In addition to animals, the mural also has a rich array of foliage, with various plants and exotic flowers. Upon completion we advised the homeowner to place actual plants in the room, which would serve to segue reality into fantasy.

Above: The palm in the center and the spider plant on the right, were the fist two plants to be put in the room, and already you can see a visual harmony begin to develop.

Below: Four shots of different parts of the room, which includes elephants, chimps, a giant leopard between two skylights, and at bottom right, the homeowners three dogs stand watch over a stairwell.

Painting an animal or an animal portrait requires just as much patience and attention to detail as painting the portrait of a person. There are subtle tones and fine lines in the fur, a variety of textures on the skin, and each has their own expressive personality which must be painted with great precision.

Below: A large lion stares intently across the room. Note the paws, which were painted over the molding for a more dramatic effect.