Lions in the Grass

In this painting I wanted to portray maximum lion for the space and yet maintain the visual subtlety and 'blending in' quality that is associated with the king of the beasts. I have often been very close to lions and not noticed them. In the game parks they are not disturbed by the presence of man. 75When lying in the grass, they are almost invisible.

However, this painting which is five feet long, has a rather obvious mature male. I wanted it big so that I could explore the planes and textures of the lion as one would a landscape. Every lion has almost as particular a countenance as does every human being. Others who have travelled to Kenya may recognize this fellow. He has especially regal features with a fulsome Roman nose. However, I changed his eyes to suit my own reference. I do this type of thing more often than not. I have deliberately made a very simple setting. It is deliberately not picturesque, with two simple rectangles. Andrew Wyeth and Mark Rothko were two artists which were in the back of my mind when I was working on this piece.

He and his lionesses are just becoming alert in the afterglow, at the end of a day of relaxing. In the next few moments, they will rise and stretch and begin the evening hunt for food.