William Hawkins, a self-taught American artist, was known for his exuberant, powerful, and vibrant images of exotic animals and architectural forms. He was self-assigned as "born an artist” and was an authentic and unique visual story teller.  

He kept his personal visual resource archive, gleaned from everywhere, in an old trunk—that contained a collection of photographs, newspaper clippings, and magazine and print images.  From these materials, he produced big bold narrative interpretations always signed in his conspicuous style. For his animal imagery, he chose strong, powerful, often wild animals and portrayed them in a like style. From his subject, color choice, and broad brush strokes he married style, form, and subject into powerful and expressionist images.

Black Panther is a prime example of his unique aesthetic. It is a magnificent animal, portrayed with intense color application and dynamic brush strokes.  Even Hawkins’ darker, muted palette could radiate energy, light, and intensity. The panther takes a defensive but prowling posture that confronts the viewer with a wealth of possible interpretations.