Treed, A Leopard Pastel Painting

I don't know if "Treed' is a fitting title for this, the Leopard certainly doesn't look "treed" he looks more like he's about to tree the viewer.


What really interested me about this Image was the interplay between the Patterns on the Tree Bark and on Lepards Body, He kind of blends, but then he doesn't also.

Leopards are very strong, enableing them to haul large animals tree branches to keep their prey safe from other predetors. The pattern in their fur provides camofloge within the leaves and branches allowing them to pounce on unsuspecting prey traveling below their perches. So this seemed to be a fitting composition for this beautful cat.

This is 12" x 24" Soft Pastel on Illustration Board, Primered with Grey Colorfix. I used mostly Derwent Pastel Pencils, Nu Pastels, and Rembrants. I used the patterns and movement in the bark to follow the contours of the Leopards body to give a harmonious composition.