Another illustration for prehistoric times magazine for their next issue on prehistoric lions. I wish I had more time for a full body image and a real background, but time doesn't allow. 8(

This is the north american cave lion, a giant among felines. They were only second in size to the enormous short faced bear of the same period.
They stood nearly 5 feet tall at the shoulder, taller than the smilodon by far. American lions were characterized by their enormous size and relatively long, slender limbs. Additionally, the american lion had a very large brain size.

American and cave lions became extinct about 10,000 years ago, most likely due to the earlier extinction of some of their large herbivorous prey, and their specialized hunting and feeding habits.

4.5"x4" on Canson Bristol.
Markers, colored pencil, acrylics and pastel.