“Layla” is a painting project that I feel is very close to my heart.

While looking for a reference photo to paint a tiger, I came across her beautiful photograph on the Facebook Page of The Wildcat Sanctuary. I immediately contacted them and gained permission to use her as a subject for my project here. After hearing her story and reading about the organization, I wanted to raise awareness about their cause and all the good they do.

The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) is a 501c3 non-profit, no-kill big cat rescue located in Sandstone, MN. TWS provides a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspires change to end the captive wildlife crisis. TWS is funded solely on private donations. The Sanctuary is a rescue organization and is not open to the public. As a true sanctuary, they do not buy, breed, sell or exhibit animals. The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. They are also licensed by the USDA and members of the American Zookeepers Association.

A portion of the proceeds for this pattern and any patterns that I create using Layla’s image will go to the Wildcat Sanctuary for the care and feeding of all the cats that reside there. I invite you to visit the Sanctuary online at http://www.wildcatsanctuary.org and learn of all the wonderful ways you can help these beautiful animals.

This is a comprehensive, 19 page painting pattern with over 40 step-by-step color photos to guide you through the painting process. It breaks down the process into easy to digest and understand steps. In the pattern, I use the regular DecoArt Americana Acrylic paints. My sample painting is on a 8″ x 10″ masonite board, but is adaptable to any surface.

Since my creation of this pattern, Layla (who was 25 years old – old for a tiger) has crossed the ‘rainbow bridge’. It broke my heart to hear the news, but I hope that my work with her beautiful image will continue to help bring money to the Sanctuary and take care of the others there.

(This pattern uses DecoArt Americana paints.)