So many of my subjects are in captivity, and I've always had very mixed feelings about this. I've visited zoos and sanctuaries all over the world and seen all manner of animal enclosures. Some have made me cry - many in fact, and others have disappointed me because no glimpse of the animal could be seen. It's in these moments of disappointment that I also have a sense of peace because a captive animal, constantly on display and watched, should be able to get away from it all. The Belize Zoo was an overgrown jungle and every animal in it had large enclosures that they could escape into and never be seen. This mountain lion was sitting out in the open on a worn path between the trees like he was waiting for me to come by. The sun dappled his coat and he looked so serene, I felt truly blessed to capture this moment, and the title of the work was in my head before I even drew him.

18" x 24"
Scratchboard and Ink
Original Artwork Sold