We left our tented camp during the grey twilight of pre-dawn, preparing to be in the field at sunrise. As the first faint rays of light touched the horizon, we spotted a large shape emerging through the misty haze. A Black Rhino! Suddenly the rhino moved towards us, coming near our safari vehicle. One of my all-time favorite wildlife encounters is this precious opportunity to witness an endangered species in the wild and the thrill of being within a few feet from the massive beast. The inspiration for "Black Thunder" is based on this treasured experience. Combining movement, texture, and light, my goal with "Black Thunder" is to create a thrilling sense of life as the powerful rhino charges through the wild grasses, dominating his territory. May rhinos always be a part of the intricate web of life on the African plains.