8880 Lion
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Art instructional video Television Series

In this intermediate acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this powerful lion wildlife portrait on an 18 x 24 canvas during a comprehensive 130 minute lesson. A majestic male lion rests upon a rugged rocky ledge, surrounded by tall grasses, bare branches, and a softly muted wilderness background. The lion's intense eyes, full mane, and relaxed but watchful pose create a striking wildlife painting filled with strength and character.

You'll learn how to paint realistic lion anatomy, facial features, expressive eyes, and lifelike fur while developing the distinctive textures and colors of the lion's mane. Jerry demonstrates how to build the animal's form and proportions, then gradually refine the face, body, paws, mane, rocky ledge, grasses, and surrounding vegetation to create convincing detail and depth throughout the painting.

Special focus is given to painting lions, realistic fur, detailed manes, expressive animal eyes, facial features, paws, rocks, tall grasses, bare branches, and soft wilderness backgrounds using layered acrylic techniques, controlled brushwork, and blended color transitions. You'll also explore techniques for creating realistic rock textures, natural shadows, lifelike animal features, and the subtle highlights and darker values that give the lion dimension and form.

By the end of this tutorial, you'll gain confidence in painting wildlife, realistic animal fur, faces, and natural surroundings while learning how to combine a detailed animal subject with a rugged outdoor setting. This is an excellent project for artists wanting to strengthen their acrylic wildlife painting skills while creating a dramatic lion portrait that captures the strength, beauty, and unmistakable character of this magnificent animal.