Something's Coming

This leopard (our guide referred to him as "the fat boy") was enjoying an all-day nap in the grass not far from his tree where his unfinished feast was on a branch. We waited and waited while he just rolled over, napped som more, got up, took two steps, plopped down again....Then, something caught his attention. This picture was that moment. We didn't know it, but the leopard did; a hyena was skulking around the brush, headed toward the leopard's kill tree. I'm still building up the watercolor. I'm almost ready to start the pastel over it. His head needs a little darker color first.

Watercolor Paint-In

Yesterday was watercolor day. My husband wants a painting of one of the large cats we saw in Africa - to remember our trip. He took lovely photos of a leopard, cheetah and lion. I'm starting with the leopard. Again, I am experimenting with surfaces. This is an illustration board that I primed for pastel with a slightly gritty surface. My plan is to start with watercolor (as an underpainting) and end up with a little bit of pastel on top. I have a good start on the underpainting here, and will continue to build up the head and background in watercolor.