The Lion is my latest watercolour painting and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It didn’t take a long time to complete, but I did have a few hairy moments (no pun intended) while working on it — the eyes and nose are usually a make or break for animal artwork (at least for me).
This piece was done as a Christmas present for my partner who is originally from Africa. I wanted to paint him something that would remind him of his homeland since he misses it so much some days. Especially in winter! Plus, he watches animal/nature shows ALL THE TIME.
Here is the final result along with a few progress pictures. You can also find The Lion available for purchase in prints, tote bags, iPhone cases, laptop skins, mugs and throw pillows on my Society6 page.
The Lion, watercolour, December 2013
Finished and framed just in time for Christmas.
This is a timeless piece of work, just like every other great paintings of time. As James Baldwin once said, “great art can only be created out of love.” You possess an unusual talent for creation and painting. This is a Christmas present I will never forget!
Sweetest comment ever. <3 <3 <3
Wow, beautiful painting!
Thank you so much!
This is a great painting. I always have trouble with the fine details needed to paint fur, so I know a lot of hard work must have went into this painting!
Thank you so much for the lovely compliments, Brenna! Fur can be super daunting to paint. What I tend to do is use simple brushstrokes to form the direction of the fur and not get too finicky on the details. Start very light, then keep applying more colour here and there until you get to the depth you like. 🙂