Indian Eagle Owl by Valerie Beecham

Three exceptional paintings Valerie, I think this one is incredible.

I agree with Fiona three stunning paintings but like the Owl especially. Can I ask where you photograph the wild cats?

I like your cat portfolio, but this is especially good, the detail is amazing.

I agree with all of the above and I really like this owl as it is beautifully done in the mixed media you have used when I first thought it was pastel. As Kevin says the detail is amazing.Great portfolio altogether.

Hi Brenda, most of the wild cats in my portfolio, so far, have been photographed at Colchester Zoo, north Essex. The tiger cub was born in Linton Zoo, just over the Essex border in Cambridgeshire and the leopard cub was at Marwell Zoo, Hampshire. I've also taken reference photographs at London Zoo, Longleat Safari Park, Wilts.,Howletts Zoo and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, both in Kent. The WHF was great, it is only open to organised groups of photographers/artists, and is a breeding programme for big cats. We were allowed to go through the outside barrier so got some close up shots by putting our cameras through the inner barrier. In fact we even got to stroke one of the tigresses (through the bars!) as she lay in the sunshine. So soft and silky!