Black Cat on a Fence

11" x 14" oil on linen

This is the piece I had students paint in class last Tuesday night. One gal had asked if we could paint a cat so this is what I found. It fit my lesson plan, which focused on atmospheric perspective. They were also surprised that we could paint a black cat without using black paint.

Everyone struggled with the eyes but they were all finished within two hours.

Most people don't realize I own THREE CATS

And that is probably because when people come over the cats are nowhere to be found. they are all extremely shy and only friendly with family. My cats are also extremely sensitive to the dogs, and when we get company the dogs will let you know. The barking might be what initially scared the cats and sent them into hiding and I think that now it has just become habit. Dogs bark! Stranger alerts! Take cover!

They are affectionate cats for the most part and they each have their favorites. The youngest cat, a two year old female, loves to lie on my daughter's bed but hates to be held unless it is her decision. The middle cat is mine, apparently. A 4 year old tabby, she enjoys stalking me around the house and loves to insert her rather large and furry body onto my lap between the computer and my arms. then she rubs her head repeatedly against my neck until I put my arms around her. At this point she tries to wriggle herself into a comfortable position. Her favorite lounging position is to lean over my forearm with her front legs and rest her upper body on the table. I find myself wondering how much more cat hair my computer fan can suck up and still be able to boot up in the morning.

This is a painting I did of a friend's cat, which made me think of mine. :)  I recycled an unsuccessful canvas, which always gives me a head start by providing some interesting color and I have shown the way I typically start a painting like this with a notan study in brown and white to get an idea of how the composition will hold up. I fi like the first stage i will usually like the second if I hold my values.

8" x 10"

Sarah's Cat

Duchess, a Siberian Blue Maltese Tabby Cat

11" x 14" oil on gallery wrap canvas

Siberian cats are beautiful, with long soft and silky fur similar to my cat Nikki's fur and big fluffy tails. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is their long whiskers.

Claire and Sebastion 11x14 oil on linen

This painting has been inspirational to me and given me an idea for a new series! Plus it has been so much fun. Here is my idea--the girls and the cats will all look alike. As I looked around fo something to add to what was becoming yet another dreary painting of an insipid young thing I saw a CAT! Subconsciously I chose a picture of a cat that resembled my BW portrait. The key to this may be deciding on the palette first and what color I want the light to be-- or I could use the same light key throughout for consistency ( Blue-violet / orange-yellow .) I have been thinking about doing another series for awhile now. So Claire and Sebastian may be the very first pair of many more. My next girl will be blonde or dark-haired and I'll find a kitty to match and arrange it in a complimentary composition. This composition was all about triangles. I did a demo for an on-line art group to show them how to compose using repetitive shapes and once you point out the triangles they are hard to miss- but it's a design that only an artist would really look for and identify. To remain consistent I will paint them all on premium linen board as I have this one. What a dream to paint on if you are looking to paint in detail.

No. 2 in my series of Cattitude Painitngs

This is Buffy from Australia. He is 15 years old and he hates getting brushed, according to owner, Patricia. Patricia allowed me to use a photograph she took of him to create this paintng that is incredibly full of attitude. I think I am calling it "I'll Have My Tuna NOW" Not for sale, as Patricia is purchasing but I will be offering large same size Giclee canvas prints (18" x 24") and notecards of the entire series in September.