Paint that rhino!

The Great Big Rhino Project is gathering momentum. Paignton Zoo is now inviting artists to submit designs for life-size rhino figures to be displayed around Exeter and the English Riviera in 2016.

But what’s it like to paint a full-size, three-dimensional figure? Here, artists involved in the Zoo’s 2013 Great Gorillas Project share their experiences.

Penny Robson, from Torquay, is an artist and art tutor and has spent many years in adult education. She enjoys working in watercolours and oils and her subject matter usually includes plants; she is an RHS silver medal winner.

“I got involved with the Great Gorillas Project because it was a great opportunity to support a very worthwhile cause and also be involved with the community. I only saw the advert two days before the deadline, so I had a go at two ideas, drove them over to the Zoo and was amazed to find they were both selected!”

For Penny the art was a team effort. “My students all came along to help me paint the gorillas, which was fantastic. I also enjoyed painting in the shop in Union Street because passers-by were so interested in what we were doing. Painting on such a large three-dimensional canvas was hard because normally I work flat and the initial submission was flat. I had never painted on such a large scale before and had only used acrylics a few times, so it was all a learning curve and a challenge.

“Painting the gorillas gave me a lot of confidence because it was something I never imagined I would be able to do and I am still amazed by the end results. I am also very proud that the gorillas we worked on raised over £7,000.”

Penny has vowed to do one thing differently this year: “This year I am not going to be the last to submit my designs - I have already got three ideas which I am working on now, and a band of people ready to help again, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!”

This is far from being your typical canvas. Each Great Big Rhino, designed by Chris Wilkinson from Wild in Art, weighs around 40 kilos and measures 134cm high by 225cm long and 80cm wide. The three-dimensional resin and fibreglass sculptures are finished with a primer and come ready to paint. But artists don’t need to worry if their studio isn’t big enough – the Zoo is providing spaces for painting.

London-based New Zealander Mandii Pope has held exhibitions in the UK, Europe and the Middle East; many of her works are in private collections internationally.

She’s a veteran of big public art projects, having created a 15 foot Big Ben BT Artbox for Childline and figures for display in Norwich, London and Christchurch in New Zealand, as well as the unforgettable Darth Vader Gorilla for the Great Gorillas Project, sponsored by Cavanna Homes.

What made you want to get involved with Great Gorillas? “I love Wild in Art projects and had always wanted to come to Devon. I loved every minute of the project, the area, the people, the beaches, the cause - I almost didn’t come back to London. I can’t wait to do it all over again.”

How does an experienced three-dimensional artist approach such a canvas? “It depends on the design. With Darth Vader Gorilla it was fairly straight forward as it was basically dressing a gorilla, so it was a case of redesigning a human shape. When it’s a painting, it can take a bit of thinking, especially straight lines on a curved shape, which can be tricky.

“Darth Vader Gorilla’s helmet was a challenge - making sure it could come on and off. Making sure he was sturdy enough to withstand the public for a summer with all his add-ons!”

Mandii chanced upon some unexpected outcomes: “I had great support from the UK Garrison - one of the leading UK Star Wars costuming groups - and the 501st Legion in the States. I also met Dave Prowse - the actor who played Darth Vader - he signed my miniature figurines, one of which was at Babbacombe Model Village. I’ve done more Star Wars inspired characters since.”

There’s no doubt that she’s glad she took part. “Yes, absolutely. I loved every second of the Great Gorillas Project, I love Darth’s new family and met so many amazing people along the way. My sponsors Cavanna Homes were fabulous.”

And is Mandii planning to submit ideas for The Great Big Rhinos Project? “I have an exciting design in the pipeline that I know will be popular with kids. I’m working with my sponsors from last time, but you’ll have to wait for that one…!”

Jess Miller, another Torquay artist, is self-taught and usually works in acrylics. “My favourite subject is wildlife, I find that’s what inspires me.” What made her submit a design to the Great Gorillas Project? “I wanted to be involved because I'd never been part of such a big art project before and it sounded fun! I was volunteering at Paignton Zoo at the time so I also knew how important conservation efforts were for these animals.”

What was it like painting a gorilla? “Translating my idea onto a 3D canvas was actually much easier than I expected and I think it worked very well. I never really encountered any problems. I think that taking part in the project opened up a whole new way of working for me, I'd never really done much 3D painting work and very much enjoyed it. And yes I'm definitely planning on submitting ideas for the Great Big Rhino Project!

Pippa Craddock, the force behind both the Great Gorillas and the Great Big Rhino Project, is looking forward to a variety of designs. “We welcome submissions in all art forms – from traditional to new media, from sound and video installations to poetry and photography. Whatever the medium, we invite participation from professional artists and enthusiastic amateurs, artist groups, young people, set designers and photographers.”

The closing date is 2nd October. To find out more about submitting a rhino design, go to http://greatbigrhinos.org.uk/get-involved/artists. Twitter @Greatbigrhinos, hashtag #greatbigrhinos.