(Please click on images for a better view)Little Sister is one of the four cheetah cubs rescued by Wilma (see posting about "Survivors".) I am not sure what name Wilma chose for her but I think of her as 'Little Sister' or 'Sussie'.
She is cheeky, beautiful and more confident than her siblings. Staring straight at you, challenging and daring.
Most animal paintings take about three months to paint as it's a very slow process, working away, layer after layer. Glazing and painting, every day a little bit at a time.
But!
Every little hair is lovingly painted and I get lost looking into their eyes. Amber and gold, their eyes are liquid pools of honey.
Big cats are fascinating to paint as are all animals, wild or domesticated. Not an easy subject unless you are truly passionate about animals and you are prepared to spend a lot of time on one painting.
I hope to build up my collection of wildlife paintings so that, one day, I can have a solo exhibition of wildlife to help support animal welfare and conservation projects. This little lady was sold to a South African couple as a wedding present and I still miss her little face. It's hard to part with a wildlife painting and I wish I could keep them all.
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on earth, reaching speeds of up to 100 kph (70mph). Beautiful and sleek, they are the smallest of the big cats and their prey is often stolen by other predators.
Highly threatened, these animals are in great need of protection. For more facts about cheetahs, please visit http://www.cheetah.org and http://www.dewildt.org.za/index.htm
And, should you feel so inclined and have a few coins lying around, please support wildlife conservation or your local animal welfare society.
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