Scroll down to see the step by step process of

how I created a number of my images 

 

The next sketch I'm doing is

 

Forty Winks

(A young leopard cub taking a short nap)

 

 

This will be a sketch of a young leopard cub taking a nap in the fork of a tree. It will be

sketched in the medium of soft & hard Pastels on PastelMat paper

 

 

The ORIGINAL will be AVAILABLE on COMPLETION

 

 

 I've lightly sketched in the finer details of the young leopard cub resting in the fork of the tree

 

 

 That's it for the time being

 

 

Below are the completed Images

 

The Achilles Heel

(Two zebra stallions fighting for dominance)

 

 

This image is of two Burchell zebra stallions fighting over dominance has been

sketched in the medium of Chalk & Pastel on PastelMat paper.

 

The ORIGINAL is now AVAILABLE for PURCHASE

 

 

 

 Beautifully framed

Framed size 28 X 33 inches

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above zebras

 

 

 

 

 

I've lightly sketched in the finer details of the two zebra stallions fighting

 

  

I've started on the stallions forehead then moved from its ear then down along its neck

 

 

 

Here I've worked down the backbone and then onto its rump and leg

 

 

I'm at my main board working on the rear left leg

 

  

 

Here I'm working on the confusion of legs before I begin on the lower head

 

 

 

I've gradually worked down the back legs and then onto the head and neck

 

 

 

I'm coming to the end of the sketch now with just the dust and movement to create

 

 

That's the dust and movement added, now off to be framed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Hanging Around

 (Is a leopard watching out for prey from the fork of a tree)

 

 

This image of a hidden leopard watching out for prey whilst relaxing in the fork of a tree,

has been sketched in the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat paper 

 

The ORIGINAL has now been SOLD to a  PRIVATE COLLECTOR

  

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size 28 X 34

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above leopard

 

 

 

I've lightly sketched in the image of the leopard resting in the fork of the tree

 

   

 

Here I\'ve worked in some darker shades of background green to make it mottled

 

 

I\'m at my easel here slowly working in some flakey bark on the tree branch

 

  

 

Now I\'ve started on the upper branches and then worked down the main branch

 

  

 

Continuing with the bark I\'ve also added the leopards hanging left front foot and its tail

 

 

Looking up at my easel as I take a break  

 

   

 

Here I\'ve added the main trunk of the tree and a higher side branch

 

  

  

Im gradually working my way up the back of the leopard

 

 

 Here I\'m using the cross bar to rest my wrist as I work on the base of its tail

 

   

  

I\'ve slowly worked my way up its spine filling in the spots and now moved to the face

  

 

 

That\'s it, scanned by Framers Gallery 

 

 

Another Glimpse

 (A young leopard takes a second glimpse from behind a tree)

 

 

This image of a young male leopard (Sephiri) glimpsing from behind a tree has been sketched in

the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat paper whilst using a series of beautiful

photographs taken by wildlife photographer 

 

Dustin van Helsdingen 

 

 

This ORIGINAL has now been SOLD to a PIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size 29in X 27in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above leopard

 

 

I\'ve started the image by lightly sketching in the leopard details and also the bark of the tree

 

  

 

Gradually I\'ve started to fill in the coarse texture of the tree bark on the left of the image

 

  

 

I\'ve now added a small branch behind its ear before starting on the green background colour

 

 

 Here I\'m sponging is some green panpastel above the leopard

  

  

 

I\'ve added a couple of siafu (army ants) to the branch and have now started on his ear

 

  

 

I\'ve now started at the top of the head and then worked down its forehead to the eyes

 

 

Here I\'m starting on the eyes whilst using a piece of paper to avoid smudging the background

 

  

 

I\'ve now added his eyes and I\'m now working down his cheeks

 

  

 

I\'ve gradually worked down his snout, cheeks and then chest

  

 

Beautifully scanned by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

Loyal Companions

(Two Amboseli Tuskers) 

 

 

This image of tusker Craig and a fellow bull elephant having a dust bath in Amboseli National Park,

Kenya has been sketched in the medium of Pastel on a tan PastelMat paper.

 

 

This ORIGINAL has now been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size 32in X 28in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above elephants

 

 

 I\'ve lightly sketched in the two elephants

 

  

 

I\'ve added some blue sky with Mt Kilimanjaro to the left of the image

 

   

 

I\'ve started on the background trees before I add in the elephants and then more dust

 

 

 Here I\'m at my main easfilling in some shadow below Craig\'s right eye

 

  

 

I\'m beginning to work down Craig\'s right side starting with his ear and then eye 

 

  

 

 I\'ve now added his right shoulder, leg and filled in the heavier tusk

 

 

Here I\'m working on Craig\'s left ear

 

  

  

I\'ve started working on both of his ears now before moving onto his trunk and second tusk

 

  

 

I\'m gradually working my way down and across Craig to his lighter tusk

  

 

Just a glance back at the easel from my computer chair, still a lot to do though

 

  

  

Here I\'ve added some finer details to Craig\'s trunk and then moved onto the second bull 

 

  

 

Having worked on the other bull I\'ve now started bringing the dust into the image

 

  

 Beautifully scanned by Framers Gallery

 

Haraka

(translated as haste or speed in Kiswahili)

 

 

This is an image of three elephants moving hastely through the dust of a dry river bed, whilst in

pursuit of the main breeding herd that had crossed earlier. It has been sketched in the 

medium of Pastels  on a grey PastelMat paper whilst using a series of

photographs courtesy of wildlife photographer

 

 

Manfred Suter

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size 31in x 27in

 

 

 Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above elephants

 

 

I started by lightly sketching in the three elephants

 

  

 

I then started working in a layer of background dust from right to left

 

  

 

I  worked on the back elephant then moved onto the darker shadowed rear of the calf

 

 

Here I\'m working at the smaller easel 2 on the lower part of the baby elephant

 

  

 

I added a hint of blue to the upper layer of the image, then moved back to the baby elephant

 

  

 

Now I started to work on the leading elephant as I moved from left to right

 

 

 I\'m at my easel working on some minor highlights on the baby elephants trunk 

 

  

 

 I\'ve next filled in the front elephant\'s leading leg before moving onto her head

 

 

Beautifully scanned and framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

Inch by Inch 

(A leopard slowly creeping towards its prey) 

 

 

This is an image of a leopard on a slow and deliberate stalk, which I\'ve sketched 

using the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat paper

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 

 

 Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery  

Sized 28in X 35in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above leopard 

 

 

 

 I sbeganby lightly sketching in the image of the leopard

 

  

 

I then worked in the shaded side of the leopard with its left eye and ear

 

  

 

Gradually I worked on the leopards head and then onto the leading leg 

 

 

 

Here I\'m adding some darker fur down the side of its muzzle

 

  

 

I then added some background to the opposite side of the image and it\'s paw

 

  

 

Here I\'ve been working on its head, remaining ear and then its left whiskers

 

 

 I\'m just adding a few more black hairs to the bridge of the leading paw

 

  

 

 I then added the remaining spots to its back and added a little foreground

 

 

 

Beautifully scanned by Framers Gallery

 

 

The High Life

 (A leopard reclines on a large branch) 

 

 

This image of a leopard reclined on a large branch with Mt Kilimanjaro in the background

has been sketched in the medium of Pastels on a PastelMat paper whilst

using a beautiful photograph courtesy of

 

 

Tina Marie 

 

 

 

 Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 30in X 20in

 

 

 

Below are a squence of images showing how I sketched the above leopard

 

 

 I began by lightly sketched in an outline of the leopard reclined on the large branch

 

   

 

 I then filled in some background blue with a green base colours

    

 

I then added a suggestion of tree tops below, before moving onto the leopard\'s face

  

  

Here I\'m continuing to work on the leopard\'s facial features

 

   

 

I added in its eyes, nose, mouth and chin

 

  

 

Being right handed, I"m working from left to right starting with it\'s long tail

 

 

I\'m using a pointed rubber (eraser) to draw out the hair from the spots

 

  

 

Here I\'ve been working down its thigh then moving onto its flank and then its paw.

 

  

 

Now I\'ve worked in the white of the underbelly before moving onto and up its foreleg

 

 

 

Here I\'m working laboriously on the bark of the stump on the tree branch

 

  

 

I\'m still working on the bark and stump of the broken branch before moving onto its back

  

  

 

I\'ve added the remaining spots and fur to its back then continued on the bark along the branch

 

  

Here I\'m continuing to add a red hue to the bark colour

 

  

 

I\'ve gradually worked my way along the branch to the left of the image

 

  

 

I\'ve now added Mt Kilimanjaro to the background to give the image more depth

  

 

Beautifully scanned by Framers Gallery

 

 

Simba Mzee

(Simba Mzee in Kiswahili means "Wise Old Lion")

 

 

This is an image of a large old black and golden maned lion which I have sketched in the

medium of  Pastel on a PastelMat paper whilst using a beautiful photograph 

courtesy of

 

 

Freda Strydom

 

 

 

 Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 28in X 31in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above lion

 

 

 

I started this portrait of the lion by lightly sketching in some rough outlines

 

   

 

Here I\'ve added some tan background colour and also some black undermane to the lion

 

  

 

I\'ve moved up to the chin and gradually worked along the side of his face and eye

 

 

Here I\'m at my easel adding some more highlighted fur to his mane

 

  

 

 I\'ve now filled in one of his ears and started to move across his forehead

 

   

 

 I\'ve now added in his second eye and started on his under fur before adding the highlighted fur

 

 

I\'m just working in the deap colour of the  second eye

 

  

 

I\'ve worked in some dark underfur before adding in the lighter mane

 

  

 

Here I\'ve been working on his shoulder then down his left leg and onto his flank

 

 

 

 

I am at my easel, finally finishing off with a few of the finer details

 

 

Beautifully scanned and framed by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 Icons of the Amboseli

(Craig with a backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro) 

 

 

This is a sketch of one of the world\'s largest living super tuskers named \'Craig\' alongside the world\'s

highest free standing volcano Mount Kilimanjaro as a back drop. Both are often seen together

in Kenya\'s  Amboseli National Park. I\'ve added a couple of egrets that frequently 

follow in Craig\'s foot steps as he disturbs the surronding insects. 

 

I have sketched this image of Craig in the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat paper. 

 

  

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

Size 33.5 X 30in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched Craig and Mt Kilimanjaro

 

 

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the details of Craig with the horizon line of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi

   

  

 

I\'ve started with a clear blue sky along with a darker blue for the full mountain range

 

  

 

 I\'ve now added some low lying clouds with some background detail to the lower slopes

 

 

I\'m just adding some more bush and a suggestion of small game into the background 

 

  

 

  I\'ve started on Craig\'s right ear and have added one of his constant companions, an egret

 

  

 

I\'ve now worked in his largest right tusk then worked down the front of his leading leg

 

 

Craig is gradually emerging from my work easel 

 

     

 

I\'m now adding the rear and front leg behind his trunk

 

  

 

Now I\'ve added in the back leg and also the second of his tusks along with another egret

  

 

Here I\'m at my easel working on Craig\'s ear using my hand cross-rest

 

  

 

I\'m starting to complete the left hand side of Craig\'s ear and then moving onto his stomach

 

   

  

 I\'ve added to the side of his stomach then moved onto the tip of his trunk and worked upwards

 

 

Just stepping back from the image on the easel

 

  

  

 Here I\'ve been working on the upper part of his trunk then moving onto his forehead

 

  

 

I\'ve now lightened Craig slightly before moving onto the back and foreground

 

  

Here I\'m standing by my finished sketch

 

 

Beautifully scanned and framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

The Stalker

(A stalking African leopard) 

 

 

This is an image of an African leopard stalking its prey and has been sketched in the medium of 

Pastel on PastelMat paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

wonderful wildlife photographer

 

 

Steve Roos 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 32in X 24in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above crouching leopard

 

 

 I started the image by lightly sketching in an outline detail of the leopard

 

  

 

 This is the first layer of the background before I started working on the tail of the leopard

  

  

 

I\'ve then moved to the head, neck ruff and then onto its shoulders

 

 

Here I\'m adding the spots to the neck and shoulder whilst working at my main easel

 

  

 

I\'ve added the leading paw and supporting leg, then the stomach scraping on the ground

 

  

 

 Here I\'ve also added more spots to the shoulder, flank and then the remainder of its stomach

 

 

 

I\'m adding some highlights to the stomach of the leopard

 

  

 

I\'ve added a little more richness to the leopard and then put in some light foreground

 

 

Beautifully scanned and framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

Snow Burst

 (An Amur Tiger charging through the snow)

 

 

This image of an Amur Tiger exploding into a sudden charge has been sketched

 using the medium of soft and hard Pastels on a PastelMat paper 

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 30in X 32in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above Amur Tiger

 

 

 

I began by lightly sketching in the outline features of the charging tiger

 

  

  

I then added a cold blue background with titanium white for the snow.

