Cheetahs were David Shepherd’s favourite of all cats. What he loved most about them was their ‘regal air’, a combination of their sleek physique, unparalleled grace, and the striking pattern of their fur. In his 1993 work, Cheetah, Shepherd captures a very rare and intimate sighting: a group of cheetahs together with a cub. With his distinct artistic approach, in this work Shepherd invites viewers to share in his admiration for the regal cheetah.

 

Cheetahs love to sit up on mounds or any other handy vantage point for good distance views, a behaviour beautifully illustrated in this painting. Perched upon a slight rise, the cheetahs are poised with an alert expression on their faces, their bodies taut with anticipation. The fine detailing of their musculature and the intricate patterns of their coats are rendered with a masterful hand, revealing Shepherd’s dedication to realism. The cheetahs’ vigilant gaze indicates that they are on the lookout for prey, capturing a moment of tense stillness in the wild savanna.

 

Working in his study format familiar to his preliminary sketches, here Shepherd has developed this composition onto canvas, making for a work which displays the multiple facets of each of his subjects. At the same time, the viewer is offered a rare insight into the artist at work by eroding the boundaries between preparation and finished article.

 

The composition of Cheetah not only highlights the physical beauty and elegance of these magnificent creatures but also conveys the dynamic and often harsh realities of their existence. The cub, nestled close to the adults, adds a poignant touch to the scene, symbolizing both the continuity and the fragility of life in the wild. Shepherd’s expert use of colour and rendering of surface texture enhances the depth and dimensionality of the painting, creating an immersive experience that draws the viewer into the cheetahs’ world.