I’m Not Lyin’ About a Lion Lying Near Lyons

ACRYLIC ON CANVAS - 36” X 36”

ORIGINAL ARTWORK

$1,300

Includes free shipping within the continental U.S.

I'm Not Lyin' About a Lion Lying Near Lyons Original Painting
$1,300.00

I’m Not Lyin’ About a Lion Lying Near Lyons blends majestic calm with a wink of humor, placing a regal African lion in the foothills near Boulder, Colorado. This vibrant original painting brings color, character, and a touch of Colorado-flavored whimsy to any room.

DIMENSIONS 36 X 36 in.

MEDIUM Acrylic on canvas

SURFACE Gallery wrapped canvas 1.5” deep

SIGNATURE Signed on back

YEAR 2024

AVAILABILITY One of a kind

The Story Behind the Painting

When I hike, my thoughts tend to wander. I often think about evolution and geography, and how animals come to belong to certain places. While hiking near the Flatirons, not far from Lyons, I found myself imagining an African lion in these foothills instead of a native mountain lion. The idea stuck.

I wanted the lion to feel completely at home, doing what a mountain lion would do here: resting on a sun-warmed rock and surveying his territory. The Flatirons became the natural backdrop. They’re instantly recognizable, and while they aren’t technically in Lyons, they’re close enough to bend the map a little for the sake of the story.

To capture the lion’s posture and expression, I photographed lions at the zoo while they were lounging and relaxed. I chose a square composition so I could exaggerate the Flatirons and place the lion front and center, nearly life-size, as if he’s only a few feet away from the viewer, sharing the same quiet moment.

Warm, early-morning colors suggest alpenglow on the rocks, with cooler shadows and green pines adding contrast. A subtle border gives the image a vintage feel, like an old film photograph. The painting became a small visual thought experiment: a familiar place, an unexpected animal, and a moment that feels just believable enough to pause and look twice.

PRINTS AVAILABLE

Museum-quality giclée prints on Hahnemühle William Turner paper, available in five sizes.

Perfect of you’re looking for a more affordable way to enjoy this artwork