 

  

 

I also added a fir in the background before then starting on the tigers right flank & ear

  

 

 Here I\'m adding the bits of flying snow whilst working from my no 1 Easel

 

  

 

I then worked down the forelegs then up the chest to its muzzle and ruff

 

  

 

I then worked in the details of the tigers back legs and then added it\'s piercing eyes 

 

 

 I\'m now just adding some soft fur highlights to the bridge of its nose

  

 

Beautifully scanned & framed by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

 

   

 Baby Brown Eyes

 

(Two young Bush Babies) 

 

 

This image of two young bush babies has been sketched in the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat 

paper whilst using a series of beautiful photographs courtesy of 

 

Dustin Van Helsdingen 

 

 

 

 

 Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 28.5in X 24in

 

 

Below is a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above Bushbabies 

 

 

 I\'ve lightly sketched in the two inquisitive little bushbabies peering over a branch

    

  

 

I started on their big eyes and then I\'ve worked on the first bushbaby adding its large ears  

 

  

 

I\'ve now added the left ear of the right Bushbaby and begun work on it\'s little face

 

 

Here I\'m softening the fur around the snout having also added the right ear

 

  

 

I\'ve completed the second bushbaby\'s face and then filled in a green background

 

  

 

 I\'ve start to work on the tree branch that they\'re resting on

 

 

Here I\'m starting to add the branch bark details.

 

  

 

I\'ve darkened the background green a little and filled in the details of the bark 

 

 

Beautifully scanned and framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

Hide & Seek

(A tiger takes a quick peek from behind a tree)  

 

 

This image of a tiger taking a quick peek from behind a tree has been sketched in the medium

of Pastel on a black background whilst using a beautiful photograph courtesy of

renowned wildlife photographer

 

 

Thomas Vijayan

 

 

 

 

 Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 26in X 22in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above tiger

 

 

 

 I began by lightly sketching an outline of the tiger peering from behind a tree

 

   

 

Here I\'ve begun sketching in the ears, the two eyes, its forehead and cheeks

 

   

 

I\'ve worked on the snout and around the chin and whiskers then down the chest and leg

 

 

Here I am at my easel working on the shadowed stripes beneath the tiger\'s chin

 

  

 

Here I\'ve been working on the bark of the tree

 

 

 

Now scanned and beautifull framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

  

The Marula Retreat 

(A leopard resting in a maroela tree)

 

This is an image of a leopard relaxing high in a Marula tree and has been sketched in

the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat paper whilst using a photograph courtesy of

 

 

Mohammed Hayat

 

Leopards are known to favour Marula trees for a number of reasons. These trees

offer thick branches with dense folliage, providing leopards with suitable vantage

points for scouting prey and potential threats. Moreover, Marula trees often bear

fruit that attracts various animals, making it an ideal hunting spot for leopards as

they often ambush their prey when they come to feed on the succulent fallen fruits.

 

Additionally, the rough bark of these trees allow leopards to easily climb and seek

refuge, securing their kills or retreating when needed. This combination of factors

makes the Marula tree particularly appealing and adventageous for leopards.

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE  COLLECTOR

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 Size 28in X 31in

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above leopard

 

 

 

I\'ve started by adding a light sketch of the leopard that\'s relaxed in the fork of the tree

 

   

 

 I\'ve added two shades of blue and then I\'ve started to sketch in a canopy of leaves

 

   

 

Here I\'m working at the top with a base green before starting on the shading the leaves

 

 

 

 I got then bored of shading in the leaves, so I\'ve started on the leopards head here.

 

   

 

 I\'ve added a (broad scarlet) dragonfly on a twig just to the left of the leopards head

 

   

 

I\'ve done the head and now I\'m working my way down the back of the leopard

 

 

 

Here I\'m working on the base of his long tail 

 

  

 

Here I\'ve worked on the tree bow before continuing on the full length his tail

 

   

 

 I\'ve still got a lot of work to do on the image now I"ve added the lower background

 

 

 

Putting in the final touches to the leopards back before its finished

 

 

 

Beautifully scanned and framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

   

Craig\'s Companion

(Tusker Craig with an egret following him)

 

 

This is an image of one of the worlds largest living tuskers named Craig accompanied by his feathered friend.

The image has been sketched in the medium of Pastel on a PastelMat paper whilst referencing

a series of photographs taken whilst walking with him in Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

 

Reference photographs courtesy of

 

Kate Stevenson

 

 This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

Here I\'m walking alongside this iconic and gentle tusker earlier in October 2023

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 28.5in X 35in

  

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched Craig and his feathered friend

 

 

Here I\'ve done a light outline sketch of Craig face on before I start on the background

 

   

 

I\'ve filled in the sky then added Mt Kilimanjaro into the far background

 

   

 

Here I\'ve added some middle ground to give it depth and also sketched his little egret

 

 

Here I\'m adding the little egret to the sketch before coninuing with the back/foreground 

 

   

 

 I\'ve started working on the centre ground and then moved onto Craig\'s right ear and eye

 

  

 

That\'s his right eye and ear done as I begin to work down his right large leading Tusk

 

 

Here I\'m adding some highlights to the creases on his knees

 

   

 

I\'ve now filled in both of his two front legs and also added the tip of his long trunk.

 

    

 

Beginning on his forehead I\'m moving down the upper part of the trunk and his left eye

 

  

 

My work station 

 

   

 

 I gradually worked down his trunk adding highlights before filling in his shorter left tusk

 

   

 

 I\'ve now filled in his left ear then moved to the upper part of his leading leg and back leg

 

 

 

Here I\'m lightly adding faint crease shadows to his upper leg

 

   

 

 I\'ve added his stomach, now for the foreground with shadows and some dust

 

 

 Now scanned and beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

Relatively Chilled

(A chimpanzee watching a passing honey bee)

  

This sketch is an image of a chimpanzee gazing up into the forest canopy at a passing pollinator.

 

The chimp is a species of great ape native to the forests and savannahs of tropical Africa. It has

four confirmed subspecies and also has a shared DNA with humans of 98.8 percent. Sadly

chimpanzees are nearing extinction in many countries, due to continued deforestation

and commercial hunting for bushmeat.

 

I sketched this gentle image in Pastels on a green pastel paper.

 

 This image is in my Personal Collection.

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 28 X 29.5 in 

                                                   

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above Chimpanzee

 

 

 

 I have started by lightly sketching an outline of the head of the ape peering up

 

   

 

 Here I\'ve put in some hazey background then added a bee before starting on the chimp

 

   

 

I\'ve added both eyes, a second brow and now I\'m working on the creases on its face

 

 

Here I\'m using a Stabilo Carbothello 105 pastel to create a softer highlight 

 

   

 

 I\'ve raised its right brow to show that it\'s interested in the bee and have now added its chin

 

 

 Now scanned and beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

Out of the snow

(Amur leopard)

 

 

This is an image of a Amur leopard appearing through a light fall of snow. It will be the

fourth "Out of" series and has been sketched using the medium of Pastel on a

Pastelmat paper

 

 

The Amur leopard is one of the rarest and most critically threathened subspecies of

leopards which is found along the borderlines of Russia and China

    

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 25in X 28in

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above leopard

 

 

To begin with I\'ve sketched in a light outline of the leopard

 

   

 

Here I\'ve added a mountainous background before starting on its head and ear

 

  

 

 I\'ve now added in both ears, its eyes and also worked down to it\'s nose

 

 

 

 Here I\'m at my easel adding white pastel to the brow of the eye

 

   

 

  I\'ve gradually worked on its face, cheeks and then down its legs and also tail

 

  

 

 I\'ve now added its thick white tail with a slight curl at the tip to give it balance

 

 

 

Here I\'m now gradually adding each little strand of fur down its two front legs 

 

  

 

 Now I\'ve added the leading and back front paws and a fall of snow

 

 

 

Now scanned and beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

 

A Bengali Sundowner

(Adult Amur Tiger)

 

 

This is an adult Bengal Tiger drinking at the rivers edge that I have sketched using

 the medium of Pastels on PastelMat paper whilst using a beautiful series of

reference photographs taken by

 

 

Sondre Eriksen Hensema

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Size 24in X 24in

 

 

 

Below are the sequence of images that show how I sketched the above Tiger 

 

 

 

 I\'ve started with a light sketch in chalk of the tiger drinking on a black background

 

   

 

Here I\'ve started to work down the Tigers shoulders to the tip of its nose

 

   

 

Starting to work on the reflection & suggestive background foliage with a butterfly

 

 

 

 

Starting to add the background foliage now

 

 

 

Now scanned and beautifully framed by Framers Gallery.

 

 

 

 The Great Escape

(Pangolin)

 

 

This is an image of a scurrying Pangolin which has been sketched in Pastels on a PastelMat

paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph taken by

 

Todd Gustafson

 

The Pangolin sadly holds the unfortunate title of being the most trafficked and poached

mammal in the world. Tens of thousands of pangolins are killed for their scales for use

in traditional Chinese medicine and for their meat, a delicacy among some of the

ultra-wealthy in China and Vietnam. They are also eaten as bush meat in

many parts of Africa. There are eight species of pangolins

 

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above Pangolin

 

 

 

 

I\'ve started with a light sketch before I begin to fill in with a background colour

 

   

 

I\'ve added the rich base before starting from the tip of the tail

 

  

 

I\'m slowly filling in the scales up the tail to its back legs

 

 

 

Here I\'m adding highlights to the scales on its back leg

 

   

 

 Here I\'m adding the highlights first before putting in shadow and then its front legs

 

  

 

 

I\'m now working from the nose back up along its neck and shoulders

 

 

 

Here I\'m adding the final creamier highlights to the scales

 

 

 

Scanned and now beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

Catching snow flakes

(Amur leopards)

 

This sketch is an image of 2 Amur leopard siblings that are fascinated by some falling

snow flakes. It has been sketched in the medium of Pastel on Pastelmat paper

 

The Amur leopard is one of the rarest and most critically threatened leopard

subspecies which is found along the borderlines of Russia & China

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed  by Framers Gallery

Framed size in inches 29 x 36

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above Leopards

 

 

 

 I\'ve made a light sketch of the two Amur cubs before starting on the background

 

   

 

 Here I\'ve added a light blue base background and then created a snow theme

 

  

 

Gradually the features of the lower leopard are starting to develop

 

 

 

Here I\'m working on the ruff of the first leopard\'s neck 

 

   

 

The thicker fur has now been added to the cheek and down the nape of its neck

 

     

 

 Here I\'m starting to fill in the ruff of the second leopard up to its chin & then snout

 

   

 

 I\'ve completed the second leopard looking up at falling snow flakes

 

  

 

That\'s it, now off to be scanned & framed at Framers Gallery

 

 

Now scanned and beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

"Here Comes Trouble " 

(Two Iberian Lynx kittens)

 

 

This ia a sketch of two Iberian Lynx kittens looking for trouble. It\'s been sketched

 using the medium of pastel on pastel paper whilst using a series of

beautiful reference photographs taken by

 

Ayala Fishaimer

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed at Framers Gallery

Frame size in inches 35 x 29

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above Lynx kittens

 

 

 

I\'ve made a light sketch of the two Lynx kittens

 

  

 

I\'ve added a dappled background and then started on the tail & ears of the right kitten

 

   

 

 I\'m slowly working on the second kitten\'s eyes and snout

 

 

 

At my easle working on the kitten\'s eye

 

  

  

I\'m now working from the chin and its ruff, down its body to its leading paw

 

   

 

 Now sketching in the elbow and shoulder along with the back leg and paw

 

 

 

 Just adding the finishing touches to the first kitten before moving to the other one

 

 

 

 My current work station... Pastels and Lynx kittens

  

  

 

I\'ve worked in the left kitten\'s tail and then I\'ve started on its back leg

 

   

 

Now I\'m working on the rump of the second kitten as I move across its stomach

 

 

Here I\'m using the magnifying light to add some fur

e

 

   

 

I\'m slowly inching my way across the kitten to its front right paw and cheeks

 

  

 

I\'ve added the face and leading paw before filling in some of the ground

 

 

 

 Just filling the final touches before signing it off

 

 

 

 Now scanned and beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 "No where to go"

(Amur leopard)

 

 

This is an image of a rare Amur leopard glancing back to check for any danger. The Amur

leopard is one of the rarest and most critically threatened leopard subspecies which is

found along the borderlines of Russia and China. This image was sketched using

Pastel on a Pastelmatt paper whilst referencing a beautiful photograph

curtesy of wildlife photographer

 

Matthew Roper

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR  

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size in inches 35 X 29

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images that show how I sketched the above Amur leopard

 

 

 

Here I\'ve lightly pencilled in the motionless posture and markings of the leopard

 

   

 

 I\'ve added Unison Light Blue 16 for the sky before adding the lower mountain range

 

   

 

Added a base layer of snow to the ridge and now started on the ear and top of the head

 

 

 

 

Whilst standing at my easel I\'m spotting the head of the leopard

 

  

 

 I\'ve now added the eyes, the nose, cheeks, both ears and the ruff of the neck

 

   

 

 I\'m working on the neck shaddow, then onto it\'s flank and down the length of its tail

 

 

 

Where ever I seem to stand it will watch me from the easel 

 

  

 

This time I\'ve started from the tip of its long tail and worked my way up to its rump

 

  

 

I\'ve added the pads of the back legs and front paws, now just the flank to do 

 

 

 

 Adding the highlights to the fur on the back legs

 

 

 

 Beautifully scanned and framed at Framers Gallery

 

  

 

  

"The Summit Meeting"

(Three young snow leopards)

 

 

This sketch is an image of THREE mischievous snow leopard cubs looking

down from a snowy covered outcrop. I\'ve sketched this image in the

medium of Pastel on a Clairefontaine pastel paper whilst using a 

beautiful reference photograph taken by

 

 

Peter Bolliger

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 Framed size in inches 35 X 28

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above cubs

 

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the young snow leopards before I start adding in the background

 

   

 

 I\'ve added Unison Blue (Light 15) as the background with some distant mountains

 

   

 

 The back mountains are now partly done as I begin work on the left cub.

