This is the completed painting of the black leopard, titled "Intimidation – Black Leopard" (5" x 7"). My object for this painting was to capture the intense gaze and the action expressed in in the cat’s position – a feeling that he may lunge at any moment.
As mentioned earlier, I tried to keep the subtle qualities of the tones and such adding the contrast of the cat’s strength and focus and delicacy. The precious metals (24kt shell gold/sterling silver) were added to the eyes and sheen of the fur and other area that would add an extra glow. As in all of my work, I am working for realism and the honed look of refined miniature painting, so the touches of these illuminations (as always) are very soft so not to be gaudy or have a glaring tinsel look to them – only subtle and elegant enhancement.
You can see the beginning of the painting posted here from back in December and further progress here. The original was sold in February at a gallery exhibition.
