Yaya

Kiswahili for babysitter is Ayah however as a young child I used say Yaya

This is an image of a lioness and two of her cubs It has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper whilst using two excellent reference photographs courtesy of wildlife photographer  Andrew Taylor.

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR.

Below is how I created this image

I've started by sketching in the lioness outline with her two cubs before working on the background

Now working on the lioness's rump, back and front legs, the tail and then I'll move up the body to the shoulders.

Just adding shadow to the front right leg before moving up the body to the shoulders and then down across to her head.

Gradually the lioness's features and tones are beginning to take shape

Adding some shadow to the far ear to give it depth

Starting on the first cubs head and then gradually moving down its body to its feet before starting on the next cub

Now working on the second cub's head before moving to its back and tail

Having added the tail I'm now working on the body and legs of the second cub

I've managed to get the swing in the second cubs bottom with a fat tummy with a mischievous tail flick.

The second cub is finished and now the suggestion of groundwork is put into the image

Scanned image