Happy Easter! This is Mabel, because I wanted to paint her for my friend Adam and his wife Lisa, and she looks like she might like a little rabbit... because she lives with one! I'd love to paint Milton the rabbit sometime too!
It's a beautiful day up here on the Great Lake and I know we're all sad to be leaving... I hope you are having a great day wherever you are!
This is another glorious fun-eyed cat- I love those eyes! Sometimes a photo doesn't look like it will be a good painting, but sometimes they totally give you the gift of inspiration and you roll on from there!
I didn't get a story for Kitty yet, but I'm hoping to- those eyes just tell a huge story~
I tried getting up early so I could get photos of the sunrise, and I was up and outside with the two pups, it had snowed and the lake is very wild today, but the sun didn't make an appearance below the clouds. Darn. Those are some of my favorite versions of the lake to paint~
Well I can try again tomorrow!
And this is Marley! Wow, dang did I have fun painting this one! Tortoiseshells have just SO many different colors in their fur, and these green eyes too, were just great to paint!
We are up in Grand Marais for Easter weekend because this year Max's 15 birthday falls on Easter Sunday and we love to come up and hang out by the lake for a couple days here and there. It's gorgeous right now, but everything is exceedingly icy and it's tricky getting around... the pups are doing well with it, and it's fun to all be together. I hope you are enjoying this wicked lion out March too!
I'm having so much fun painting these cats- and I'm switching the cat for Sunday too, because I forgot to bring Toph's canvas up here with me- so I'm painting Mabel instead!
My friend Carolyn asks me every year to paint several portraits for her friends and family and I love this because it makes Carolyn one of my very favorite patrons and supporters, and also she inevitably has the cutest and most interesting looking critters!
This is Trudy, who belongs to Molly, and I'd forgotten that Carolyn had asked me to paint her on St Patrick's Day, so here she is today, with her green eyes and Irish looking expression...
Isn't she cunning?
Here is the brilliant eyed Frank! Another really fun one to paint, and I'm pretty pleased with his electric whiskers!
My friend Gennae also painted a version of Frank, and I'm honored she decided to have me paint him too! Love those black cats~
Frank is a tiny panther. He loves to hunt and use his enormous collection of whiskers to investigate everything. He has a distinctive voice that he exercises judiciously. He’s of even temperament, unlike his frenetic genetic sister. He loves a good lap sit and a cuddle in the basket with Polly. His fur is so silky and soft.
This is Sunny Kitty's sister, Shady and it's another photo that just begged to be painted- love those eyes!
"Sunny and Shady were from the same litter (different fathers). Shady was feral compared to Sunny. They had bonded already when I went to pick a Sunny. Sunny was hugging Shady. I could not not take her home, too! Shady turned out to be a very sweet lovable kitty, though shy. When I first brought the kittens home, Sunny would always run and hug Shady if Shady cried out!"
This is also a good example of trying to LEAVE IT ALONE when I get it somewhere I like it. When time allows, I get the painting started a bit the night before so I can let it sit in my brain all night long, and then I do the color and details in the morning. Sometimes it takes letting it sit a bit for it to really come out right.
I like this one!
Ooo, not that I don't like any of the others! Sheesh, Kat! way to go-
Painting a whole body of a cat is strangely more time consuming than painting just a face! This has taken me a lot longer this morning than I anticipated, although it may be possible that I'm putting off working on my taxes...
Here is what Linda wrote about this lovely Miss Kitty! And happy Birthday Mark!
Miss kitty was a control freak. Reading the newspaper was an extended event every morning. She seemed to know where our eyes were reading and would move to that article. She was a lap lover and if mark said it was time to go she would wait for him to get out of the chair and then move to the warm spot. We loved her and miss her every day. We lost her in June, Comforted in the vets office with Kat’s artwork.
