“TOUCHING” by Linda Besse

In Kenya, two of us with our guide were fortunate to see a pair of mated leopards. Our encounter started with the female crossing a grassy area and calling out. Just then a large male appeared and he greeted her by rubbing up against her, licking her head, putting his paw around her. It's a delicate dance when leopards get together. Here the male was doing all the wooing. We watched them interact naturally for well over an hour, sometimes walking together and sometimes resting in the shade. This painting depicts one of the quiet moments. Their connection the subtle touching of their tails.