plain and headed straight towards the camera. From time to time he paused, trunk curling slightly forward as he smelled the water on the wind. Behind him, the sun slid behind a bank of clouds and sent soft rays down through the gaps. The combination of a careful, focused bull and a glowing sky created the mood for this photograph of an elephant smelling the water.

Calm Power And Evening Light

What stands out here is the mix of calm and strength. The bull’s stride is slow and deliberate, shoulders heavy and relaxed. His ears hang loosely, but his attention is clear in the set of his head and the small lift of his trunk.

The background is made of gentle layers: a low line of trees, a band of warm light and a ceiling of deeper cloud. These bands guide your eye from the horizon up into the sky, then back down to the elephant smelling the water at the centre of the frame. The colours stay soft, so his dusty skin and solid shape are easy to read against the light.

About This Artwork – Sunset Elephant Wall Art

This fine art print is ideal if you are looking for sunset elephant wall art with a peaceful but powerful feel. Warm golds and purples in the sky pair beautifully with the neutral tones of the bull and with natural interiors, wooden furniture and earthy textiles. The horizontal format suits a space above a sofa, bed or sideboard, or as a statement piece in a hallway or office.

You can hang Elephant Smelling The Water on its own, or combine it with your other Nxai Pans waterhole scenes to create a cohesive series. Together, they tell the story of distance, scent and the quiet pull of water in this wide, open landscape.

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Sizes Available

60 × 40 cm
75 × 50 cm
90 × 60 cm
105 × 70 cm
120 × 80 cm
150 × 100 cm
Note: Wood Prints are available up to 90 × 60 cm.

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Print Materials

Choose the perfect finish for your artwork:

• Fine Art Paper Print: Archival, museum-quality paper with a beautiful matte finish. Ideal for custom framing.
• Wood Print: Printed directly on natural wood for a warm, unique, and organic feel. Ready to hang.
• Alu-Dibond Print: A sleek, modern presentation on aluminum composite. Lightweight, rigid, and reflection-free. Ready to hang.
• Acrylic Glass Print: Face-mounted behind glossy acrylic for vibrant colors and striking clarity. Ready to hang.
• Canvas Print: Stretched over a wooden frame for a softer, tactile presence. Ready to hang.

For full details on materials, care, and installation, please see the Fine Art Prints FAQ.

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Collector’s Information

• Edition Type: Open Edition.
• Framing: Fine Art Paper prints are unframed. All other prints (Alu-Dibond, Acrylic, Canvas, Wood) arrive ready to hang, but can also be framed if preferred. I’m happy to advise on framing options.
• Shipping: Insured worldwide delivery. Artwork is produced in Europe or the US for reliable and timely results.

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Commercial Use & Licensing

For editorial, advertising, artist license or other commercial projects, please visit my Commercial Licenses page.

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Need Help Deciding?

Not sure which size or material will work best in your space? You’ll find real‑world examples and ideas on my
Fine Art Print Inspiration page, or you’re welcome to contact me for personal advice.

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