Wow, sorry I'm so late this morning with this one! Technically it isn't even morning anymore. I just got back from New Orleans yesterday and had a great evening with my family rearrannging furniture and attempting to make sense of our new/old living situation. Stuff is all over the place and I had to dig just now to find my winter boots to take the puppy out to poop in the snow before she did it on the fireplace rug! We were living for over a year in our neighbor's house, and got pretty settled in there, and now we're moving stuff back into our new/old house and it's funny how much stuff a person can accumulate in a year! We also don't have all our dressers and bookcases yet, so a lot of stuff is boxed and tucked somewhere...
Ah well. It's great to be here!
And this is Maisy Mae, who has an incredibly regal presence with all that fabulous fur.
Here is what Mikayla wrote about her!
I love it so much. The colors are beautiful and she looks like the perfect mixture of regal and goofball that she is.
Another incredible set of eyes... this was another that I had to paint. And I'll have to paint Shady too, of course! Maybe I can get to her later today, since I'm running out of spaces!
I really appreciate having these fantastic paintings to look forward to every morning. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to paint your pets, people!
Here's what Amy says about Sunny AND Shady!
Sunny and Shady were from the same litter (different fathers). Shady was feral compared to Sunny. They had bonded already when I went to pick a Sunny. Sunny was hugging Shady. I could not not take her home, too! Shady turned out to be a very sweet lovable kitty, though shy. When I first brought the kittens home, Sunny would always run and hug Shady if Shady cried out!
I admit it is her eyes in this one what I wanted to see if I could capture~ what a beauty! And this is what Sandy wrote about her~
This is Katie! I have been catsitting for my neighbor for about eight years. Katie was rescued from the county landfill when she was a baby. Now she lives a life of luxury and is the Queen of the house. She's very persnickety, with green eyes like Scarlett O'Hara and a temper to match!
I kinda love this name, Sabrina... though in my mind it is associated with fun witches... This photo of Sabrina with her eyes shut, napping peacefully, made me feel so comfy and safe, I had to paint it. The world feels at peace with a sleeping cat on your lap.
Here's what Rachel says about Sabrina!
Sabrina is our new kitten and shares a name with the Welsh river goddess. It’s fitting that she loves to sit on the edge of the bathtub and dip her paws into the water. Sabrina thinks the sink is the best place to get a drink, and she is eager to meet the beautiful kitty in the mirror.
Now, I've painted Anya before, just in case you're wondering, here, and here, and you can tell by looking at her that she's got movie star cat looks...
So I had to paint this one too!
And I also have to admit that I'm currently in New Orleans with my friends, hanging out and chilling for a few days in a new world, and it's really great! I'm still posting, but am letting a few other things wait til I get back. Duane is setting up our house, Max is in school, my show Nature's Gaze is up til April 6th at the Vine Arts, and I'm painting in New Orleans!
Wahooo!
Good lord, I hope I've done justice to THIS huge personality! Read on~ this is what Eric has written of his companion~
"In a world ripe with myths and legends, one tale stands out like a raging fire in a field of snow. A tail of the small tail; a cat who will lead our people to salvation. Born of unknown origin and circumstance, this feline is said to rise from the depths of hardship and triumph over all obstacles in his path toward his final destination. From a lowly street urchin to supreme royalty, this handsome four paw is believed to one day be king of all cats big and small. I believe in the prophecy, for I have beared witness to such a creature... even more. I have the honor, the privilege, to serve under whom I believe to be this chosen one. This is my cat... this is...
Lord Chompa, His Grace -"
Yes, Jack is not a cat. Sometimes during my 30 Cat projects I do like to paint a creature other than a cat, and when Carolyn asked me to paint Jack for her friends, Donae and Joe, I said yes, please. What a face!
Sadly, Jack is no longer with us, as he somehow escaped from the hobby farm and was struck on a highway, poor fellow. I would have loved to have met him. He looks so wise and soft...
Here's what his owner Eric says of him~
“There are Donkeys and there was little Jack .
Such a personality, yet such a gentle soul.
