art

In Honor of Tonga

On my most recent visit to the lion conservancy in South Africa—a place I’ve returned to year after year—I knew it would be my last time with Tonga. As the elder among the many lions at the conservancy, Tonga lived alongside his son and grandsons, embodying wisdom and quiet strength. Despite his compromised health, every time I came to sit with him, he would rise to greet me. That gesture, simple yet profound, touched me deeply.

This life-size drawing (6 ft x 8 ft) was created from my final visit with Tonga. Just beyond the fence at his watering hole, he rose, looked up at me, and then, hearing distant roars, turned his head with that intense, far-seeing focus unique to lions—alert, attuned, and utterly present. Even at 22 years old, his majestic presence radiated undiminished. The honor I felt in his company is difficult to put into words.

Price upon request.
This piece is available for purchase.
Inquire to marystokesart@gmail.com.

Humpback Calf emerging

During my three weeks in Mo'orea, French Polynesia—where humpback whales come to birth and raise their calves—I spent each day in the water, quietly observing these gentle giants. The calves, just learning to breathe, would surface frequently, rising up into the brilliant blue light while their mothers rested below. Like all babies, they were curious and playful, often approaching to investigate the strange beings floating above them.

This painting (4ft x 5ft) is my attempt to capture one of those luminous moments: a calf emerging from the depths, sunlight shimmering on its skin, embodying both innocence and wild vitality. Being in their presence was a profound reminder of the intelligence and spirit that animates the ocean, and I hope this work invites viewers to feel a glimpse of that wonder.

Price upon request.
This piece is available for purchase.
Inquire to marystokesart@gmail.com.

Shomba and Shenzi

The first life-size work in my lion series, created in 2023 with pastel and graphite (10 ft x 6 ft). This piece emerged from my time living among these lions in their natural habitat at a South African conservancy. These two brothers offered me my first extended experience in the presence of wild lions. Sitting quietly near them—separated only by a fence—I felt the profound depth of their bond and a compassionate radiance in their eyes that unsettled and expanded my understanding of sentience. That encounter left me forever changed, catalyzing a lifelong inquiry: what, and who, is truly sentient? The memory of those moments continues to shape how I see and portray the inner lives of wild animals.

10’ x 6’
graphite and pastel on drawing paper

Price: $22,000

This piece is available for purchase.
Inquire to marystokesart@gmail.com.

In tribute to Shomba & Shenzi, and in support of all the lions in the conservancy’s care, 10% of the proceeds from this drawing will be donated to GG Conservation.

progression of drawing

Tonga Rising

From my life-size lion series, (10 ft x 6 ft) was born from a quiet moment I captured on video while sitting with him. In that footage, I found the instant where his powerful, regal spirit shone through—a presence I sought to translate onto paper, so viewers could feel his strength and majesty up close. Through his gaze, he reminded me once again of the profound depth of presence these beings offer when they truly meet you.

In tribute to Tonga, and in support of all the lions in the conservancy’s care, 10% of the proceeds from this drawing will be donated to GG Conservation.

10’ x 6’
graphite and pastel on drawing paper

Price: $20,000

This piece is available for purchase.
Inquire to marystokesart@gmail.com.

progression of drawing

Aslan Sleeping

A life-size drawing (10 ft x 6 ft) of a lion I lived with at a conservancy in South Africa. Day in day out I was able to sit with him and learn his behavior and character. Most notably, the depth of patience and dignity. I was in awe of how this depth radiated even as he slumbered each day. As I was working on the drawing, he passed. This greatly impacted me. Propelling me into my commitment of portraying the sentience in creating life-size works of animals.

10’ x 6’
pastel and graphite

Price: $20,000

This piece is available for purchase.
Inquire to marystokesart@gmail.com.

progression of drawing

Honu

This life-size piece (60 x 75.5 inches) was inspired by my many journeys to Hawaii, where I’ve had the privilege of swimming alongside these slow, graceful beings. Each encounter left me profoundly calmed, as if their unhurried presence invited me into a quieter rhythm of being. In Hawaiian tradition, the honu is considered an ʻaumākua—a guardian spirit, offering guidance and protection. Creating this work was both an act of reverence and a way to honor the gentle wisdom these ancient creatures embody.

5’ x 6.5’
charcoal and pastel on drawing paper
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