SUBMISSION: In the Treetops by Emily Leary

In the Treetops by Emily Leary. All Rights Reserved. This acrylic painting was inspired by the endangered Tree Kangaroo of Papua New Guinea. It has become endangered due to deforestation and excessive hunting. Within the painting, I depict a tree kangaroo climbing within the treetops of its forest habitat as the light shines through the leaves above, illuminating the immense diversity of plant life within the forest. I chose to show a tree kangaroo in my image because they are truly beautiful mammals that are close to becoming extinct. There are fourteen total species of tree kangaroos, but several of them are almost completely gone from the planet. Poaching and logging have both caused immense loss of habitat and life for these creatures, and I would like to create awareness for them through my painting.