 

  

 

 I\'m starting to add the chin whiskers here before moving onto its leading paw

 

   

 

 I\'ve worked on the cubs thick fur around its neck before working on its front paws

 

   

 

I\'ve now added the eyes and part of the head to the the second cub 

 

 

 

Here I\'m working on the middle cub\'s left paw and leg

 

  

 

I\'m slowly sketched in the second cub and now have added the eyes of the third cub

 

  

 

I\'ve started to fill in the shaddow on the third cub to bring the middle cub forward

  

 

 The sketch is currently 24in (60cm) x 16in (41cm) in size

 

   

 

 I\'ve added the third cub showing its whiter chest fur, which is hidden from the others

 

 

 

Just adding a few whiskers here and there and now have to work on the foreground

 

   

 

 I\'ve started on the base layer of snow and then I\'ll add some blue to the shaddows

 

 

 

 Me just having a quick selfie in front of the finished image

 

 

 That\'s it scanned by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

"My Feather Boa"

(Ringtailed Lemurs)

 

 

This sketch is an image of 2 Ring Tailed Lemurs having a close cuddle. I\'ve sketched

it using Chalk, Charcoal with a touch of pastel for the eyes on a black pastel

paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph taken by

 

 

Gary Cox

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

Framed size in inches 34 x 28.5

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above Lemurs

 

  

 

I started with a light sketch and then added the haunting eyes to the right lemur

 

   

 

I\'ve started on the snout and around the eyes then moved to its right ear

 

 

 

Here I\'m just working the fur across its forehead 

 

  

 

The ears and down fur are being added as the second lemur comes into frame

 

  

 

The second lemur is taking shape and I\'ve now added the tail wrap to the image

 

 

 

 Just adding the finishing touches to the tail

 

 

Scanned by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

 

"Out of the Dust"

(A black maned lion)

 

 

This is a sketch of a large handsome male lion appearing from out of the dust. It

has been sketched using the medium of Pastel on a Clairefontaine paper

 

 

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

Framed size in inches 24.5 x 27

 

 

Below are a squence of images showing the process of how I

sketched the above black maned lion

 

  

 

I started with a light sketch of the lion followed by adding some background colour

 

   

 

I gradually worked down the mane having sketched in his piercing eyes

 

 

 

 Looking up at the image on my easel

  

   

 

I slowly worked down the left flank of the lion before moving to the right of his head

 

   

 

 I\'ve now added the right flank with the leading leg before working on the head 

 

 

 

Just adding the final highlights to the leg

 

   

 

Scanned  at Framers Gallery

 

 

"Out of the Green"

(An adult male leopard)

 

 

This sketch is an image of a beautiful male leopard taking a brief pause as it appears

from out of the bush. I\'ve sketched him using Pastel on a Clairefontaine paper.

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size in inches 25 x 28

 

 

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched

the above leopard

 

  

 

 I\'ve sketched in the outline and spots before adding in some of the background

 

   

 

 Starting with the ears I\'ve gradually moved down the forehead to the eyes and snout

 

 

 

Image with the Unison Pastels I\'m using in the foreground 

 

  

 

 Slowly I\'m working down the left of the image, its mouth and across its throat

 

   

 

I\'ve now added the tail, back leg and paw

 

 

 

 Here I\'m just working on its back paw at my easel

 

   

 

The leading leg, paw and shoulder have now been added 

 

   

 

Now I\'m working from the leading paw up the leg to the shoulder

 

 

 

Scanned by Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

 "Out of the Mist"

(An adult Bengal tiger)

 

 

This sketch is an image of an adult tiger walking through the freezing mist. It has been sketched

using the medium of Pastel on a Clairefontaine pastel paper whilst using a reference 

photograph licensed from

 

Everlasting Photography

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Frame size in inches 25 X 28

 

 

 

 Scanned image

 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above Tiger

 

   

 

I\'ve done a basic sketch and have now started adding the background mist 

 

  

 

Gradually I\'m adding more of the background and then its eyes

 

 

Working on the tiger at easel 2 

 

  

 

Now I\'m adding stripes to the head of the tiger along with the ears and shoulders

 

   

 

 Slowly I\'ve worked down the velvety nose, added the cheeks and mouth

 

 

 

Now I\'m adding the legs with highlights

 

 

 

Picking reddish pastels to give the image a warmer tinge to the fur

 

 

  

The completed image 

 

 

 

 

"Nozzy Rub"

 

(A lion & lioness)

   

This sketch is an image of a lion and a lioness greeting one and other by affecionatly rubbing

noses. It has been sketched in the medium of Chalk and Charcoal on a black background

  

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 

  

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in some guidelines and now I\'m working on the lion\'s man

 

  

 

Now I\'m filling in the cheek and mane of the male lion before moving onto his chin

 

 

Working on the sketch at my second easel 

 

   

 

Gradually I\'m filling in the lioness as I start to work across her head and then upper shoulders

 

 

 

Now scanned & framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

\'The Striped Opportunist\'

 

This is an image of tiger\'s head looking from left to right as it peers into the darkness

It was sketched using Pastels on a black Pastelmat paper  

 

 

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR  

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size (22.5in X 23in)

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above Tiger\'s head

 

   

 

A light sketch followed by some work on the nape of the neck and flattened ear

 

   

 

I\'m gradually working across the head down to the chin, whiskers and snout

 

 

 

 The work station with my various pastels

 

  

 

 Just the bridge of the nose to do and some highlighting of the fur

 

 

Scanned by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

"The Nuzzle"

 

This is an intimate image of a tigress being nuzzled by her older cub which I have

sketched using Pastels, Chalk and also Charcoal on a black background

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

Framed size (26.5in X 31.5in) 

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched the above tigers

 

   

 

 I pencilled in a faint outline of the tigers and have then added a soft highlit background

 

   

 

I\'ve started working on the first tiger\'s ear and then moved down its cheek to its eye

 

 

 

Here I\'m gradually adding the fur below the eye 

 

   

 

Here I\'ve worked down the snout to the rhinarium and then moved onto the second Tiger 

 

   

 

Gradually the two tiger\'s heads are starting to take shape

 

 

 

Here I\'m adding a few highlights to the ruff of the neck on the second tiger

 

   

 

 Next I\'ve been working on the Tiger\'s shoulder and legs before moving onto the secod tiger

 

   

 

I\'ve stretched the neck of the second younger tiger and also fine tuned the image

 

 

 

The finished sketch on my easel

 

 

 

Scanned by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

"Tyger Tyger"

 

This is a portrait image of an Amur (Siberian) Tiger which I have sketched onto

a black pastel paper whilst using Pastels, Chalk and also Charcoal

 

I have named the image "Tyger Tyger"  from the poem penned by

 

William Blake

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

Framed size (30in X 33in)

 

Below are a sequence of photographs showing how I sketched the above Tiger image

 

  

 

 I\'ve lightly sketched in the outline of it\'s main before starting work on one of the ears

 

   

 

I then gradually work across his forehead to the Tiger\'s other ear

 

 

 

Here I am at my trusty easel  just adding a little more fur to the ear 

 

  

 

 I\'m slowly working down the brow to the Tiger\'s left eye before moving to its right eye.

 

   

 

 That\'s the second eye completed as I now work down the cheak to the jaw

 

 

 

I\'m adding highlights to the brow of the tiger as it stares at me!! 

 

   

 

 I\'ve added some of its mane before moving across to its snout and then the rhinarium

 

   

 

 I\'m still working on the rhinarium and then moved to the chin to square it off

 

 

 

This is the utter chaos of my work area with the image beginning to take shape

 

  

 

Now I\'m filling in the ruff of fur around the Tiger\'s neck before moving to its flank

  

 

The completed image scanned by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

"A Fleeting Encounter" 

(World of leopards series)

 

 This is an image of a beautiful and rare Amur Leopard which I\'ve sketched using Pastels on a 

white Clairefontaine paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph licensed from

 

Everlasting Photography

 

The Amur Leopard is a leopard subspecies native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia

and northern China and is listed as being Critically Endangered on the IUCN List. 

In 2021, it was estimated that the population of wild Amur Leopards was only 60 - 80 .

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Frame size 29.5in X 36in) 

 

Below are a sequence of photographs showing how I sketched the above image

 

  

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the leopard, adding a PanPastel blue tint as a base for the background

 

   

 

Snow capped mountains give the image solitude and depth as I start adding in the ears and eyes

 

 

Here I am at my main easel working on the darker fur above and around its left eye socket

 

  

 

I\'m gradually working accross the muzzle of the leopard

 

  

 

 I\'m now working on the ruff of its neck and also I\'ve added a few whiskers

 

 

 Here I\'m rubbing back to the base colour using a fine eraser to add shaddow on the chest

 

  

 

 Now I\'m working across the body to the rump of the leopard

 

  

 

 Just a base layer of colour with the dark rosettes on the flank before working in the highlights

 

 

I\'m adding the white highlights to the leopard\'s fur whilst using a bar to rest my wrist on

 

   

 

 Now I\'m working on the base layer of the fur on the hips as I move down its back leg & tail 

 

   

 

 Beginning from the hips, I work down the leg and tail which is now beginning to take shape

 

 

Here I\'m adding some NE18 Unison pastel to the tail to add some low-light effect

 

   

 

 I\'m now working my way down the leg into the snow and then will move onto the back right paw

 

 

The finished image just waiting for my signature

 

 

 The completed image scanned at Framers Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

"Twilight Assassin"

 (World of leopards series)

 

This is an image of a rare adult snow leopard slowly ploughing it\'s way through deap snow.

It\'s another sketch that I\'ve attempted of an animal that I\'ve not had the privilege of seeing

in the wild and is the second in my World Leopard series.

 

It has been sketched using Unison and Pitt Pastels on a white Clairefontaine paper

 

The snow leopard, also known as the Ounce, is a felid in the genus Panthera and is native to

the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is now listed as being vulnerable on the

ICUN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000

mature intividuals which is expected to decline rapidly over the next 10 to 15 years

 

  

 

The finished image, beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Frame size 35in X 29in)

 

Below are a sequence of photographs showing how I sketched the above image

 

I\'ve now lightly sketched in a rough outline of the snow leopard

The image size is 24in X 16in

 

 

I\'ve added a Unison blue background and then started on the tip of the tail

 

  

 

Gradually I\'m working down the tail onto the leopard\'s back leg before moving to its back

 

 

 

I\'m working on the back leg at my easel No 2

 

  

 

I\'m gradually working on the front leg and also up the flank to the shoulder

 

   

 

Slowly the chest fur and leading leg are beginning to take shape

 

 

 

My rather untidy work station whilst using Unison soft Pastels 

 

  

 

I\'ve completed the shoulder of the leading leg and I\'m now moving onto it\'s head next.

 

   

 

I\'m now working down the head to the all important eyes and then softening the fur

 

  

This is the scanned image which was then framed at Framers Gallery

 

  

 "ICU"

 

This is an image of an African leopard staring from out of the darkness. It\'s been

sketched using the medium of Pastels and Panpastel on a black background

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Chris Jolley

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLECTOR

 

 The finished image, beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

(Framed size 26in X 25in)

  

 

Below are a sequence of photos showing how I sketched the above image

 

 

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the leopard\'s details on the black paper

 

  

 

 I\'ve started to work on the fur from the top right hand corner to its ear

 

  

 

Now I\'m working down to the ears and then across the nape of the neck

 

Slowly working on the fur at the main easle

 

 

  

 

I\'m working down the head to the eyes by adding the spots

 

  

 

Slowly but surely I\'m begining to fill in the face and now it\'s left eye

 

 

I\'ve done the second eye now as I move to the neck and behind the ear

 

   

 That\'s the eyes done as I move down the nose of the leopard

 

   

 

I\'m working down the nose to the chin before starting on its leg and then whiskers

 

 

 

It\'s still staring down on me as I put the finishing touches to it 

 

   

 

This is the scanned image.

 

 

"The Clouded Secret"

(World of leopards series)

 

This is a sketch of a Clouded Leopard walking along a fallen tree branch.

 It has been sketched using Pastels on Clairefontaine paper.

