The Leopard, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20 in. / 50.8 x 50.8 cm.

The Leopard, Mary Wertsch, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20 in. / 50.8 x 50.8 cm.

Cats have superpowers, no question. They have evolved to be perfect hunters, with abilities far beyond what they actually need to feed themselves and protect their young. Plus, they are gorgeous. I wanted to paint a big cat in its hunter mode, and try to depict that laser-focused stare.