FINISHED *Sri Lankan leopard drawing*

Presenting ' KOTIYA ' Sri Lankan leopard

 



' KOTIYA ' Sri Lankan leopard graphite drawing
original 12" x 8"
 

 

Here he is completed finally! As with each piece of art I do I've learnt so much about my evolving technique, and the importance of understanding your subject. The Sri Lankan leopard is colloquially known as 'Kotiya', this is a sub-species of leopard native to Sri Lanka, and is the countries top predator. Sadly it is an endangered big cat, ongoing struggles with poaching, habitat loss and human-leopard conflict. Despite these threats the Kotiya is highly adaptable to live within close proximity to human life. Further research into the Sri Lankan leopard is needed for any conservation measure to be effective.

I have enjoyed using this paper for my drawing, I feel comfortable as it is the same paper I use for my paintings. I think the texture lifts the drawing somewhat, yes the backdrop is a little irregular and probably takes a bit longer to even out than on a smooth surface, occasionally having to look at the texture to fill in the 'dips' with pencil and to not put too much pressure on the 'bumps' if that makes sense! However in regard to the fur and probably skin when I draw my next ellie I think it's really effective and gives another 3d quality to it. Not everyone gets on with textured paper for pencil drawings, but I now know I like it :) I hope you've enjoyed watching him come to life! Jules

Thankyou Arjan for your wonderful photo reference :)