Shepherd returned to the tiger subject frequently over the course of his illustrious career. Once when questioned about his favourite animal to see in the wild, he replied "The tiger particularly because it is iconic. Once you have seen a tiger in the wild, you never want to see anything else. They are just mind-numbing". At Rest, Yet Alert – Watchful Tiger is a prime example of the artist’s prowess in capturing the very essence of these magnificent and magical creatures. In accordance with its narrative title, one can immediately absorb the serene but vigilant bearing of this adult female Bengal tiger. Standing before the work as the viewer, we can read this response as a reaction to our proximity to the subject, creating a phenomenal sense of intimacy as her deep, watchful eyes gaze at us unfalteringly. Shepherd’s highly distinctive style transcends the inherent limitations of the camera lens to offer a true-to-life recreation of human encounters with animals. As we observe we notice that the tiger’s coat boasts a spectacular sheen, glowing softly against the beams of sunlight which penetrate her resting place in the undergrowth. Each of her stripe markings perfectly correspond with the positioning of her limbs, working to achieve an enchanting definition of form. She lies before the shallows of a small pool in the reserve; the water glassy and unmoving in harmony with the dynamic and highly textured surface of the surroundings that Shepherd has reckoned by his favoured impasto technique applying thick areas of paint.