Guardian of the Kopje

Basile, Guarding her den in a kopje

Sketched from a series of photographs courtesy of Stuart Buy.

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper.

The board with the pastel paper and reference markers in place

The pastel paper marked and sized.

Working on the background and Kopje rocks

Completed the soft focus of the tail and now working across the leopard's body.

I'm sketching the eyes head and shoulder more in focus than the blurred background

Working on the leopard using board position no 2

Finished the roll of the shoulder, now working down the head and then the body.

Marked in the darker spots, now sketching in the lighter fur..

The face is gradually taking shape..

Will add some ochre to the leopard once I have completed the Kopje ledge

Scanned and ready for framing