Evolution of a Leopard Painting
Study for leopard painting
I am often asked: Where do I get the ideas for my paintings? The truth is there is no simple answer. Most of my concepts are inspired by experiences in the field and are often the end result of combining photo references and field sketches. Some concepts jump out at me while on location and others come about after many hours of going through the thousands of photos taken. I am often looking for a new way to present the subject with a fresh approach along with how can I bring a sense of life and mood into the painting. I always want my passion for the animals and landscapes to come through in my work.
The concept for this painting is based on a large wild leopard that Laura Glen and I spent an entire afternoon watching in Africa’s Serengeti. With this concept I like the implied movement created by the intense gaze of the leopard looking out of the scene, allowing the viewer to wonder: what has attracted his attention?
At this first stage of the painting I start off by sketching in the concept using acrylic paint over a thin burnt sienna wash. By toning my canvas it will allow me to later gauge the painting’s values or (lightness or darkness of a color).
Starting sketch
At this stage, I start laying in color. Most times I like to start my block in with the subject since all things will become relevant to the focal point.
My palette for this part mostly consists of yellow, raw sienna and burnt orange mixtures along with cool blue-grey mixtures in the shadows. This will allow the spots of the cat to really pop later.
At this point, I establish the color and shapes over the entire canvas that will become the foundation for the illusion of detail that is to come. By using a combination of warm and cool colors this will help to create the feel of sunlight in the painting.
I carefully establish the pattern of spots. This is often the most difficult part of painting a spotted cat. It is necessary to pay very close attention to the underlying curvature of the leopard’s muscle structure. Now, I will allow the painting a chance to dry and my brain much needed rest from seeing spots!
More to Come…
completed block in
