'Lion Head' by Skye Holland, an original hand-embellished Fine Art print.

Artists’ Proof (one of a kind) hand-embellished fine art print with bronze pigment, framed in a pewter-gold contemporary frame with Optima glass (UV protection).
"This particular gaze fascinated me. It was a Lion staring straight into my soul. Assessing whether I was a threat or dinner, but certainly just mildly curious. There is so much poise and dignity in this noble face. I also felt that a gauntlet had been thrown down… as Lions are in so much danger from poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. It was also a plea for our protection as an apex predator"  Skye Holland

Skye Holland was born in Reigate, Surrey and studied Fine Art (BA) at Central St Martin’s, London, graduating with first-class honours in the late 1987. Working with a variety of media (including inks, acrylics, oil paints, and graphite) she creates paintings, drawings and prints from a studio near Tisbury, in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. 
Having lived and worked in South Africa for a decade in the 1990s, Skye developed a deep love for African wildlife, which remains a central inspiration in her work. Passionate about conservation, she focuses on endangered species, particularly wildcats, capturing their spirit and the raw beauty of the natural world. Through her mixed media paintings and drawings, she aims to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect these animals and their habitats. 
Skye is currently self-representing but has exhibited internationally with the Bella Pieroni Gallery and VK Gallery, Amsterdam, at art fairs in the US (New York, Miami), Singapore, South Africa, and London. Recent exhibitions include a solo show at Compton McRae and The Stalls galleries (Wiltshire) in 2023, as well as group exhibitions such as the Women’s Open Exhibition and English Riviera Open in Torquay (2023), *Equine* at RWB View Gallery, Royal Wootton Bassett (2024), The Game Fair at Blenheim Palace (July 2024), and the Bath Art Fair (2024). 
Her work has been featured in *The Field Magazine*, *Country Life*, *Wiltshire Life*, and *Artist Mother: Proud & Serious* by Mona Lerch. In 2021, she was shortlisted in the painting category for the Visual Art Open competition.

Skye’s paintings have been commissioned and collected by clients in the UK, US, and South Africa, both through exhibitions and directly from her studios in London and now Wiltshire. 
"In 2024, I commissioned Skye to create a large, arresting statement piece for the entrance of my Cape Town apartment. I was overjoyed with the result. Skye consulted me several times during the process regarding my surroundings and preferred colour palette, but the rest I left to her. I hope to attend many more of her exhibitions when I am in the UK." — Marion Henman, collector. 
Currently, Skye’s work explores the human imprint on the wild landscapes surrounding her in Wiltshire but also continues to create, exhibit, and sell artworks inspired by African wildlife. She visited the Kruger Park in April 2024 and remains connected to the African bush and various conservations projects protecting principally Lions and Rhino. 
Connect with Skye Holland: : www.skyeholland.com @skyeholland 

“Lion Head”

This artwork is a hand-coloured fine art print using bronze pigment. It is one of a kind. The original drawing was made after a trip to the bush in South Africa, the detail studied from a number of photographs Skye took.

The paper is archival in quality and has been framed beautifully to showcase the drawing and to also protect the pigments from any strong UV which can fade even the most lightfast pigments. 
Size 75.5 x 94 x 2.5cms (D) window mounted with archival, acid-free (non-yellowing) art board and framed professionally with a neutral pewter/gold frame. 
Born Free will receive 100% of the funds bid on this item.