Leopard by Della Burgus Big Cats Wildlife Art

Watchful Eyes

Leopard

Pastel, 8.75 x 10.5

Matted size 14 x 18

This painting has been sold

A portrait of one of the most beautiful of the "Big Cats," the illusive leopard.  I love the markings on its coat, and the arresting, green-gold stare of those watchful eyes.  Sleek and swift,  it is an ideal hunter with a terrifying sort of beauty.

When asked if I prefer painting in pastels, oils or acrylic, my answer is "Yes!"  Usually I let the painting and composition tell me what to use.  There are times when I can look at a scene or an animal or person and think "That would make a great oil painting (or pastel or acrylic,)" but I probably couldn't tell you why.  To me it seems intuitive rather than logical, a feeling more than a mental process.  Intimate portraits like this one are often best done in pastel and I do love feeling of handling the sticks of pigments directly, it seems to give me a special connection with the animal.  More complicated compositions sometimes work best with oils or acrylic. Yet, I can't say that is always or maybe not even most often the case.  After years of working in different mediums I find my choices to be as unpredictable as the weather and as illogical as nature itself.  So, obviously I haven't answered the question, except to say, "I don't know."

This seems like a good topic for a future post, "Questions you should never ask an artist."  Or something like that.  Not because we are offended, but simply because we don't really know the answer and don't want to take the time to figure it out. We would rather make art than talk about it.

This painting will be listed on Chisholm Trail Art,  Daily Painters, and Art Helping Animals on Tuesday.  Of course, as always, if you are interested you can also email me directly.

I hope that you have a great day and enjoy whatever creatures may be in your world today.