Tuesday, April 17, 2012

WIP - Mei



This is a WIP of my latest commission - a beautiful leopard called Mei. Doing this commission gave me a renewed passion to do some more artworks featuring Big Cats and so we took a flying visit down to the Canberra Zoo, where they have a wonderful array of big cats. Considering it is the middle of school holidays, we were amazed how quiet it was at the zoo, giving us a glorious day of meandering from enclosure to enclosure. Some of the Big Cats were more co-operative than others in posing for photos. I must admit I had to chuckle a few times, as I got the distinct feeling that a few of the gorgeous Cats knew exactly what I was there for and were deliberately playing cat and mouse with me. As they paced up and down, I would wait up one end of the enclosure for them to return from their pace, upon which they decided take a stretch or a roll up the other end. Quick as a flash I was up the other end for that amazing shot, only to find that they had resumed pacing again. Reminded me so much of my contrary Siamese cat!

11 comments:

Sue Clinker said...

Ha! I know just what you mean following my recent visit to the Zoo on Fuerteventura (Canaries) - many of the animals have learned to simply turn their backs to the photographer - which of course can also lead to some interesting poses/subjects.
We're off to Holland to view the beautiful gardens featuring tulips etc next week and will spend half a day at Antwerp Zoo in Belgium en route so I hope to get some good ref pics.

ps: Mei is looking good - I do love big cats!

Luisa said...

complimenti per i tuoi bellissimi lavori, ciao luisa

Julia Ruffles | wildlife artist said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS! You've captured this wonderful big small cat perfectly! They have such huge personalities in a small body don't they? Colouring is superb! Jules

Unknown said...

Sue, I hope you have the best time in Holland and get lots of fabulous pics - sounds absolutely idyllic!!! xx

Thank you so much Luisa for your kind words :)

You're a gem Jules and the master of wildlife art, so thank you heaps for your very kind words!!! :)

Jennifer Rose said...

wonderful work!

it does sometimes seem that they animals at zoos are playing with the photographers, but i guess they must find their amusement somewhere :p

Unknown said...

So true Jennifer and thank you heaps for your wonderful feedback!!! :)

Gail Burton said...

Hi Karen,

I just wanted to say 'thank you' for giving me the inspiration to create again after purchasing your tutorials yesterday. I haven't done a thing since my beloved bull terrier passed away just before Christmas (even though I've taken on two rescue bullies) as I lost all interest. Now I think I might just try again. Your work is so beautiful!

Gail x

Unknown said...

This is so amazing already. Can't wait for the next update.

Unknown said...

Gail - what a touching comment!!! I do hope my tutorials give you such a renewed passion to pick up your art again and I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your bull terrier. All the best with your art :)

Thank you so much Dors :)

Wendy Mould AFCA said...

Great picture and I totally know why they chose it, it really turned out great. Actually both pictures are good. You get such a nice texture with that paper.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for your kind comments Wendy - they are always appreciated!!! :)