Grey wolf

Let me introduce you to Misha (above), who was one of two grey wolves based at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. Misha shared her home at the park with her best friend, Tatra, and I fell in love with both girls the first time I laid eyes on them.

After a few times of visiting, Tatra would come to the front where I was and sniff my hand through the tiny gaps in the wooden structure of the fence to say hello. I was totally in awe the first time she did this and even more hooked on them both! Misha, however, was the one that I got the best photographic footage of over the years, because she was the more inquisitive of the two.

This image of Misha shows her at her best. Her markings are distinct and as always, she looked stunning in her winter coat. I loved creating this portrait with pastel pencils and I have a feeling you will feel the same way, too. (The original photograph is available to download on my website at www.tamingwildlife.com.)

Preparation

I used a grid to produce my outline in white pastel. I have a ready-made film grid with 2cm squares on which I attach a photocopy of my subject (the actual size I want to reproduce