 

This is my first attempt at sketching a species of leopard whose habitat

is outside the Africa continent, the leopard is found in South East Asia

 

Clouded Leopards dwell in the cloud forests of Southeast Asia and are one of

the most ancient of cat species. However, they are neither a true great cat nor

a true small cat, because they cannot roar or purr. Sadly poaching and also

habitat loss now threatens the survival of this vulnerable species

 

  

 

 

The finished image, beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 27in x 28in)

 

 

Below are the sequence of photographs showing how I sketched the above image

 

 I begin lightly sketching in a rough outline of the leopard on the shape of a tree stump

 

   

 

Gradually I\'m working in the background green and distant sapling trees

 

   

 

I\'ve added the eyes before I start work on the ears of the leopard

 

 

 

 Here I\'m adding some highlights to the leopards inner ear

 

  

 

I\'m starting on it\'s head by working down it\'s snout to it\'s chin 

 

  

 

I\'ve added it\'s long fluffy tail, now working on it\'s chest and then onto its large paws

 

 

I\'m lightly touching in some more highlights to the fur on the leopards left foreleg

 

   

 

 I"m slowly adding the tight fur on the legs then I\'ll add some whiskers on it.

 

   

 

Gradually the paws and now the mossy bark on the tree is beginning to take shape

 

 

 

Here I am at my easel working on the moss with a soft pastel pencil

 

 

Scanned image by Framers Gallery

 

 

 

Just having a quick pose in front of the finished image before getting it framed

 

 

 

 

"Day Dreamer"

 

This is a sketch of a young leopard looking up into the dappled canopy of a tree.

 

 

It has been sketched using the medium of Pastel and Panpastel on clairefontaine

paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Nic Caley

 

 

 

The finished image, beautifully framed by Framer\'s Gallery

(Framed size 33in X 28in) 

 

 

Below are the sequence of photos showing how I sketched the above image

 

 

 

Firstly I lightly sketched in some details of the young leopard lying with its head on a branch

 

  

 

I then gradually started by adding a dappled effect to the background.

 

       

By softening the background it makes the cub seem more three dimensional.

 

 

 

Working at the main easel on the leopards rhinarium

 

   

Now I\'m starting on the eyes which has a lot of reflective light coming from the canopy

 

  

 

Having now added the second ear, I\'ve begun to work down it\'s snout to it\'s mouth

 

 

 

 

Sharpening up the reflections in the leopards eyes by using a 101 white pastel pencil

 

  

 

The spots and mouth are being filled in now before I begin adding the fur..

 

  

 

Here I\'ve slowly been working on the leopards cheeks and mouth area.

 

 

 

I\'m using a pointed eraser to soften and work around the top and sides of the mouth

 

  

 

I\'m slowly working down the leopard\'s cheek to its chin and left paw

 

   

 

I\'ve added in the shoulder fur and started on the paw 

 

 

 

Now I\'m working on the leopard\'s neck and then I\'ll move onto it\'s paw

 

   

 

Here I\'m starting the laborious task of sketching in the finer details of tree bark.

 

   

 

Slowly the bark is beginning to frame the bottom half of the image

 

 

 

The finished scan

 

Signed Limited edition print

 

 

 

"The Glance"

 

This is a small specimen night time sketch of a leopard glancing from behind a tree

 

I\'ve sketched it using the medium of chalk, charcoal and ochre pastel on a black

background whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of  

 

 

Hinesh Patel

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

 

Below are the sequence of photos showing how I sketched the above image

 

 

 

A light sketch of the outline before adding highlights

 

   

 

Gradually adding the highlighted whiskers and fur on its face

 

 

  

Scanned and now beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 

 Signed limited edition print

 

 

"Paws 4 Thought"

 

This is a sketch of a young leopard cub from a female called Schotias. It

pauses before investigating two Siafu ants

 

It has been sketched using the medium of Pastel on Pastelmat board

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Peter Caley

 

 

 

 Below are the sequence of photos showing how I sketched the above image

 

 

The laborious task of lightly sketching in the markings and overall outline of the cub 

 

   

 

I\'m starting on the base layer of the background

 

   

 

Added its ears and tstarted on the wide eyes

 

 

 

Working on the cub at my easle

 

 

 

Here I\'ve gradually worked on the snout and mouth of the cub

 

   

 

The cubs face is now completed as I move onto it\'s neck and shoulders 

 

   

 

I\'m now gradually moving down the shoulder onto the front leg of the cub

 

 

 

I use a piece of paper to rest my palm on to avoid smudging, as I add the lighter fur 

 

   

 

I slowly worked down the cubs back before starting on the leg and then tail 

 

   

 

 I\'ve now added its whiskers, hind leg and tail. 

 

 

Just adding some finer detail to the cub before moving onto the foreground

 

  

 

I\'m starting on the foreground by adding a couple of ants and dry bits of grass

 

 

 

That\'s it finished, now off to the Framers Gallery to be scanned and framed

 

 

 

Scanned image

 

Signed limited edition print

 

 

 

"A Dawn Call"

 

This is a chalk on black sketch of an adult male lion calling out during the

early hours of the morning as it shows its breath in the still coldness.

 

 

It\'s been sketched using the medium of CHALK on black pastel paper

 

 This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

The finished image beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 34in X 24in)

 

 

 

I lightly marked in the outline before adding it\'s breath and then moving onto its mane

 

 

 

I\'ve added the highlighted mane and also more length to the breath to give it a longer call.

 

 Signed limited edition print

 

 

"Paws \'n\' Claws"

 

This is a sketch of a female leopard looking down at her young

cub as it clings precariously to a tree branch.

 

It was sketched using the medium of PASTEL on a Pastelmat board

whilst using a series of beautiful reference photographs courtesy of

 

Dustin Van Helsdingen

 

 

 

 

The finished image beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 27in x 30in)

  

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I skeched the above image

 

 

 

 I\'ve roughly sketched in the outline and spots of the mother and cub on the branch

 

   

 

Gradually I\'m beginning to fill in the base layer of the dappled background

 

   

 

I\'m now filling in the mother leopard\'s ear and I\'ll then work down her face

 

 

 

 Here I\'m using a resting bar to fade in some of the inner ear before adding some fur..

 

   

 

Slowly I\'m working down the forehead, snout and then the throat of the leopard

 

  

 

 I\'ve now moved onto the cub as I work on it\'s ears before starting on it\'s blue eyes

 

 

 

I\'m adding the eyes to the cub here

 

   

 

Gradually the cub is starting to take shape now the eyes and nose have been added

 

   

 

I slowly worked on the cubs face before moving onto it\'s neck and chest

 

 

 

 Looking at the image from a different perspective during a coffee break

 

  

 

 Now I\'m working on the big paws and claws and then back legs..

 

   

 

The back legs are now complete as I move onto the cubs right foreleg and then chest

 

 

 

I\'m adding some finer white fur to the cubs chest as the mother watches on

 

  

 

 That\'s the little one nearly completed as I start on marking up the bark of the tree

 

 

 

  

 

The bark of the tree is starting to take effect now as I work right to left..  

 

 

 

That\'s it, the image will go off to Framers Gallery to be scanned & framed

 

 

As a bit of fun I\'ve decided to add three little Siafu to complete the image.

The Scanned Image

 

Signed limited edition print 

 

 

  

"The Coalition"

 

This is a sketch of two large male lions plotting a takeover.

It was sketched using the medium of PASTEL on a pastelmat board

 

 

 

The finished image beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 35in x 30in)

 

Below are a sequence of images showing how I sketched it

 

 

 

I\'ve roughly sketched in the outline of the two lions before starting on the background.

 

   

I\'ve filled in the background using Unison light blue 15 at the top, gradually working

down using Unison UGE 3 and then YGE 1 before beginning to work on the eyes.

 

   

 

I started on the top of the head and worked down the mane and snout to the lower lion.

 

 

 

Here I\'m using a fine brush eraser to stipple the fur on its cheeks.

 

   

 

I slowly added more mane to the closer prone lion.

 

   

 

I then started to use PanPastel to fill in the shadow on the shoulder and chest of the lion

 

 

 

Here I am using a soft sponge with PanPastel to add the background shadow

 

   

 

I worked on the lower part of the body before I moved onto the second lion\'s face.

 

   

 

Gradually I worked across the flank, filling in the muscle shadow of the standing lion.

 

 

 

Standing next to the finished image before signing it 

 

 

 The finished image that was scanned by Framers Gallery

 

Signed limited edition print

  

"Night Caller"

 

This is a sketch of a leopard tentatively stooping to take a quick drink. It has been sketched

using the medium of CHALK and CHARCOAL with a touch of OCHRE pastel.

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 
Pravir Patel

 This image is paired with an earlier image that I did called "First Light"

which can be seen if you scroll further down this page.

 

 

 

Framed at Framers Gallery

(Framed size (26in x 22in)

 

Below is the sequence of images showing how I sketched it

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the outline of the leopard onto the black paper

 

  

I started by highlighting the leopard\'s face and whiskers then worked up the neck

 

 

 

I\'ve added the tip of the paw to give the leopard some balance.

This is the scan which was done at Framers Gallery

 

 Signed limited edition print

 

 

 "Tree Trouble"

 

This is a sketch of a pair of mischievous leopards playing in the fork of an old tree
It has been sketched using the medium of PASTEL on PASTELMATT paper,

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Pravir Patel

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 27in x 30in) 

 

Below are a few of the images showing the sequence of how I sketched it.

 

 

 

I\'ve sketched in the leopard cub\'s markings, their eyes and some of the of the tree bark

  

   

 

I\'ve now added the dappled background using Unison Light Blue 15, Unison Green 24

and also the darker Unison Green 25. I\'ve also started working on the ears and neck

 

   

Gradually I\'m working on the upper cub\'s face and cheek

 

 

 

Here I\'m standing at my No2 easle working on the paw of the top leopard

 

   

That\'s the ruff of the neck as I worked across the image to it\'s shoulder and then the leg

 

  

I have now added the lower cub\'s right foreleg, it\'s ear and I\'m now working on the eyes

 

 

 

Here I\'m starting to work on the face of the lower leopard 

 

  

 

 Slowly the lower leopard is starting to take shape as I work in more detail on it\'s face

 

  

 

I\'ve slowly added the lower leg to the tangled mass of spots and whiskers.

 

 

 

Here I\'m working at my easel adding highlights to the top leopards fur

 

   

 

Gradually I\'m building in the bark of the tree on the left of the image

 

  

 

I\'ve gradually filled in the bark of the tree on the right hand side

 

 

 

That\'s the image now finished and signed and still on the board.

 

 

 

The scanned image.

 

Signed limited edition print

 

 

 

"First Light"

 

This is a specimen sketch of dawn light catching the features of a prowling leopard

It\'s been sketched using the medium of CHALK, CHARCOAL and OCHRE

on black paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

 Pravir Patel

  

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 29in X 22in)

 

 

Scanned by Framers Gallery. 

 

Below are a few images showing the sequence of how I sketched the leopard 

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the highlighted areas of the leopard

 

  

I\'ve started to add the highlights with the light source coming from the right of the image

 

   

 

Finally I\'ve added a little more ochre to the highlights to make it look warmer 

This is the scanned image

 

Signed limited edition print

 

 

 

"Copy Cat"

This is a sketch of a lioness with her cub as they walk in step along a ridge

It\'ll be sketched using the medium of PASTEL on PASTEL MATT paper

using a beautiful reference photograph

courtesy of

 

Dustin Van Helsdingen

 

 

 

 

The above image has been beautifully framed by Framers Gallery 

(Framed size 33in X 30.5in)

 

 

The following sequence of images shows how I sketched this image

 

 

I\'ve lightly pencilled in the image of the lioness and her cub in stride

 

  

I\'ve added Unison light 16 as a base with Phthalo blue tint to the upper part of the sky

 

  

 

 I\'ve added bushes and lala palms along with some distant hills to give it depth.

 

 

 

 I\'m adding some background hills to give the image some scale beyond the trees

 

  

 

 I\'ve begun with her tail and then I\'ve worked from her leading back foot up her leg

 

  

 

I\'ve filled in the partially shadowed leg, so now I\'ll move across her back to her head

 

 

Working at my easel adding some fur to her upper leg

 

   

 

I sketched her flank, upper shoulders and ear and then moved down her front legs

 

   

 

I\'ve now added the other ear and the one eye before moving across the face

 

 

 

Adding fine fur to the cubs left ear 

 

   

 

Completed the mouth of the lioness and I now move onto the cub

 

  

 

I\'ve worked my way from left to right to avoid smudging, as I\'m right handed

 

 

 

Having a quick pose with the finished sketch

 

  

I\'m now moving onto the background and the the foreground details

 

 

 

 

Scanned by Framers Gallery 

 

Signed limited edition print

 

 

 

"Mischief Makers"

This is a sketch of two curious sibling leopard cubs sitting on a tree branch.

It\'s been sketched using the medium of PASTEL on PASTEL MATT paper.

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 

The above image has been beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(Framed size 28in X 26in)

 

 

The sequence of images below shows how the image was sketched

 

 

The laborious task of lightly sketching in the spots and features of the two leopard cubs

 

   

Starting on the background and working across and then down the image

 

  

 Added some sky to give the image some height and now started on the left cub 

 

 

 

 Filling in the ruff of fur on the cub\'s shoulder as it dips it\'s head.

 

   

I\'m working on the cub\'s face, ear and then down its back before going onto the front feet.

 

   

 

 I\'m gradually working on the fur on the body, shoulder and down the front legs

 

 

 Filling in the spots around the feet

 

  

 That\'s the first leopard base colour done, now moving onto the second leopard cub.

