I have waited to paint a lion in oil until I had an idea worthy of the subject matter. This picture shows the lion sunning on a rock over looking a river. Even though he is relaxed and comfortable he stills commands the landscape. Most lion paintings I have seen show a dry, grassy background. I wanted this painting to have a different look. The majestic background echos the feelings I have about the "king of beasts."  In this first image I have done some underpainting on the background and sky. I haven't even blocked in the trees and foliage but I keep getting drawn back into the lions face so I decided to go ahead and work there for now.  Canvas size is 22" x 28"

This painting is a third in my series entitled "All Glory is Fleeting." Set in the hot, humid jungles of Cambodia I have used ruins resembling Ankor Wat for the background reminding us of the great cultural and technological wonder it was. 500 years ago Ankor Wat was magnificent in its architectural splendor and art. Through nature and other factors Ankor Wat is only a reminder of the ancient greatness of man. The tiger in the forefront represents the wonder of all wildlife and of its fragility. All things have their moment however with careful stewardship we can perhaps prolong that time. This is an oil on a 24 x 36 canvas. You may see as you scroll through the four pictures how I work when approaching a larger painting. The light is from late afternoon and carries with it the weight of moist jungle air.

ALL GLORY IS FLEETING

ALMOST NOON