Daybreak
This scratchboard artwork features a striking, hyper-realistic portrait of a black leopard. The animal is depicted in profile, gazing upward and to the right, with its mouth slightly open to reveal sharp teeth and delicate whiskers. The artist has masterfully used the scratchboard technique to create intricate details in the leopard’s fur, capturing the subtle variations in its dark coat and the faint, ghostly spots characteristic of melanistic leopards. The eye is particularly captivating, rendered with a luminous greenish-yellow hue that stands out against the deep black background. The use of light and shadow gives the image a dramatic, almost three-dimensional quality, emphasizing the animal’s strength, grace, and alertness. The overall effect is both powerful and elegant, showcasing the beauty and mystery of this elusive big cat.