Wimoweh Ed. 2 of 30

I found this male lion asleep in Botswana, flat out on the ground with his head resting on one paw. He had eaten well and was in no hurry to move. I stayed back and waited while the light softened, so I could photograph him without disturbing him.

Lions spend most of the day resting, often sixteen to twenty hours. They hunt mostly at night and sleep through the heat, so a sleeping lion is a much more common sight than a roaring one. It is also a more honest picture of their lives. A male with a mane like this has fought to hold his territory, and here he is completely at ease.

I converted the image to black and white because the textures were the story: the heavy mane, the creased skin of his brow, the pads of his paws and the dust and grass under his body. The background dissolves into soft grey, so the lion reads almost like a charcoal drawing.

The title comes from the old song about the lion that sleeps tonight. The print is large, calm and graphic, and suits a living room, bedroom or study. It sits comfortably with both warm timber interiors and monochrome schemes, and makes a memorable gift for anyone who loves big cats or Africa.

THE PRINT
Archival pigment print (giclée) on museum-grade fine art paper. Limited edition of 30. Hand-signed and numbered by John Wiseman and issued with a signed certificate of authenticity.

SIZE
Image size 102 x 68 cm (40 x 27 in). Other sizes are available. Please enquire.

DELIVERY AND FRAMING
Made to order in Sydney, Australia. Shipped unframed, rolled in a protective tube. Custom framing in natural timber, black or white can be added through Bluethumb.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Wiseman is an award-winning Australian wildlife and nature photographer with more than 25 years in the field, photographing across six continents. Winner, Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards. Represented by IRID Gallery, Melbourne and Sydney.

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John Wiseman is a globally recognized, award-winning nature, wildlife, and landscape photographer whose work is characterized by his deep reverence for the natural world. With a keen eye for beauty and an insatiable wanderlust, John has journeyed extensively across continents, capturing a diverse and magnificent gallery of images that reflect the splendor and intricacy of our planet.

Born with an innate appreciation for nature and its myriad expressions, John's passion for photography was kindled in his early years. He quickly distinguished himself with his ability to encapsulate the soul of his subjects within his frames, be it the silent majesty of a mountain range, the untamed energy of wildlife, or the serene rhythm of a forest creek.

Over the years, John has been honored with numerous national and international awards, testament to his artistic prowess and commitment to his craft. His work has been exhibited in various galleries and published in several prestigious journals and magazines, earning him a respected place in the global community of nature photographers.

Yet, for John, photography is more than just a medium of artistic expression. It is a powerful tool for communication and conservation. Through his images, he aims to inspire an appreciation for the natural world, highlighting its beauty and fragility, and advocating for its preservation.

John's extensive travels have not only enriched his portfolio but also broadened his perspective, enabling him to view the world through a multicultural lens. From the icy landscapes to the dense rainforests of the Amazon, his photographs are a testament to his adventurous spirit and his dedication to capturing nature in its purest form.

In essence, John Wiseman's photography is a visual symphony of the earth's melodies, a celebration of life in all its wild, unspoiled glory. His work invites viewers on a journey across the globe, offering them a front-row seat to the breathtaking spectacle that is our natural world.