The word for this week at Illustration Friday‘s website, is “safari“. Unfortunately, my current safari adventures with exotic wild animals are at the zoo! One day, I will go to Africa, the Amazon, China and India to see exotic wild life. Hopefully, they will not be extinct!
During my safari to the Philadelphia Zoo (click on the zoo link to find out more about Maya and friends) in March 2011, I visited the snow leopards and polar bears!
As I watched, Maya, the snow leopard, I was mesmerized by her spirit! So after sketching and taking photos, I came back to my Studio Nookery and created this piece, entitled, “Maya’s Spirit” (14″x 12″- Mixed Media/Paper) She is a part of my “Animal Totem” Series.
There are many cultures that have myths and legends where animals are the main characters or play an important role in teaching important life lessons. Animal Totem characteristics for Snow Leopard are: Sensitivity, Agility, Strength and Mystery.
Life, itself is a journey, as we travel through it, we gain the knowledge and tools to make it our own unique safari! Peace to you and yours.
Lynette said
Oooo, I like this one! Is it watercolor? She looks like a wonderful spirit. Love the blue. Cheers!
get zen said
Gorgeous
Darice said
What beautiful colors…and I love her eyes.
Mindful Drawing said
Snow leopards are so pretty. Like snow owls.
Maya is beautiful!
Linda Hensley said
I like the face behind the face. Animal totems are a fascinating subject. Nice job!
Kerry Schofield said
Love the colors, blended very nicely, lovely! Cats are my favorites.
R. M. Smith said
I like the loose, spontaneous feel to this. Nice depth too.
Sharon Wagner said
Great portrait. I love the blue you snuck in there.
E R Stanton said
Bold…but a little mysterious! Great colors–and the spirit shines through!
Chibi Janine said
Lovely painting, We can hope that one day the animals that the zoos breed may be able to be wild again. Unfortunately for the time being the animal survival is dependent on zoo and animal park breeding programmes. I'm looking forward to the tigers that are due to arrive at my local animal park as part of Amur Tiger conservation.
theartofpuro said
Love it!Great expression and colors!
brine blank said
Nice Fluidity to this…love going to the zoo…They've built the Columbus zoo up rather nicely over the years but the kids like to run through and are much less on watching and waiting for something to happen…
cobol said
beautiful. Great colours
Penelope P. Neal said
As always, wonderful work! You captured this kitty cat beautifully!
cobol said
WONDERFUL ILLUSTRATION, LOVE THE COLOURS YOU'VE USED
krista hamrick said
Ooooo! And there's a person in there too!