 

   

 

Finished the second cubs eyes and have now worked on its ears and face 

 

 

My work station, I\'ve got hours of work still to do 

 

   

 That\'s the first paw of second cub done, as I gradually work up the body.

 

   

 

I\'m starting to add more details to the cub\'s chest and then I\'ll work down it\'s leg. 

 

   

 

 I\'ll add a glimpse of a tail and another branch after I\'ve worked on the lower branch..

  

The finished image, just have to sign it now

 

 

 

The scanned image and now framed by Framers Gallery

 

Signed limited edition print

 

 

"Baby Puss"

This is a sketch of an elusive African wild cat (Felis Lybica) as it glances back before pouncing on

a dung beetle. It has been sketched using the medium of PASTEL on PASTEL MATT board

whilst using a beautiful reference photgraph taken by wildlife photographer

 

Hamman Prinsloo

 

The length of the animal is approximately 28 inches (70 cm), excluding the 15.7 inch (40 cm) tail;

the shoulder height averages 9 inches (23 cm) and the cat weighs about 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg).

The African wildcat is a solitary nocturnal hunter that preys mainly on

birds, small mammals and beetles.

 

 

 

The above image has been beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

 (Framed size 27.5in X 25in)

 

 

The sequence of images below shows how the image was sketched

 

 

I\'ve lightly sketched in the African wildcat glancing back, as a rough guide

 

  

I\'ve started on the background with a lot still to do before moving onto the green eyes 

 

   

Her face and whiskers are done as I work down her front leg and up her back leg

 

 

Working at my main easel as I continue to add fur to her body

 

   

 That\'s the cat completed, I\'ve added a dung beetle and darkened the background

 

 

 This is the completed scanned image

 

Signed limited edition print

 

 

"Kifaru kidogo"

(Little rhino in Kiswahili)

 

This sketch is an image of a female Southern White Rhino with her young calf.

It was sketched using the medium of PASTELS on PASTEL MATT 

paper whilst using a beautiful reference photograph taken by

 

Dylan Smith

 

  

The image has been beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

(The framed image is 44in X 33in)

 

 

 The sequence of photos below shows how the image was sketched

 

 

 

 I lightly sketched in the calf and female rhino as a rough guide to the sketch. 

 

  

 

 Unison light 16 as the base with a darker Phthalo blue tint to the upper part of the sky 

 

   

 

 I start to work on the back leg before working across the body.

 

   

 The mother is starting to take shape as I work on her shoulders and ears

 

 

Slowly filling in the details of the rhino\'s ears and then I\'ll move down to her calf

 

  

 

Filled in the details of the folds on her neck and shoulders, before starting on the calf.

 

  

I\'m gradually filling in the details of the calf as I move onto the mother\'s head and horns

 

 

 Finally the image of the two rhinos is beginning to take shape..

 

   

I\'ve filled in the upper and longer lower horn as I work down the head.

 

   

With the rhino and calf nealy complete, I\'ve started to add the pebbles and small rocks.

 

 

The image now scanned by Framers Gallery 

 

A quick photo of me in front of the finished sketch.

 

Signed limited edition print

  

 

"Nature\'s Barcode"

This is a sketch of a small herd of Hartman\'s Mountain Zebra in Damaraland, Namibia.

It has been sketched using the medium of Pastel on Pastel Matt board.

 

 

 

This image has been beautifully framed by Framers Gallery

The Framed size is 43 X 33 inches

 

The sequence of photos below show how this image was sketched

 

 

I marked out the background scenery along with the small herd of Hartman\'s zebra

 

  

 I gradually filled in the base layer of the sky using Unison Light 16 and then gradually

added PanPastel Phthalo Blue tint to the upper part of the sky to give it a slight haze.

 

  

 

I\'m starting to add the distant escarpment which moves left to the right from the centre.

 

 

 

Working at the main easle

 

  

 

 The higher part of the scenery is starting to take shape as I start to fill in the left side

 

  

The escarpment is taking shape with a few riverletts of scree beginning to give it height

 

 

 I\'m still working on the Damaraland background, adding some of the finer detail

 

  

Now working on the lower slopes whilst gradually bringing in the zebra from the centre of the image 

   

The first herd of Hartman\'s mountain zebra are taking shape now as I move across the image

 

Gradually working on the stripes of the Hartman\'s zebra, with only two more to do..

   

I\'m slowly working my way through the dazzle of stripes before finishing the last zebra

   

Lowering the horizon enhances the scale of the escarpment and sky in the background

 

 

 I\'ve added small flowers which tend to appear after the rains which adds to their food source.

Scanned at Framers Gallery

 

  

"Windows 2 the Soul"

This is a sketch of a soulfull looking young gorilla. I first sketched this gorilla in 2003 with

the title "Windows to the soul" which proved very popular. I have reversed the

sketch and have put more detail in the eyes. It has been sketched using 

the medium of Chalk, Charcoal with a little Ochre in its eyes

on black pastel paper

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a  PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and currently displayed in the Studio/Gallery

The framed size is 25in X 25in

 

 

 The following sequence of images show how I sketched the above image

 

   

 

 I\'ve started work on the eyes before moving down the nose

 

 

It always makes me smile when I sketch young gorillas, they have such gentle faces.

 

 

 

I\'ve now filled in the nose, mouth and chin

 

 

That\'s it ready for scanning and Framing 

 

 

 

The scanned image

 

 

 

 "Inzozi"

This is an image of a young gorilla from the HIRWA family in the Virunga range

of mountains located in Rwanda. It has been sketched using the 

medium of CHALK, CHARCOAL with a touch of OCHRE

on black PASTEL paper whilst using a beautiful

reference photograph taken by 

 

Robin John Mountain

The title was chosen by Jennifer Pearce who won the naming competition.

The translation from Kenyarwanda means to dream (Dreamer)

  

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and now on display at the Studio/Gallery

The framed image size 30in x 25in

 

 

The following sequence of images show how I sketched the above young gorilla

 

 

I\'ve sketched some markings before I begin working with the Chalk & Charcoal

 

   

I\'ve been filling in the lower eye before moving up to the right eye.

   

Gradually the eyes are taking shape as start to move down the bridge of the nose.

 

I\'m working at my main easel as I add the highlights to the cheeks of the young gorilla

   

I\'m slowly working down the snout to the chin before I start to add fur and facial hair

   

Adding in the fur in begins to shape the head and give it more character.

 Still working on highlighting the fur before adding some finer adjustments to the image..

 

 Image now scanned at Framers Gallery 

 

 

 

"In Hot Pursuit"

Is an image of a female cheetah glancing back over her shoulder whilst enticing

 a large male lion away from her hidden cubs. It was sketched using the

medium of PASTEL on PASTEL MATT board.

 

   

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and on display at the Studio/Gallery

The framed image size is 26in x 32in

 

The following series of images show how I sketched the above cheetah

 

 

I\'ve started my sketch by outlining the cheetah and marking in the lion 

 

   

Firstly I fill in the upper background, with the following lion next and then the tips of the cheeth\'s ears

  

Gradually I work my way down the cheetah\'s flank with her just taking a quick glance at the lion 

 

Easel 2: I\'m adding some of the highlights to the top of the cheetah\'s flank

 

   

 

Gradually I work down and across the body trying also to give the cheetah a bouncing feel

   

 I\'m slowly working on the background grass as it begins to take shape

 

 

Just adding a few finishing touches to the ground under the cheetah 

 

 

 

The scanned image. 

 

 

 

"MiniMe"

This is an image of a lioness and her young cub. It has been sketched using the medium of

PASTEL on PASTEL MATT board whilst using a beautiful reference photograph

courtesy of

 

 

Dustin Van Helsdingen

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and now on display in the Studio/Gallery

Frame size 30in X 27in

 

 

The following series of images show the process of sketched it

 

  

I\'ve sketched the outline of the lioness and her cub before I then start on the background 

   

I\'m working on the lioness\'s ears and neck then moving across to the eyes and nose

Working from easel One I\'m concentrating on filling in the lioness\'s chin here. 

   

 I\'ve been working on the cub before moving onto the main body of the lioness

   

 Now working on the shoulders and hind quarters of the lioness

 

Still adding the fur to the rump of the lioness as the cub watches me

   

 Gradually the image is beginning to take shape as I add the finer detail to the picture

 

That\'s the image scanned at Framers Gallery 

 

"Rough & Tumble" 

This is an image of two young cheetah cubs chasing and playing with one and other.

It has been sketched using the medium of PASTELS on PASTEL MATT paper

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Jon Warburton

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and is now on display in the Studio/Gallery 

frame size 26in X 28in

 

 

The following sequence of images show how I have sketched it.

 

  

Some preliminary outlines that I have sketched of the two cubs with the background 

 

  

Working on the cub\'s tail and head before I move down it\'s body to the tips of it\'s paws

 

 

I\'m now adding a little shadow under the cubs chin.

 

  

That\'s the one cub partialy completed on the left now for the second cub\'s head and tail

 

   

The leading cub.. just the legs to do before moving onto the dust and foreground  

 

 

I\'m using a paint-brush shaped eraser/rubber to soften the fur

 

  

 I\'m now just adding the finishing touches to the foreground

 

 

Scanned by Framer\'s Gallery 

 

 

"The Vanquished"

I have sketched this scene of a lioness taking a breather at a zebra kill 

using PASTELS on PASTEL MATT paper whilst using a

beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Tim Nicklin

 

  

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and on display in the Studio/Gallery

frame size 37in X 26in

 

The following sequence of images show how I sketched it

 

   

I\'ve sketched in the outline of the lioness along with the prone zebra 

  

I\'ve added a shimmering background of bush and trees and now I\'m working on the lioness\'s body

   

 Gradually working around the neck, ear and throat before moving along her jowls

 

Here I am working at my Easel  as I add the the black stripes of the fallen zebra

   

I finished the lioness\'s open mouth and chin before starting to fill in the stripes of the prone zebra.

   

I slowly work on the dazzle of stripes along the body of the zebra

Here I can be seen softening the background using a paper blending stump

   

I\'ve spent hours trying to get the lion\'s snout anatomically correct, before adding grass to the image.

   

I\'m now adding in the surrounding grassland and a blurred middle background

 

That\'s it, ready to sign and drop it off at the framers

 

The image scanned 

 

 

"Scaredy Cat"

This is a sketch of an adult leopard peering down from the safety of a

large tree. The image is being sketched using the medium of 

PASTELS on a green PASTEL PAPER

 

I\'ve used a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

 Patsy Weingart

 

 

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and now on display at the Studio/Gallery

framed size 26in X 30in

 

The following sequence of images will show how I sketched it

  

I began to lightly mark up an outline of the image before starting to adding the background

   

Continuing to add more background colour deapth to the image 

 

Blending in the tail with a paper blending stump.

   

Added the tail as I now begin work on the head

   

Stiill working on the leopards head, foreleg and shoulder

 

The view of the image from my computer chair

   

The scene is gradually starting to take shape as I begin working on the tree and its bark

   

I\'m now laboriously adding in the shadow and highlight of the tree back

 

Putting some finishing touches to the leopard\'s shoulder..

 

 Scanned by Framers Gallery.

 

 

"Baby Blue Eyes"

 

This is a very young leopard cub peeping from behind a tree trunk.

The blueness of its eyes is due to the small deposit of melanin in the irises,

which are the muscular rings around the pupils, making them appear blue. 

This small image was sketched using PASTELS on a Pastel Matt board

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Johnathan Sala

 

 

Beautifully framed by Framers Gallery and now on display at the Studio Gallery

Framed size 26in X 27in

 

The following sequence of images show how I sketched it

    

I first sketched the outline before adding a blurred light green background with dappled light

   

I\'ve added in it\'s light blue eyes and have now slowly begun working on its ears

 

I\'m gradually marking in the spots whilst working at (Easle TWO) in the studio

   

I\'m gradually working down the head to the nose and chin.

   

Im gradually working down the snout to the chin before moving along its neck

 

 Marking up the highlights on the neck fur

  

Worked on the tree bark and the cubs whiskers

That\'s it finished

The scanned image 

 

 

"All ears"

Winner of The Pollyanna Pickering award for Endangered Species 2022

 

This is an image of an adult wild dog pausing briefly as it listens out for any sounds of danger. 

This image has been sketched using the medium of

PASTELS on a Pastel Matt board

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

The framed sketch is currently on display in the Studio/Gallery

Framed size 32in X 27in

 

 

 The Pollyanna Pickering award for Endangered Species 

The following sequence of images will show how I sketched it

   

Firstly I\'ve pencilled in the wild dog with it\'s raised right paw before starting to fill in the background

  

I then filled in the shimmering background and eventually moved to the forground

   

Then I carefully sketched in the dogs eyes and nose and then moved to its trademark large ears

 

 Here I am standing at my work station (Easle ONE) as I add some hairs to the muzzle

  

The ears and the muzzle are now complete, so I move across the chest and down the raised leg and paw..

   

That\'s the dogs forelegs complete with part of the shoulder and chest already marked up.

 

Still adding black fur to the dogs shoulder whilst keeping my hand steady using a homemade Mahlstick 

   

Now I\'ve filled in the right back leg and tail before I move to its rump and then left rear leg

 

Scanned image 

 

"Black Amber"

I\'ve sketched this moonlit image of a female

 leopard as she pauses to look back, using 

CHALK, CHARCOAL and PASTELS 

  on black pastel paper.

