Animal Portrait Art Appraisal

Framed Original Cougar Pastel Portrait

This is an original representational wildlife painting of a cougar (mountain lion) executed in pastel on a suede pastel board. The artwork measures approximately 8x10 inches and is housed in a 10x12 inch professional exhibition frame. The composition features a close-up, front-facing view of the cougar peering from behind white birch trees, showcasing a soft, blended color palette of tawny browns, creams, and dark charcoal accents for the eyes and facial features. The use of suede board provides a unique textured depth, allowing the pastel pigments to grip the surface while creating a velvety, soft-focus aesthetic characteristic of high-quality wildlife art. The piece is signed and dated in the lower left corner, appearing to read '2023'. The framing consists of a wide, reddish-brown wood or wood-composite frame with a scooped profile, complemented by a dual-matting system: a wider light-gray outer mat and a thin black inner fillet or reveal. The condition appears excellent with no visible fading, smudging, or damage to the substrate, and the framing demonstrates professional craftsmanship with tight miters and clean mat cuts. Consistent with contemporary realistic wildlife illustration, the piece exhibits strong attention to light and facial anatomy.