A Lion for Ellie

I asked my 4-year old niece what she would like to see me paint and she said a lion, so Ellie, here is a lion for you!  (i did a digital portrait of her here fav.me/d4d4tec for my brother) 
I struggled a lot with the mane but really like how it turned out in the end.

reference photo used. Thank you meihua-stock for sharing your photos! fav.me/d4w3fwy

acrylics on canvas
12 x 12 in

I appreciate all views, comments and favs! thanks!