Lioness Pride

Two mothers and their seven cubs walk down a path surrounded by autumn leaves. Mountain. Ochre, Black, orange, red, yellow. XLarge Painting in 6 panels by artist Donald Ryker in textured expressionist impressionist art style with unique impasto glaze technique.

It was autumn, with leaves on the wet pavement creating a mosaic of color against black, and I wanted to create something to express the season. I found this image of two lioness’ escorting their cubs down a pathway dividing the fallen leaves. Isn’t it amazing how they work together to raise their families? There are seven cubs here and no way to know which belong to each mother. It’s a true extended family.

I wanted this piece to feel expansive, showing the relationships and the space the lions live in so I chose to paint on six canvases. I painted the lions with fewer details because the leaves star as much in this image as the lions do. The lions are done in tones of light brown to cream with purple glaze to bring out features and shadows. Then I spent hours and hours on the leaves, dabbing my brush over and over in many colors and layers.

I imagine the cubs have been out learning and playing and the lioness’ are taking the youngsters back to a warm place to spend the night. – Donald Ryker

Available as:
Original Painting $12,960
Print $55