Mtoto

Kiswahili for child, little one or baby, an unweaned cub looks up after suckling

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

Below is how I created this artwork

After sketching in the outline of the cub, I'm beginning to put in the darkish background that will make it stand out

Having done the background of brush and twigs, I now move onto the most important aspect of the sketch - the EYES

Still some work to be done on the eyes before I move onto the ear

Bringing in the softness of colour on the right ear as I work down the cheek onto the nose

Now working on the nose before moving across the face

Having worked across the face I move up to the left ear

Having worked on the left ear I'm now moving onto the cubs body

Nearly there, a few more tweeks here and there and also I'll darken the shadows in the ears

Scanned image