I’ve been wanting to paint this gorgeous black leopard for a while. She’s a real beauty.

Mystique
12×10 inch oil on board

There’s just a suggestion of spots through her coat and her black fur glows against the light. Her coat shimmers with different colours and those yellow eyes are very striking! I remember how it felt when she looked straight at me, she’s a very powerful cat and you suddenly understand what the word ‘prey’ means!