Although UK-based artist Julie Rhodes doesn’t live near the natural habitat of big cats, she celebrates the majestic beauty of lions and tigers in massive acrylic paintings. These realistic works capture the many fine details of large felines, from their intricate fur patterns to their graceful silhouette and thick coats.
“Art is my passion and obsession, I combine it with my love of big cats to create paintings and pastel artwork,” Rhodes tells My Modern Met. “My mission is to capture every detail and give the viewer the experience that they are in the room with a life-size lion or tiger. Many of my paintings are larger than life as I love to give them a feeling of presence.”
Often, these paintings depict a close-up portrait of the predator surrounded by a solid black background. This striking contrast emphasizes the vivacity in the cat’s coloring—especially in their luminous eyes. Other works feature the full body of the animal veiled in foggy light, which Rhodes says is inspired by the natural lighting she experiences in her surroundings on the North Cornwall coast.
You can purchase original art and prints via Rhodes’s website, and keep up to date with her latest drawings via her Instagram.
UK-based artist Julie Rhodes creates amazing acrylic paintings of lions and tigers.
Julie Rhodes: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Julie Rhodes.
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