He filled all our hearts with joy and never failed to put a smile on the face of anyone who saw him.
Wherever he is now, may his soul continue to brighten everything around him “
Okay, not the most Irish of names at all, but I consider her owner to be one of the most charming and leprechaun-ish people I know! Lara talks about her cat, and her eyes light up- she told me a story about cleaning out behind the stove and finding all the little nerf bits that Fernadina loves to chase, plus one hairy mass of fur that Lara at first thought was a dead mouse, and turned out to be a beloved long lost toy that Fernadina commenced to tossing and stalking and chasing all over the house.
It is really difficult to remain crabby and sulky when there is a creature enjoying the heck out of life right in front of you!
I think this photo was of Fernadina Lou under the Christmas Tree, so that may account for the multitude of glimmers in her eyes... she looks like she's gonna do something spritish!
A lovely sweet faced kitty for this windy, cloudy morning that I hope brings some rain! My boys are off doing the Pinewood Derby for Scouts and I'm heading to the rental house across the street to continue packing and moving stuff, and I loved painting this cat at my dining room table in our HOUSE!
Here's Crobsy's little story~ and I have to say, Gennae writes GREAT little stories!
Crosby is the perfect cat. He balances his independence with a desire to be held…only on my right side…with his head buried…weight being held in my hand. He sits for treats. Comes running when called, and answers in chirps and meows when talked to. He practices yoga and looks so sophisticated while doing it. He might also have the longest tail of all.
Wahoo! I seem to be managing to keep this up, despite the chaos of trying to move houses and re-settling in and oh just life! The cats are just so sweet, and the faces so fun, though I think I may go back in and play with Polly's whiskers a smidgen...
Here's Polly's story!
Polly is frenetic, playful, intense, silly, a talker, bounces like a kangaroo, a little short on smarts, exuberant, always on the verge of doing something dangerous or trouble making, and has the most innocent eyes. She’s perfectly kooky and only stops making noise when she’s asleep.
This little face belongs to Timmy! I loved the quizzical little head tilt here, and the green eyes... and I didn't notice his nose until Kendyl explained~
That was my sweet baby boy Timmy. He passed away in October. When I adopted him years ago no one wanted him because of his cleft nose, but their loss because he was the biggest love.
I think ever since I saw Lady and the Tramp I loved Siamese cats! Isn't Mozzie the sweetest face ever? I have to admit I had a lot of fun painting him. That face has such an amazingly sculptural quality~
And here's what Gennae says about him!
Mozzie was my first introduction into the quirks and nuances that are cats. He constantly sang the “song of his people.” He made piles of socks and mittens as offerings and gifts. He aggressively nose-smooshed, and was just the best at snuggling.
I have never met an animal named Agate before, and I love that name for this cat! Isn't is totally suitable? What a sweet face!
Here's what her owner Rachel says about her!
Agate joined our family ten years ago, and we call her a “nurse cat”. When one of her humans is sick (or even crying!), she comes running to offer a lengthy snuggle. If Agate is not purring on someone’s lap, then she is watching for wildlife in the garden from her perch by the front window.
I kinda fell in love with this fella's face, and just had to paint him! MJ is fostering him and here's what she says about him~
Hi, here's Kip - our new foster cat! (luxuriating after playtime). He was left behind in an empty apartment shortly before Christmas & brought to animal control. Staying with us until he's adopted. An amazing feline, resilient, intelligent & playful!
Here is the first cat of the 30 I'll be painting over the next 30 days- this is Cooper, for Jeremy, whose birthday was on Friday. This is one of his favorite poses which he called Superman pose- love those long paws stretched out~ and that slightly aloof expression~
Cats are so beautiful!
Here's a kitty from last year's 30 Cats in 30 Days Project~ I can't wait to get started on this year's 30 Cats! Which will commence this SUNDAY March 10th, and I'll post the Official List tomorrow, which will most likely shift a bit and change, and I am still accepting more photos of cats and other small critters if you want to send me something!