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

Beautifully framed and mounted 

Framed size is 27in X 32in

 

   

 I have initially sketched in the outline and have started adding in the lighter fur from her tail up her body

   

I\'ve been working on her cheaks, across her back and down to meet her tail

 

 

 Here I\'m working around the eye of the leopard whilst using a steadying bar to rest my wrist.

    

Gradually adding the lighter fur around her spots

   

 A few finishing touches before going to Framers Gallery to be scanned and framed

 

The scanned image.

 

 

"The Opportunist"

A leopard at night looking from RIGHT too LEFT

 

This image has been sketched on Black Pastel Paper using

CHALK, CHARCOAL and PASTELS

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

Sameera YS

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Beautifully framed, mounted 

Framed size 23.5 X 23.5 inches

 

  

I pencilled in the outline, adding the misty background then working in some of the darker underfur

    

Now I\'ve started to sketch in the leopards eye and nose before working up the head to the ears and neck.

 

 I\'m currently working from my second easle with the natural light coming over from over my shoulder..

   

 Now scanned and framed by Framers Gallery

 

"Cat\'s Cradle"

A young cub rests it\'s weary chin on a branch in the MalaMala game reserve.

 

This small image was sketched using PASTELS on a Pastel Matt board

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

Cameron Inggs

  

 

Framed, mounted and on display at the Studio/Gallery

Framed size 22 x 22.5 inches 

 

  

I\'ve sketched in the outline with a pastel pencil then filled in the sky and some background 

  

I\'ve started with the cubs eyes and then worked on the ears and forehead

I\'m adding the darker highlights of the fur before moving onto its shou;lder and then tree branch

   

 I\'ve now added the cubs shoulder, elbow and branch and then moved to start work on the paw

  

I\'ve gradually been working on the cheek, nose, mouth and chin with the lower paw now appearing.

 

Adding the highlights to the cub\'s chin before moving onto the lower paw and then branch

  

The bottom paw and the smaller branches are now beginning to take shape with just the main bow to fill in.

 

So that\'s the bow done, just need to get it off to Framers Gallery to be scanned and framed.

 

 

  

"Savannah Dawn"

 A female cheetah called Rani/Musiara surveys the savannah from the top

of a small termite mound for opportunities & threats as dawn starts to break

across the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Masai Mara

 

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Board

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

Chris Trench

 

 

Framed, mounted and on display at the Studio/Gallery

Frame size 25 X 28 inches

 

Below is how I sketched the cheetah

 

   

 I\'ve sketched in the outline with the spots and termite mound and then sarted on the background sky

   

Working from the cheetah\'s head down her chest and eventually to her feet

  

I\'m seen here adding some spots around the chest before moving down the front leg

  

I\'ve worked down the cheetahs front legs before moving on to her back legs and then tail

  

I\'ve added the body spots before moving onto the tail 

 

Starting to work on the top of the termite mound, which now gives the image some height. 

  

The shadowed foreground of the itermite mound is now taking shape

Standing by the finished sketch.. just to sign and get it scanned

 

Scanned image

 

 

"Cross  Wind"

(A beautiful black and golden maned lion)

 

This image has been sketched using PASTEL on Pastel Matt Board

whilst using a stunning reference photograph courtesy of

  leg

Tim Nicklin

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

  

Below is how I sketched this image of a lion

   

 I\'ve sketched in the rough outline of the lion before starting on the blurred background

   

The breeze comes from left to right, blowing his mane across the top of his head. Eyes and forehead next. 

 

Here I\'m working on the upper part of his forehead including the lions right eye.

   

The one eye now becomes two as I move down his muzzle to his cheeks and eventually to his mouth.

  

I\'ve started the black underfur and now added the golden highlights

 

I\'ve now added his mouth and chin with still a fair bit of the foreground to touch up

Scanned image

 

 

 

"Spotted Mirage"

(Three sibling cheetah relax on a termite mound as they all watch over the savannah)

 

This image was sketched using PASTEL on a Pastel Matt Paper

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

 

David Eaton

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

Framed Image

 

  

I\'ve sketched in the outline and stared on the background

   

I\'m starting to work on the standing cheetah as I gradually move from left to right

 

I\'m working at the large easel this time to sketch these three beautiful sibling cheetah on a termite hill..

  

Finished the left cheetah for the time being, as I now m0ve onto the head of the one sitting up.

 

  I\'m gradually filling in the spots and the fur shade down the back of the second cheetah to the tip of it\'s tail.

Taking a rest from filling in the hundreds of spots, not once but 3 to 4 times.

  

Spots now put on the third cheetah lying down. I\'ll soon begin to sketch in the termite hill they\'re using

   

I\'m starting to fill in the termite hill today and then move onto the closer the background

 

 Adding the red ochre of the old warn termite mound.

  

I gradually filled in the large termite mound that has been worn down over the years as a look out.  

 

Scanned image

 

  

 "Cat Walk"

(A lion cub tentatively follows in it\'s mother\'s footsteps down a narrow track)

This image has been sketched using PASTEL on Pastel Matt Paper

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

Heinrich Rontgen

   

Framed, mounted and on display at the Studio/Gallery 

Frame size 29 X 33 inches

 

  

I\'ve pencil sketched the outine of the lioness and cub and also worked on a suggestion of the background

  

I\'ve added the features of the cub behind its mother and softened it a little before moving on to the lioness

 

 Working at the small easel as I add the highlights to the cub\'s feet

  

I\'ve added her left ear and eyes and worked down the head and shoulders. Eyes now focused on you 

   

I\'ve gradually worked in the Lioness\'s leading leg bringing in the cub\'s belly which makes it more three dimensional

 

 Adding light and shade to the cub\'s chin

   

Added some darker fur before touching up a few bits and pieces before taking it off to be scanned 

 

Quite pleased with this little image, looking forward to seeing it framed and on a wall 

 

Scanned and  framed by Framers Gallery

 

 

 "The Three Degrees"

(A micro herd of zebra)

This image has been sketched using PASTEL on Pastel Matt Paper

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Tim Nicklin

 

 

 Framed, mounted and now ondisplay in the Studio Gallery

Framed size 32 X 33 inches

 

Below is how I sketched the  image

 

     

I\'ve laboriously sketched in the stripes and outline of the three zebras and I\'m now working on the background 

  

I\'m starting on the lighter front legs and then working my way up and across the foal

 

 

Adding white pastel to the stripes whilst using my magnifying light

   

 The foal is gradually starting to take shape as I start to fill in the stripes.

   

 The little foal is now partially done as I move onto sketching the two zebra directly behind it

 

 Chalking in the white of the stripes as I fill in more of the mare\'s head and neck

   

 Starting to sketch and fill in the stripes of the two back zebra which tend to darken with age.

   

Moving down the back leg and then across to the right of the foal picking up the back legs of the adult zebra

 

 the artistic chaos of my work station

   

The second and third zebra are beginning to take form with the fatness of the rear zebra

   

I\'ve completed the front legs and now work on the grass and a distant setting sun

 

Lowering the sun to the horizon has given the image a feeling of impending darkness as predators begin to stir.

 

 

"Game of Thrones"

(A pair of Burchell\'s stallions rear up in battle)

This image has been sketched using PASTEL on Pastel Matt Paper

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Inger Vandyke

 

 

Framed mounted and now on display at the Studio Gallery

Frame size 28 X 34 inches 

 

   

 I\'ve started on one of the stallion\'s head before working down it\'s breast to its shoulders and then legs.

   

 Continuing to sketch the chest then through the forearms onto the knees and then down the legs to the hooves 

 

Working on the belly stripes of one of the Zebra

 

I\'ve started working on the second stallion now as I work up its withers to its head

   

Having sketched the head I\'ve now moved down its body to its back legs

 

 As I work down towards its legs, I add a touch of cream to the rump of the stallion

   

I\'ve been working on the tangle legs between the rear legs of the stallion in the foreground

 

Scanned image

 

 

"On a Mission"

(a young lion cub struts a nonchalant swagger with tail held high)

This image was sketched using PASTEL on Pastel Matt paper

whilst using a beautiful reference photograph courtesy of

 

Aamir Khatri

 

Original framed with a double mount and now on display in the Studio Gallery

Frame size 28in X 35.6 inches

 

   

I\'ve sketched in a light pencil outline of the cub and I\'m now starting to fill in the dark blurred background

   

Background partially done, created an out of focus tail and then I\'m working down from the right ear

 

Working again on the second board using light magnifiers 

 

   

Added the mouth, teeth and eyes before moving over the forehead to the left ear

 

Still slowly applying the under fur which is very laborious but is essential work

   

Worked on the left ear, back and front left leg before moving onto the chest and then down the right leg 

   

The swagger is starting to take shape as I work on the paws, the fur and now the foreground

 

Just adding a few bits and pieces to the foreground of the image before taking it to be scanned and framed

 

Scanned Image  

  

"The Beauty Therapist"

(A giraffe being groomed by a red-billed oxpecker)

This image was sketched using PASTELS on PastelMatt Paper

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

Martin Mayer

 

This ORIGINAL has been PURCHASED by a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Framed with a double mount and on display in the Studio Gallery

 Frame size 28in X 37in

 

   

Sketched the outline in chalk and then started on the background

 

Starting on the horn and then I\'ll work down the side of the head and ears to the Ox-pecker

 

Working on the image on my second board 

   

Ox-pecker taking shape against the ear,  I\'ve now worked on the ear, eye and throat

   

Working down the neck as I add the dappled colours, with the giraffe beginning to stand out from the background

 

  Adding the finishing touches to the left ear before sending it to get scanned and then framed

 

  The scanned image 

 

 

"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

 

ORIGINAL framed and now on display in Studio Gallery

Frame size 34in X 35in 

 

   

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

 

 

"Curiosity"

(Two young inquisitive cubs look down from a dappled kopje)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

 Asilia Africa

 

 

 Framed and mounted with non reflecting glass and now on display in the Studio/Gallery

Framed size 29in x 26in 

 

   

 Marked up the two cubs lying on a granite kopje, now giving it a dappled green background

   

The dappled green background done, now working on the back cub.

 

Working on the cub  using magnifying light lenses for the finer detail 

   

 Moving onto the front cub starting on it\'s ears then eyes before moving onto its mouth and chin.

  

Gradually filling in the body of the front lion cub

 

Working on the smaller detail of the paw on the second cub

   

Adding texture and colour to the granite kopje and also softening the cubs.

 

The scanned and finished image 

 

"Dusty Amble"

(An elephant tosses up dust over itself as it takes a long slow amble)

 

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

whilst using a reference photograph courtesy of

 

Billy Dodson

 

Mounted and framed with non reflecting glass and now on display in the Studio/Gallery

Frame size 42in x 36in

 

   

I\'ve sketched the outline of the elephant, put Phthalo blue to the top of the image and added trees and dust 

   

Im starting to move down the trunk and across the top of the head

  

Adding the finer wrinkles to the trunk whilst working on my first board

     

Darkening the shadows around the wrinkles on the trunk and starting to work down the leg

   

Elephant is looking balanced and  I\'ve  added some distant trees in the background to give it depth

 

 Quick pose with the finished Sketch

The scanned and finished image

 

 

"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

 

 

 Mounted, framed and now on dispaly in the Studio/Gallery

Frame Size 27in x 33in

 

    

 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

 

 

"The Ambush"

(An image of dust being kicked up as a lioness charges towards a stampeding herd of plains zebra)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

Mounted, framed and on display in the Studio/Gallery

Frame size 46in x 30in

 

    

 The laborious task of sketching out the herd of zebra stripes moving right to left with the lioness off centre right.

    

Starting to work on the zebra from left to right. It\'s easier doing it that way as I am right handed

 

Adding the black stripes along the neck of a zebra 

    

The herd of zebra are gradually starting to take shape as I work along the image towards the lioness and beyond

   

 Stripes, stripes and stripes, I\'ll be glad to start on the lioness

 

 Getting to the centre part of the image as I work my way across the 33 in sketch

    

 Suddenly the lions ears have come into the frame as I fill in the next zebra behind the stallion

   

Now we are beginning to see the outline of the lioness taking shape with just a few zebra left to sketch

 

Just working on the dust around the zebra\'s legs before moving onto the attacking lioness.

    

Finished the zebra part of the image, now the lioness to do, I\'m striped out!! 

     

 The lioness is starting to appear as I work along her muscular body from her head to the tip of her tail

   

Scanned image

 

 

"Feather Duster"

(A helmeted Guinea Fowl shakes it\'s body having a dust bath)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

Mounted, Framed and on display in the Studio/Gallery

Frame size 30in x 27in

 

  

Starting to work on the background dust which will have bits of debris as the guinea fowl  shakes itself.

       

 Gradually the background dust is taking shape along with the head of the bird

Working on the small board for this image which will be approximately 20 X 16 inches unframed

  

The head and breast of the guinea Fowl will be the only part of the bird that will be sketched in focus

    

Now starting to show the blurred rotation of the body as it shakes off the dust

 

Scanned and now waiting to be framed and displayed in the Studio/Gallery 

 

Standing next to the finished image.

