Majestic African Lion

 

Majestic African Lion

His Royal Highness
Portrait of an African lion at rest but ever watchful. Lions are among my favorite subjects and i paint them often. Their regal appearance and raw power fill me with awe. What amazing creatures!

The Wisdom of Picasso
Recently I ran across this quote by Pablo Picasso:
“God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant and the cat. He has no real style, He just goes on trying other things.”

Of course, to me He is the quintessential Artist, rather than “just another” one, and He does have style, even though He doesn’t limit Himself to any particular method or material.  But I like to think of Him trying out other things, perhaps just because He wants to, perhaps because that is who He is. His creativity is never ending, He doesn’t get bored, never runs out of fresh ideas, and somehow one new thing leads to another, then another and another, and…

That is an encouraging thought, especially for those of us who have been at this for a while. Even though others may think we are too old to play, we just keep on trying new things, or new ways of doing familiar things. In theory, we can stay young forever because we never have to lose the wonder and joy of new discovery, new adventures, new  accomplishments - often without ever leaving our studios.

It isn’t always easy, however. We all go through “artists’ block” sometimes, or times when it seems we should be doing something else, something more important, more practical, more lucrative, more grow-up. Do those other things also, if you must, but don’t give up what really brings you joy, just keep on keeping on. Because being joyful and sharing your joy is what life is really all about. It seems to me that it must please our Creator too or he wouldn’t have filled the world with so many wonderful things.

 This pastel painting is available through my website,  https://www.dellaburgus.com/

 

 

Jaguar of the Jungle, Acrylic Painting

Jaguar of the Jungle

Acrylic, 14 x 11

An exotic and beautiful animal, the Jaguar is little less known than some of his African relatives. Jaguars live in the rain forests of South and Central America and have also been seen on occasion  traveling the freeways near Los Angeles, California. (Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.)
My sightings have all been in zoos, which isn't the ideal - every artist agrees it is best to observe wildlife in their natural habitats - but it's the best I can do for right now.  Traveling the world and shooting wildlife with a camera ( and only a camera!) has always been a dream,  but it is still a dream, and with each passing year it seems a little less likely to become reality.  I do carry a sketchbook with me wherever I go - just in case. You never know.

This painting was my first attempt to express the spirit of this particular exotic cat. Usually I do big cats in pastel, as that medium just seems to lend itself to fur, especially when there are spots and other markings. For some reason this guy asked to be done in acrylic. I usually go by what they tell me. There is no analyzing it, maybe it is artist's intuition. I just go with the flow. He is a beautiful, incredibly well designed animal.  I love the texture of his fur, his amazing spots and especially his ears and whiskers. Like everything on earth, he is "fearfully and wonderfully made" and, as an artist, I stand in awe of his Creator.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Jaguar's namesake, who happens to be an automobile. The vehicle is described as being well built with sleek, low lines, beautiful color and lots of speed.  Well, that fits. So I googled cars named after cats and found there are at least forty, from cougars and pumas to kittens and pink panthers (that seems like a stretch.)  It would appear that people are fascinated by cats and want to identify with them.

 And I will put in a little plug here: If you have ever wanted to own a Jaguar, but thought you couldn't afford one, here is your chance.  This and many other paintings are available for sale in my online gallery.

The Creative Spirit Gallery, Art by Della Burgus

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.