As humans trash more and more of the natural world, getting in touch with nature seems critically important to me the longer I live. Sure, I could go to some zoo to see 'lions' but they would inevitably be fat, unfit and probably totally unlike their wild cousins in spirit where it most matters. They will usually lack the presence and spark of wild lions and on the whole be totally bored with life....and who can blame them?

But me.... well, I need to be there in the wild with real lions as nature made them if I am going to do a good job of painting their true magnificence. If that means a trip into the Southern Kalahari then so be it!!

These pride sisters were just hanging out and enjoying the peaceful day away from tourists (and grumpy males). They had fed overnight so were more interested in relaxing in the shade and grooming each other than worrying about me observing them from nearby.

Pastel on Pastelmat paper