 

 

"Lilac Encounter"

(A lilac breasted roller perched on a twig as an elephant approaches in the background)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

Mounted, framed and now on display in the Studio / Gallery

Frame size 31in x 27in

     

Marked up the position of the roller, now beginning to fill in the elephants head

      

Gradually bringing in the blurred effect of a large bull elephant head 

     

 Elephant is beginning to come along, working on the twig before starting on the Roller

 

Working on Board B with the natural light coming over left and right shoulder 

    

I\'m now working on the Lilac breasted roller, starting with its chest then onto its head

     

 The Roller is starting to take shape now that I\'ve added its feet. Still work to be done on the elephant though

 

Putting the finishing touches on the Roller before moving back to the elephant. 

 

Now scanned, now waiting to be framed and then displayed in the Studio Gallery.

 

 

"Peek a Boo" 

(A slight glimpse of a leopard as it watches you)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

whilst using a stunning reference photograph courtesy of

 

Karin Van Couwenberg

 

 

 Mounted, framed and now on display in the Studio / Gallery

Frame size 26in x 33in

 

     

Starting off with a soft hue that then leads down to the green of the foliage. 

    

Both the ear and eye have been added as I continue to work on the cheek and whiskers. 

     

Nearly finished the leopard peeping around the corner, will then add the bark of the tree on the right side of the image 

 

Just adding some highlights to the nose and then it\'s finished 

 

Scanned image

  

"Chancers"

(Two sibling male lions take an early stroll through the morning mist)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

Mounted, framed and now on display at the Gallery / Studio

Frame size 27in x 33in

 

    

Sketched in the markings of the two lions with the one in the background softly focused to give it depth

    

Gradually working on the main male lion which will be the main focus of the image

 

Working on the upper mane and highlighting the ear using a piece of chalk.

    

 The golden mane is coming along as I will soon start working on the courser black under-mane

    

I\'ll add light to the front foot and then give a softer feel to the sketch

 

 Scanned and now just waiting to be Mounted and Framed

 

 

"Silent Witness"

(A young leopard watches intently from behind a bow of a tree)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

 

Mounted, framed and now on display at the studio gallery

Frame size 25in x 32in

 

    

Having finished marking up, as usual I work on the eyes first before moving onto the background 

   

    

Working on the face and then down the leg to the paw

at my work station

    

 Elbow done and also the other paw whilst making its leg slightly out of focus..

    

Marking up and filling in the bow colour of the tree 

    

Added intense shadow from the bottom right of the picture, then softened the image on the right.

 

Scanned and now just ready to be mounted and framed. 

  

"Painted Creche"

(A group of young hunting dogs await the return of the main pack after a hunt)

 

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

 

Mounted, framed and now on display in the studio gallery.

Frame size 44 X 28 inches

 

   

Marking up the eight dogs and a termite hill onto pastelmat paper before starting on the far bank of the river

    

 The trees on the far bank of the river are starting to come to life as I add the line of the of the distant river. 

   

Sketching in the termite hill gives a focal point to work from and it also shows the effect of a blurred background..

 

I\'m currently working on my second board (B) which has the natural light coming from over my left shoulder. 

 

Laboriously adding the base background colour ready for the finer detail  

 

Still working on the background before moving onto the first of the eight dogs

   

The first two young dogs appear on the scene, just another seven to go!!

  

Dog three completed now, with the beginnings of a tail on the adult dog (baby sitter) starting to appear.

 

Using my light  lenses to do the finer detail on the dogs.

   

Adult male (sitter) sketched in, just the remaining three pups to do before moving back to the background detail

  

 That\'s all the dogs in situ.  

   

Gradually filling in the twigs, bushes, scat and other bits and pieces you find in the in the bush.

 

That\'s the picture finished.

 

Scanned ready for framing

 

 

 

"Deadly Focus"

(A lioness stares intently into the darkness)

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Framed and mounted.

Starting on Board A... 

    

 I always start with the eyes of any creature.. They are the windows to the soul!! 

    

 Working down the snout to the mouth and then her chin..

   

 Working on the cheak and whiskers before moving onto the chin and neck as she stretches forward

   

Now working on the ears..

 

Putting my signature on before sending off to be scanned and then framed 

 

Scanned image

 

 

"Natural Charisma"

(A male lion lit by moonlight)

 

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 

Framed, mounted and on display in the studio / gallery.

Frame size 27in x 33in

 

 

 Working on Board B again, using natural light over my shoulder. 

    

Starting on the eye and then working up on to the forehead, using Chalk, Charcoal and Yellow Ochre

    

The mane is starting to take shape along with the snout and chin. 

 

 Never had a lion stare at me for quite so long!! Still work to do on the lion before I finish it..

      

Fine tuning the light and shadow.

 

Finished, so now to get it scanned and then framed

 

Scanned image

 

 

"Next Generation"

(A lion cub boldly takes the lead)

 

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

 

 Framed, mounted and on display in the studio gallery

Frame size 24in x 28in 

 

On board TWO I have started to mark up the cub and following lioness

  

Starting to fill in the blurred background before developing the lioness and then cub

   

The blurred lioness is beginning to appear to the rear of the cub.

     

The lioness is gradually dominating the image at the moment. The ground still to do before the work on the cub.

 

Working at board B which has the natural light coming over my left and right shoulders 

    

Softening the lioness and back ground before moving onto the ground and cub which will be in focus.

    

Now the cub is the main focus as the background blends in around it.

    

 Creating low lights by using a fine eraser to create the fur effect 

 

Now finished, scanned and ready for framing

 

"Hidden Ivory"

(A head shot of an elephant and its left tusk)

 

(Sketched from a beautiful  photograph courtesy of Cal Butler)

 

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

Mounted, framed and now on display in the studio / gallery

Frame size 28in x 33in

 

    

Marked up and ready to do the blurred back ground 

  

Starting to sketch in the tsuk which will be in focus

 

 Fine tuning the marks on the tusk

    

Now starting on the left foreleg which will be slightly out of focus

   

The foreleg is starting to  take shape as I work on making the image less sharp the further you go back from the tusk.

     

At my board sketching the wrinkles of the lower part of the trunk..

    

 Working on the lower trunk and then I\'ll move up to the forehead and eye

    

Now adding the lighter tones up the trunk before deapening the shadows within the creases..

     

Gradually working around the eye and across the fore head

   

 The eye has now appeared and gives the ellies head more shape, the fore head needs to be worked on.

    

The lighter shadows are mostly sketched in, I\'ll add the deaper shadows later to give it more depth  

 

Back in the Studio now working on the Elephants ear before going back to the trunk and forehead

    

Giving the ear a base colour before rubbing back to the paper and starting on the fine detail

   

 Another few hours fine tuning the image with deaper shadows, lumps and bumps etc

 

 That\'s it, the elephant is now finished, all i need to do is scan it and frame it.. 

 

A Trio of young primate portrait sketches 

  

( One )

 "Penny for your thoughts"

( A young gorilla deep in thought)

 

 

Mounted, Framed and now on display in the studio / gallery

Frame Size 28in x 28in 

   

Again, starting on the eyes 

   

Both eyes nearly sketched, then I\'ll workon the wrinkles and brow. 

    

Adding the highlights to the nose, mouth and brow.

 

Scanned and finished

 

( Two ) 

 "Amber Eyes"

( A baby gorilla with beautiful amber eyes )

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR  

Mounted and Framed.

 

   

 Working on the eyes using CHALK, CHARCOAL and AMBER pastel

     

 Now adding the light to the snout and wrinkles

 

 

 Scanned and finished

 

 ( Three )

" A Brief Encounter" 

( A young gorilla takes a quick glance )

 

Mounted, Framed and on display on the Studio / gallery

Frame size 28in x 28in 

    

 Working on the eyes before adding light to the nose and cheeks

   

Starting on the light around the nostrils

 

 The scanned finished image

  

"Malaika"

(Angel in Kiswahili)

(A leopard cub peers from behind a tree trunk)

(Sketched from a series of photographs courtesy of Johan de la Rey)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

Mounted, framed and now on display at the studio / gallery

Frame size 31in x 25in

 Reference marks ready completed

 

   

The background with an eye taking shape

     

 The eyes are starting to shape the face

 

 

Starting to sketch in the dark spots 

 

   

The nose and forehead are starting to take shape.

 

 

The cubs ear is now to be blurred slightly to make it more three diamentional

 

At my easle

 

    

I\'m  working down the cubs right side of its face, making it blurred whilst ensuring the nose and snout remain in focus.

 

  

Now moving across to the cubs left cheek and introducing a stretched out leg along the branch of a tree..

 

 

 Adding the shadow  of the tree bow to the side of the face and over thenose to give it depth.

 

Working on the paw as it stretches it forward

 

   

The paw now starting to appear

 

    

 Now moving onto the base colour of the tree bow and branch

 

    

 Now working on the lower branch

 

   

Broken branch coming along

 

 

 Ready to have scanned and framed..

 

 

Completed scan of the Original artwork 

 

"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

 

  

Mounted, framed and on display at the studio / gallery

Frame size 30in x 25in

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

 

"Sasekile Green"

(The beautiful one) 

"A beautiful young female leopard"

 

(Sketched from a Photograph courtesy of Cal Butler)

 

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 Framed, mounted and on display at the studio gallery

 

 

 Starting the sketch with a pencil before marking up its size of 22 x 16.5 in (55.8 x 41.9 cm)

    

Gradually sponging in a Phthalo Blue Tint Pan Pastel for the sky which now outlines the leopard 

 

Just putting some high light reflections in the eye

     

The watery eyes and right ear are beginning to take shape.

       

Both ears and eyes have been sketched in and now filling in the spots of the leopard.

     

The distinctive markings have now been put on her and she is looking more like a leaopard

      

I\'ve been working along her cheek and down her snout onto the nostrils,

     

As I add more depth in colour to her fur she becomes more three diamentional. 

 

 I\'ll be working down the cheek and then onto the muzzle.

     

 Gradually working in the fur around the ruff of the neck

       

Adding Green to the Background

 

The scanned image.

 

"Just a Glimpse"

"A beautiful male leopard (Sephiri) having a quick glimpse from behind a tree.

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

Sketched from a photograph courtesy of

 

Dustin van Helsdingen

 

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

The ORIGINALhas been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

The completed image double mounted and framed.

 

 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. Where ever 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

 

 

"Spotted Siesta"

"A beautiful female leopard (Thlangisa) relaxes in a tree"

This image has been sketched using PASTEL on White Pastel Paper

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Kiara Rogers)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

This ORIGINAL has been PURCHASED by a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

Framed with a double mount.

 

 The outline markers have been penciled onto the paper. Kate\'s colour chart ready on the right!

  

   

    

    

    

   

   

Nearly finished, just a few more tweeks here and there..

 

 

Putting in the finishing touches

 

"Spotted Siesta"

 

 

"The Joust"

"Two Oryx (Gemsbok) lock horns in battle."

This image was sketched using CHALK and CHARCOAL on Pastel Matt Paper

 

Mounted and framed and displayed in the Studio Gallery

Frame size 36in x 26in

 

The process of sketching the battling Oryx bulls

    

    

          

Scanned and finished
 

 

"An Unfamiliar Scent"

"A bull elephant spreads its ears and raises his head as he senses danger.”

The image has been sketched using PASTELS on Black Pastel Paper

(This bull elephant made a mock charge at us to within 15-20 feet)

 

Beautifully mounted and framed

 Frame size 31in x 36in

 

The background sky and dust

     

 Starting from the left ear and then gradually moving across the head to the right ear.

     

   

 Gradually the elephant is starting to take shape..

 

 

That\'s it for the day,  trunk and legs to do tomorrow!!

The lovely posture of the elephant before he turned to face us...

   

Squaring up, then some foot stamping, followed by the mock charge. As you can see, Stretch Ferreira our guide has

raised his left hand whilst continuosly reassuring the bull elephant by gently talking to it.

 

"EliCal"

(A large Bull elephant slowly ambles towards you)

This image has been sketched using CHALK and CHARCOAL on Black Pastel Paper

(Sketched from a Photograph courtesy of Cal Butler)  

 

Framed mounted and on display in the Studio / Gallery

Frame size 31in x 37in

 

     

      

      

     

       

 

Using a cross bar to steady my hand as I work on the finer detail. 

 

The finished sketch..

 

"Thirst Quencher"

(An elephant taking a long drink)

This image has been sketched using Pastels

(Sketched from a Photograph courtesy of Tim Nicklin)

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

(The framed ORIGINAL pastel sketch)

 

 

Due to being colour blind,  I  have to rely on a colour swatch , courtesy of Kate who selects and numbers them for me, (See above image)

 

     

 

    

     

   

     

     

     

 

 The Final SCANNED image of "Thirst Quencher"

 

 

"Gentle Persuasion"

(A female girraffe gently encourages her new born to take it\'s first tentative step)

This image has been sketched using pastels

 (Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Stuart Buy)

This image has been sketched using PASTELS on Pastel Matt Paper

 

 

"Gentle Persuasion mounted and framed"

 

          

.... now working on the horns and ear then I\'ll move down the head.

 

     

 ....I\'m slowing adding the young giraffe into the frame

 

  

......working on the ear and neck of  the young giraffe on board position No 1

 

 The scanned finished sketch.

