Lifelike Paintings Celebrate the Spectacular Beauty of Big Cats

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Although UK-based artist Julie Rhodes doesn't live near the natural habitat of big cats, she celebrates the majestic beauty of lions and tigers in massive acrylic paintings. These realistic works capture the many fine details of large felines, from their intricate fur patterns to their graceful silhouette and thick coats.

“Art is my passion and obsession, I combine it with my love of big cats to create paintings and pastel artwork,” Rhodes tells My Modern Met. “My mission is to capture every detail and give the viewer the experience that they are in the room with a life-size lion or tiger. Many of my paintings are larger than life as I love to give them a feeling of presence.”

Often, these paintings depict a close-up portrait of the predator surrounded by a solid black background. This striking contrast emphasizes the vivacity in the cat's coloring—especially in their luminous eyes. Other works feature the full body of the animal veiled in foggy light, which Rhodes says is inspired by the natural lighting she experiences in her surroundings on the North Cornwall coast.

You can purchase original art and prints via Rhodes's website, and keep up to date with her latest drawings via her Instagram.

UK-based artist Julie Rhodes creates amazing acrylic paintings of lions and tigers.

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Animal Paintings by Julie Rhodes

Julie Rhodes: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Julie Rhodes.

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Margherita Cole

Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. She wrote and illustrated an instructional art book about how to draw cartoons titled 'Cartooning Made Easy: Circle, Triangle, Square' that was published by Walter Foster in 2022.
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