African Lion (untitled) Work in Progress - Progressions

These are the progressions so far based on a Lion I photographed a year ago when I was still involved with Zion. This is a male named Aslan. He was only two metres away (with a fence between us) watching the pair of cheetahs that were in the enclosure next door. At the moment the last image looks like he's cross eyed. I still have to deepen the eyes then enhance the light shine so it gives the right effect. I was asked one time about which colours to use for these cats. Frankly I go on intuition. I haven't had any formal art training. The Lion Aid picture is on hold while I take another look at it then have a rethink. At the moment it's a bit of a creative disaster. It happens sometimes. You think you've got it ,then take another look and it's a complete botch up. I think the other project will be a complete redo, but Lion Aid will still end up with something they can sell on to raise funds for their work in raising awareness of the increasing decimation of these magnificent predators. I do this because simply I love it. Lions seem to me my strength. I had so much to do with them especially in the last couple of years. They were captive cats kept in enclosures so I could easily photograph them well aware of the safety needed even with a fence between myself and the cats. Lions regardless of what people think are first and foremost an Apex Predator, and should be accorded the respect they absolutely deserve. My Ultimate Goal is to one day get to Africa somewhere and see these stunning cats in a wild state.

"Watching" (Working title) Work in Progress 1 for @LIONAID

This is in the early stages of development. It's been two years since I did anything for the great organisation Lion Aid who are a UK based registered charitable organisation who are bring awareness to the plight of the of wild population of African Lions. Once they were in the 200,000 range now there are less than 23,000 left remaining in the whole of the African continent.Lion Aid have been very effective in bringing about changes. They have a lot more work to be done yet. This work will be sent to the UK for auction with the proceeds going to Lion Aid for their continuing work. It's quite large the medium is oil pastel on canvas board. I'm still developing the eye structure and the area you can see now. The drawing is a rough sketch based on one of the lions I used to photograph at a local wildlife park. I'll post more as I go.

Australian Bell Frog

I sketched this little frog that was living in our pond behind the house. Frogs as a whole, are endangered. This species was introduced to New Zealand most likely by the Acclimatisation Societies that sprang up during the early part of European settlement in this country. I have quite a few living in the pond which is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Value your frogs, they're an indicator of how the local environment is health wise. No frogs, could mean the ecosystem is already affected.

Kiwi Sheep

Even in dairy farming country where I live someone always has a few sheep. I don't know which breed this one was possibly Perendale but then again, it could also be the traditional Romney. This is the first sheep I've ever attempted. It's not bad considering. The colours are far better with the real thing.

Kiwi Sheep - Work in progress

 I started this yesterday. The quality of the image isn't very good. I've taken it in bad light which has made all the colours look rather strange. The real thing looks far better. I took a photo of this sheep a couple of years ago. I'm not sure which breed it is but it looked like a Perendale. It's well under way towards being finished. I'll post a better image of this tomorrow without the bad light to spoil the picture.

King Lion

I think I've learned quite a bit from doing this study. This is a partial head study rather than the entirety of the animal. I can see faults already but that is what it's all about. Drawing and then learning from what is being done. I still like it even though it is a little dark in places and more lighter areas could have enhanced the features. It was fun that's all that matters.

King Lion - Work in Progress 2

Still adding in the details of the fur with an H pencil. I'm not quite sure how this will turn out. It looks a little dark right now. I'll remove some of the layers with a kneadable eraser later on and see how it looks. One thing I do know. Cats, now matter how big or small they are aren't easy subjects to draw!