Here's the link to more info!
We are still not in the house yet, thanks for asking. Apparently there's a problem with communication with the floor people. One layer of final polycoat is all that stands between us starting to move things in. We're waiting with no actual dateline... it's so weird. We get our hopes up and get excited and get some stuff packed, and then the date changes, and we get lethargic and stop our hopeful boxing of books... The floors were supposed to get done on Tuesday, but the guys putting handrails in and finishing the fireplace were there, so they left. And no word on when they'll come back.
Ack~
SO this is a painting I started a few years back up at Grand Marais at the Art Colony, and I've touched it up and changed things a titch through the years~ the otters are playing underwater, rolling and curling around one another, and I loved that negative space between them just where they are about to touch! And I might have called this something else too- I can't remember...
It's hanging at the Vine Arts Center and you can come see it this Saturday! I'll be there from 6-9!
2637 27th Ave S, Mpls, MN 55406 in the Ivy Building!
This is a commission I've been completing. Yes, there's a lot going on around here. We are essentially living between houses at the moment and I am hoping and praying that the floor guys come today to finish our final layer because when that is done, we can start sleeping over there! It's been just a wacky week I have to admit. On Sunday I got a citation for my tabs that are two years expired and of course this happened at Highland Hills while I was picking up four teenage boys after skiing- we were like a clown car with a cop car behind. And then we went out and picked up our new PUPPY!!! Who is currently living with our generous friend and neighbor, Mike, while we scramble around. And yesterday morning some wacky people rammed the garage my car parks in, crushing the garage door in so one of them could hop in and go through my unlocked art car to steal my tire gauge... which Duane found in the alley later.
It's been a bit of insanity around here! I'm looking forward to my art opening this Saturday at the Vine Arts Center and I hope you can come if you're in town! Nature's Gaze reception is 6-9pm this Saturday, and the gallery is open every Saturday from 11 to 5 through April 6th!
And I'll be starting painting my 30 Cats in 30 Days this coming Sunday March 10th! MAYBE from my NEW DINING ROOM!!!!!
These are irises from up in Grand Marais a couple years ago, and I just reframed them and I think they look great in the new frame. I don't paint flowers often, though I admire artists who manage to paint them and have them look like a painting and not like an advertisement, if you know what I mean. I think flowers are a subject that is easy to dismiss as "cute" and not serious art, hmm... maybe kinda like painting dogs and cats.
Hmm.
We are hoping to move into our house starting this week, hopefully by Thursday, at least partially! Lots going on!
So this is possibly that same turkey as the other day, but looking the other direction...
And this will be hanging at my SHOW! Come see it next Saturday night! 6-9 at the Vine Arts Center!
In The Ivy Building! 2637 27th Ave S!
I spent yesterday afternoon hanging my exhibition at the Vine Arts Center with my great friend Jean Wright!
I wanted to get it up as soon as possible and I spent Friday carrying all the paintings I thought I'd want to use down the hall from my studio to the gallery. I had used our little collapsible wagon on Thursday morning to get a lovely pile started already. So as you might know, I have a LOT of work- I tend to get interested in a series of photos and then start painting those specific animals for a while, which is great because I get to know the anatomy and coloration and shading of those creatures really well. This is why I love doing my 30 in 30 projects!
Dang! It's MARCH already!
I like March, really I do- it's the month that has my Spring Break in it, its the month of St Patrick's Day, it's the month of the birthday's of many people I love, and it often feels like the hopeful month of spring.
So here is a hopeful turkey for you! With a bit of snow behind it~
This painting and more will be at my solo show at the Vine Arts Center this month! The opening is next Saturday, March 9th from 6 to 9 and I'd LOVE to see you there!
And yes, usually you would be seeing a kitten painting from me on the 1st of March! I've postponed the 30 Cats project to start on March 10th because of all kinds of way too many things happening right now!
WAHOO!