 

 

"Call to Arms"

(A wolf howling)

A sketch of a wolf using

Chalk and Charcoal on black pastel paper

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

The framed ORIGINAL sketch.

 

Starting to sketch

 

 The breath has been applied, the marking up is in place, so now the task ahead is for the wolf to gradually

come to life.

 

 

Working down the jaw line of the wolf.

 

Moving over to the  snout to balance the image.

 

 

 Ears nearly complete, now moving onto the scruff of the neck.

 

 

Gradually sketching in each strand of hair to creat a shaggy/scruffy neck.

 

 Having a quick selfie before I sign it and then have it scanned and framed.

 

 The scanned wolf..

 

 

"Khokovela\'s Feather"

A female leopard from Leopard Hills, Sabi Sands

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Stuart Buy)

 

Framed with a double mount and non reflective glass

 The scanned image

 Nearly finished, just a few tweeks here and there.

 Feather to position and image to soften.

Neck to do and whiskers.

 Touching up the lower part of her chin

  

 Looking through the magnifying glass

 

 Sketching the leopards\' head

 

 Khokovela\'s head starting to take shape.

(She will be looking at a guinea fowl feather to her right)

 

"The Ravenscourt"

A male leopard from Leopard Hills, Sabi Sands.

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Stuart Buy)

The ORIGINAL was a COMMISSION and is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 Mounted and Framed ready for delivery.

 

 Scanned and now ready for framing.

 

  

 Close up through the light lense and nearly complete.

 

 

Using the magnifier light

 

   

  Sketching the tail and rear right leg

Starting on the hind quarters of the Ravenscourt leopard using OCHRE, CHALK and CHARCOAL for the rosettes

Early stages of marking up the image

 

 

"King of the Pond"

A bull hippo yawns its dominance within its territory.

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Kiara Rogers)

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 Framed with a double mount

 

 

 Scanned and ready for framing..

 

       

Using the magnifyer to do a bit of dental work and on the right adding some water bubbles.

 

 Beginning the sketch from the right of the hippo as this is the the more detailed part of the image.

 

 

 Looking at the massive jaw through the light magnifier.

 

" Amber Lightning"

A cheetah and her young cub lock onto some movement in the distance

 

 Framed in a double mount

 

 

The scanned image

 

Marking the size..  Size 18" X 14.5"

 

 

Sketching the cub

 

 

The view of the cub through the light magnifier..

 

 

"Tree Tots"

A young mountain gorilla deap in thought.

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Tree Tots Framed and ready.

 

Image scanned ready for framing.

 

 

 Using the light Magnifier as I work on the eyes of the young gorilla

 

 

My view of the eys as I work on them

 

 

"Guhonda"

The leader of the Sabyinyo mountain gorilla group in Rwanda.

This ORIGINAL was a COMMISSION and was SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

Guhonda Framed and ready for delivery.

 

Scanned image ready for framing.

 

Sketching the ear before working on the fur

 

   

 Working on the tear duct and then gradually down the gorilla\'s nostril.

 

 

 

 "The Disappearance"

A male white rhino gradually disappears into the background.

The ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 The sketch now framed with a double mount,

 

The Scanned Image

 

 

 

 The finished sketch ready for scanning and then framing.

 

Working on the front horn of the rhino

 

"Bovver Boys"

Three squabbling Lillian\'s lovebirds

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Third Lillian’s Lovebird arrives.

 

Working on the finishing touches by softening the tail feathers with a pencil eraser.

 

The two birds await the arrival of a third lovebird.

 

 

Working on bird TWO.

 

A close up of the early colouring through the light magnifyer.

 

Early stages of colouring in bird ONE

 

"Grumpy Pants"

Two Ostritch heads and necks

 

 

 

 Framed in a Double Mount and Non Reflecting glass

 

Scanned and ready for framing.

 

 Nearly finished.

 

Looking at the beak through the magnifying glass.

 

 

Chalking around the eye

 

 

"Eye to Eye"

A Zebra\'s eye

 

 

Framed with a Double Mount and Non reflecting Glass

 

 Scanned Image

 

Ready for Scanning and then Framing.

 

Finished Sketch

 

Gradually chalking and charcoaling in the stripes.

(Is it a BLACK background with white stripes or a WHITE background with black stripe?)

 

 

My view of sketching the eye through the light magnifying glass

 

 

The start of chalking in the stripes

 

"Sawa Sawa"

A female warthog takes off into the bush, tail up and in full stride.

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Robin John Mountain)

 

 

Framed with a double mount and non reflecting glass.

 

Scanned Image

 

Finished.

 

Starting to take shape with light and shade.

 

Early stages of the sketch

 

Early stages of the sketch.

 

 

"Bush Tanzanite"

Two Vulturine Guinea Fowls from Tzavo.

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Tim Nicklin)

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

Framed with a double mount and non reflecting glass.

 

Scanned image..

 

Working on the second Guinea Fowl

 

First Guinea Fowl sketched

 

 

Touching up the neck ruff

 

"Poster Boy"

A very guilty looking young male lion cub

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Hugo Breed)

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Framed sketch with a double mount and non reflecting glass.

 Scanned Image

 

Working on the final touches

 

 

 

"Mr Perfect"

A  beautiful male leopard

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy Tim Nicklin)

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

Framed Sketch with a double mount and non reflecting glass.

 

 

Scanned image

 

 Taking a rest

 Working down the image using a rod to rest my arm and hand on.

 

"Old Ivory"

(Close up of an elephant\'s ivory and trunk)

(Sketched from a photograph courtesy of Kiara Rogers)

 

Framed with a double mount and non reflecting glass.

 

 

Scanned image.

 

 

(Still working on the creases in the upper trunk)

 

 

 

 

 Using a piece of hardened chalk for the hi-lights.

 

(Still a few hours work to be done)

 

"Taking a Bow"

(A Zebra bows its head)

This ORIGINAL is has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

Framed sketch with double mount and non reflecting glass.

 

Scanned image

 

 

The finished sketch - Signed and ready for scanning and then framing.

 

 Sketching the outline of the zebra\'s head

 

"Colobus Chale"

(A black and white Colobus monkey from Chale Island off the Kenyan coast)

 

 

Framed

 

"Colobus Chale"

 

 

 

 

"Feather Spotting"

(A lion cub spots a Guinea fowl feather)

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 

"The finished sketch,"

 

" Still working on the image with the back of neck to complete."

 

"The cub nearing completion with the outstretched neck below the chin finished ."

 

 

 "A close up of the eye showing the reflection of the feather"

 

"Ear worked on with right sided whiskers still to do"

"Early stages of sketching."

 

 

 

"Lofty"

 (A young male giraffe )

 

 

The framing of "Lofty"

 

 

Sketch nearing completion

 

      

  

Slowly getting there with the third horn on his forehead. 

 

 Working on the head of a male giraffe 

This ORIGINAL is AVAILABLE

 

 

 

"Kiara\'s leopard"

 This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

I have now completed a sketch of a beautiful Ravenscourt male leopard from the Sabi Sands area in

South Africa. I have used a stunning photograph which was taken by up and coming wildlife

photographer Kiara Rodgers who is based at  Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

 

The finished sketch - "Kiara\'s Leopard"

  

 

Framed Limited Edition Print.

 

   

 So far so good

 

Stage FIVE - Left side of image still needs a lot of finer work to be

done, then I\'ll move to the right side to work on the leopards left paw.

 

    

Stage FOUR - Working down the left side of the body, from the chin down to the leopaards right paw.

 

   

Stage THREE - Starting the sketch from top left to bottom right.

 

 

 

A close up through my magnifyin glass of some of the markers for me to use.

This is the most laborious part of the sketch to do because the rest is such fun 

watching it come to life as I sketch it with Chalk, Charcoal and Ochre pigment.

 

 

 

Stage TWO - The markers are now in place to sketch the Ravenscourt leopard.

 

 

 

 

 Stage ONE - Marking and sizing the Image

 

 

"Title Competition"

"A Brush with Gorillas"

Over a week, I sketched an image of a female mountain gorilla and her youngster

from a photograph taken by up and coming photographer Oliver Nicklin. Your job

was  to give it a name and the person with the winning title for the finished sketch

received  a signed limited edition print.

 

The competition ended on 24th December 2016 with the winning entry being

announced on 25th December 2016.

 

 

The WINNER was Oonagh Puglisi and the title for the image will be:

 

"NDAGUKUNDA"

(which is means I love you in Kinyarwanda)

 

 

The FINISHED Image

 

 

 

ORIGINAL framed, mounted and AVAILABLE

 

Ready for signing and spraying fixative

 

The Gorilla image nearing completion

This ORIGINAL is AVAILABLE for PURCHASE

 

 

 

If you are interested in purchasing this or any other ORIGINAL that is available

please email us on

originals@abrushwithafrica.com

and state which original you are interested in 

 

 

 

"Roll Play"

 

 

 

Roll Play

 

A lilac breasted Roller

  

 

"The Bovver boy"

ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR 

 

 "Bovver boy"

 

On the Drawing board ready for embossing

 

The ORIGINAL of this "Pels Fishing Owl" has been

commissioned and SOLD to aPRIVATE COLLECTOR.

 

"Night Fishing" 

 

 

 

 

Sketching the Pels Fishing owl using a Magnifying light.

 

 

The ORIGINAL of this "Painted Reed Frog"  has been

commissioned and SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

"The Mokoro\'s Companion"

 

Chalking in the finer details.

 

 

 

 

 

"The lions call"

This ORIGINAL is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

"The lion song" now finished and framed 

  

"The lion song" final touches before signing and cropping.

 

 

"The passing scarab"

 

"The passing scarab" now finished and framed

 

" The passing Scarab" on the board signed and cropped ready for framing.

 

 

 

 

 

"Black on Black" 

 

 

"Black on Black" finished and now framed

 

 

 "Black on Black" on the board, signed and cropped

 

 

"The Sentinel"

 

"The Sentinel" finished and now framed

 

Doing the finishing touches 

 

 

 

"Keep up"

 

" Keep up" finished and now framed

 

 

On the board 

 

 

 

"En Garde"

 

This ORIGINAL is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

"En Garde" finished and now framed

 

 

 

 

 Image at the early stages of sketching

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chief of the San

"ZHU TWA SI"

 

"Zhu twa si"

 

 

" Working on the finishing touches."

 

 

 

 

 

"THE GIGGLING ASSASSIN" 

 

A Hyena watches intently

 

 

"The Giggling Assassin"

 

 

Just doing the finishing touches of the image.

 

 

 

 

 

An old Buffalo bull

"THE DAGGA BOY"

 

This ORIGINAL has been SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

If you are intersst in buying this or any other ORIGINAL available, email us on

originals@abrushwithafrica.com 

 

 

"TheDagga Boy"

 

Working on the Dagga Boy

 

 

 

 

"A cheetah watching a Dragonfly"

"THE DRAGON\\\'S TAIL"

 

This ORIGINAL was SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 If you are interested in buying this or any other ORIGINAl available, email us on

 originals@abrushwithafrica.com

 

"The Dragon\'s Tail" 

 

"The finished sketch"

 

Work in Progress - A cheetah watches me sketch a dragonfly using chalk.

 

 

 

Finished work - Cheetah and cub

 

This ORIGINAL is 

This ORIGINAL is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

If you are interested in buying any other ORIGINAl available, email us on

 originals@abrushwithafrica.com

 

"Spotted Amber"

 

"Spotted Amber" nearing completion

 

"Spotted Amber"  work in progress using a fine eraser on the end of my brush.

 

 

 

Finished work  - Hyena

 

This ORIGINAL is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

"Scent of Carrion"

 

 

"Scent of Carrion on the drawing board"

 

 

" The start of the outline using a magnifying light"

 

 

 

Finished work - Gorilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Pause for thought"

 

 "Pause for thought on the drawing board"

"A gorilla deep in thought."

 

 

 

Finished Work  - Gorilla

 

 

 

 

 

"Sweet Chariot"

 

 

"Sweet Chariot on the drawing board"

"A young gorilla stretches out from a vine."

 

 

Finished Work  - Gorilla

 

This ORIGINAL is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

"Fly By"

 

"Fly By on the drawing board"

Gorilla watching an African bee fly past

 

 

Finished Work - Hippo

 

 

This ORIGINAL is SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR.

 

If you are interested in buying this or any other ORIGINAl available, email us on

originals@abrushwithafrica.com

 

 

" The Wallow"

 

 The Blood vessels showing in the nostrils

 

 

Finished Work - Giraffe

 

 

 

 

 

"Whistling Acacia"

 

"The sketching of "Whistling Acacia"

 

 

 

Finished Work- Warthog

 

 

This ORIGINAL was SOLD to a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

 

 

 

"Warts and All"

 

 

Simon sketching the image using a magnifying light and piece of CHALK.

 

 

 "Warts and All"

 

Finished Work - Young Baboon

 

 ORIGINAL 

This ORIGINAL was COMMISSIONED by a PRIVATE COLLECTOR

"

Son of Mzee"

 

 

 "Son of Mzee on the drawing board"

 

 

 Simon sketching the image using a magnifying light and piece of CHALK.