Just a Glimpse

A beautiful male leopard (Sephiri) having a quick glimpse from behind a tre

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper.Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Dustin van Helsdingen.

The ORIGINALhas been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR.

Starting the sketch off with a pencil, a BLANK sheet of pastel paper and my trusty magnifying light.

The gradual application of various shades of green pan pastel is used to create the dappling effect of the background

With the help of Kate's colour swatch (left side) I've started to carefully work on the beautiful eyes of "Sephiri"

The ear is starting to take shape. I will then move across the face filling in the spots first and then work in the fur.

I'm now gradually filling in the very distinctive markings that every leopard has. Using my cross stick to rest my wrist.

Working from the ear down his cheek and then across his snout onto his chin and whiskers.

Minor whiskers put in as I work on the cheek and muzzle.

Working on the right side of the leopards face then i will then do the nose.

Gradually working across the forehead and around the left eye..

The leopard is 90% complete. Just the tree to do now.

Sketching the finer details by the mouth. Wherever you stand in the room, those eyes will be looking at you

The top branch is now complete, now I'm working on the gnarly wood on the tree..

Looking at the image from a lower perspective and he's still looking at you.

The scanned sketch