It's that time of the year again when the summer heat makes itself uppermost in the minds of all creatures in the Australian bush. Our local emus are no exception and on hot days it is quite common for them to come to the lake for a drink and a splash around.... often rolling over and over while they bicycle their legs in the air. A group of them will just go crazy, splashing and jumping over each other until they look like sloppy floor mops (albeit with funny faces).

I have raised a few orphaned emus in my life and I just adore their crazy sense of humour. Any other animal at the waterhole will often get caught up in their joyous celebration of cool relief.

This pastel painting focuses on the glorious ripples of light and colour as this emu steps out to cool his feet. Our local wildlife rescuer is located at Hamilton Wildlife Rescue and Shelley Burrowes there does amazing and tireless work with critters in need.... including frequent bunches of emu chicks. If like me you wish to support Shelley in her splendid work you can visit her FB page at Hamilton Wildlife Shelter.

Pastel on Pastelmat paper