I’ve always wanted to do one of those large close up cat portraits that so many artists have done but I never had the right reference. I wanted to work from my own experiences and I finally got the perfect shot. This is Assiqua, a female Sumatran Tiger in our local (Adelaide) zoo and I caught her licking her lips as she looked at me. Note how the whiskers on her right are all pushed up by her tongue.
This is a 20″ x 16″ scratchboard and is created by using 80% fibreglass brush, 15% steel wool to get the backlit areas and 5% blade to get the whiskers and hairs at the edge. In reality there were no highlights in the eyes but I used artistic license to add more life. She is a magnificent animal and I really hoped to convey a sense of drama with her as if to say “You come one step closer and you’re mine”!
Patrick Hedges 
Great cat! All types of felines make great pictures. One of these days I hope to be able to do one as good as yours.
Beautiful work. The lighting is fantastic.
I am courious about your fiberglass tool. I use mine sparingly due to it seems to work well for a few strokes and then not as well with use. I am used to washing the build up off and then let dry. I am using the Essdee brand.