Larry Seymour

South Carolina, USA, Just a Little Closer, watercolor, 20 x 12" (51 x 30 cm) Third Prize is a one-page editorial feature in American Art Collector magazine

My Inspiration

From the time I was young, I had always dreamed of going to Africa. In 2002 and 2005 I was able to make that dream come true, and it was 100 times more than I had expected. I had painted all kinds of wildlife, but after Africa, I knew I had to concentrate my efforts on African wildlife. The big cats of Africa are beyond compare, and to me the leopard stands out. It’s not big like the lion and not fast like the cheetah, but its beauty and actions set it apart. The leopard is usually seen in trees during the day, waiting for prey or sleeping. I love painting leopards, always trying to show what a beautiful and awesome cat they are.

My Design Strategy

Knowing that leopards stay in trees during the day, waiting for prey and staying away from other predators, I wanted to show how smart and illusive they are. Having the leopard looking around the tree, with his eyes on his prey, shows its stalking ability, even without being on the ground. It is just waiting for the prey to get in the right position so it can pounce from the tree unexpectedly. That is why I chose the title I did. Just a little closer and the time will be right.

My Working Process

The first step in making my painting is to do a detailed sketch of my painting on cold-pressed illustration board. I then place a piece of clear acetate over the drawing and use a marker to outline the subject. I then cut out the acetate and use weights to hold it down over the drawing. Using an airbrush and transparent watercolor, I create the background. Not only is this for speed purposes, it also gives a good effect. After the background is done, I use gouache to paint my subject. First I add a base layer of color, and then layer in the hair from dark to light. I may also go back with dark hair. I build layer on top of layer until I get the feel I want.