March 30, MYSTERY GUEST!!!!

This is our MYSTERY CAT, Abby, sent in by Terry Beck!  Dang, I had a hard time choosing a cat, I gotta tell ya!  It took most of the morning just to go through all the photos and there were a few runner-ups I was kinda excited about, like Hugo and Missus and three or four more~  you all have some GORGEOUS cats!  But honestly, it was Abby's blue eyes that got me.  And not one of my pets has blue eyes, nor have I ever owned an animal with blue eyes!  Not sure what the draw is, but here she is!

You can click here to the BUY NOW information for this luscious kitty!

And Duane attempted to take a video of me painting Abby so we'll see if I can upload that later today!  I also went back in to a few paintings because I wasn't totally happy with them~ 

And you can see which ones I touched up later, as well as at the OPENING CELEBRATION this FRIDAY APRIL 4th at Diamond's Gallery/Coffee Shoppe 1618 Central Ave NE from 6 to 8pm!!!

I would LOVE to see you there!

And HERE is Abby's story!

Yay! I'm so excited! I almost didn't pick Abby from a litter of 6-week-old kittens because her tail was so skinny, but when I saw her face I had to have her. She can be very expressive with meows ranging from "pretty please?" to "don't bother me, I'm busy". She has a passion for outdoor walks on a leash, playing with ribbon & string, and drinking water from sources other than her dish.

March 29, Pablo Diablo!

Nicknamed by Cathy's dad, Pablo is one of those cats with a devious expression.... though really he is a happy cat!

Here he is lying out on the deck in the winter sunshine.  Cathy says she has taken him out on a leash a few times, and he really loves the outdoors but the adjustment to being back inside is too hard to tolerate.  He will yowl by the door to go out again once leashed...  so the deck works well!  I was in love with the contrasts between the darks and lights here, and that brief little glint of yellow gold in his eye.

One more cat tomorrow!  And I haven't picked it yet!  Wish me luck and come see all the cats next Friday, April 4th from 6 to 8 at Diamond's Gallery/Coffee Shoppe, 1618 Central Ave NE!

Wahoo!

March 28, Francine!

This sweet little fluffy cat is Frannie, submitted by Kate for her friend Rebeccah~ And has some excellent people skills!

Francine is an 11 year old Maine Coon, with large, luminous eyes and a 'need to knead'.   Unless you're standing upright, you can count on Francine for a lengthy 'massage', usually on a more sensitive part of your anatomy.  (Ouch!)

Her personality runs to the extremes.  She is either haughty and regal ~ "I do not wish for you to touch me, thank you." ~ or ~ almost pathetically needy.  "Please!  Can you not see that I'm desperate for 112 more scratches behind my ears?!"

Her nickname is 'Carpet Cat'.  She can be thoroughly Furminated twice a day and still shed enough fur to lightly carpet any given surface.  My vacuum cleaner only visits the closet when I have company ~ such is the shedding problem.

She only has one 'trick' ~ that of a skunk.  She does not like being brushed out and will show her displeasure with 'on command' flatulence.  First, she tries wrangling away, then ~ hissing and growling.  If neither form of protest results in her release, she then resorts to 'silent but deadly'.

That always works.

March 27, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATASHA!!!!!

This little sweetheart is sitting under a tiffany lamp, backlit.  I am thinking I may go in a pop some highlights a little later...

And here is what her owner Betsi says about her!

Tasha, short for Natasha, is one year old today! This painting is a surprise for my husband who picked her up in Mankato when she was two months old. She is a Siberian, with a real Russian pedigree. Her dad and grandparents came directly from Moscow. She has two other cat mates~ Harley, a 15 year old Himalayan and Elliot, an 8 year old Persian whom she loves to chase, wrestle with, and groom. They are, in fact, inseparable! In spite of her heritage, one of her favorite things to do is to lay upside down warming herself in front of the fireplace...the closer the better! :) She also enjoys being nose to nose with the birds that come to the front window ledge. She is a sweet kitty who has quickly taken up residence in our hearts ~as well as our home~and we are looking forward to spending many happy years enjoying her antics. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATASHA ! 

March 26, Finnigan in the Tall Grass!

Yes, can you believe there are two Finnigan's this month?  Wow!  Seems like that happens often!

Ben says he likes how sweet and sassy she is in this picture-  she's outside, squinty eyed, posing in the grass~
And I am working on the book as we speak!  though of course I can't finish it until I have all my cats-  four days to go!  The Opening Celebration is next friday, April 4 at Diamond's from 6 to 8!  I hope you are planning to come see all this fur in the flesh!  I mean the paint!

AND the next session of Painting Lessons is coming up as well!  Here is the link to my page with more info!  Contact me soon in you are interested!  Only 6 more spaces left!

March 25, Dupa

And here is Dupa~  bit jet-lagged here today... have you ever flown Spirit Airlines?  Hmmm... not sure I want to go through that again, especially with a five year old...  but we had a great time in Florida!  wahoo!
And again I neglected to get any photos of Monica and Frank and US!!!!
Dupa has a great story!

Not sure if I want to paint the background or not... kinda like the contrast... what do you think?

I got her from the local animal shelter when she was about 10 months old. She was a short to medium

haired white beauty. I found out soon that she was a long hair that had been shaved. By that time I

was already smitten. I had a previous white cat named Blanca. She had died suddenly and for no

good reason. I wasn’t planning on getting a replacement, but someone mentioned her and that she

looked like Blanca, so I went to see her and took her home the same day. She very quickly became fat.

I’d like to put it more gently, but that’s the truth… she’s a pig. She’s a very pretty, fat, somewhat aloof cat.

She really doesn’t like the other animals here. Melissa and I have 5 cats and 2 dogs. She’s a pappa’s

girl and loves spending time on my lap. She is not graceful and has an unusually bitchy meow. I

remember old women in the small town I grew up in saying, “cover you dupa!” to toddlers running

around with no pants on. I think it’s an old world term for butt. So, as she is a butthead, I called her Dupa!

March 24, Dexter

This is our last day in Florida and Max is helping me paint Dexter at my uncles' patio table, while he watches "Zaboomafo" on my laptop!  You can see my paint pallet, the white rectangle, and my traveling brushes!  I think Dexter worked out well despite my assistant-  Max wants me to also point out his transformer guys on the table by his elbow~
We leave tonight at 9:30pm-  I wonder what the weather is like in Minneapolis?

And here is Max and the painting!

March 23, Yum Yum for Ursula!

Sometimes the name of a cat is what I go by, and sometimes its what the cat looks like, and sometimes its a combo of both!
This is Yum Yum!  Couldn't resist!

And what Ursula has to say about her! And the painting is available for purchase here!

Name: Yum-Yum
Age: we think about a year
Sex: Female
Back story: Last May my husband and I went to Mpls Animal Control to look at a dog to possibly adopt. The dog was already adopted, but we decided to go look at the cats. There was Yum-Yum, a little 4-6 month old Siamese stray. I put my hand out to her and she grabbed it with her paw and pulled it right up to her face so she could rub up against it. Yep, she stole our hearts right then.

So now that she is been with us now almost 10 months, she has become the Queen of the house. She is nice with us, but when people come over, she checks them out, sniffs them, but god forbid they try to pet her...swat!

I have been fostering dogs and cats this year and she has had her patience tested but she does adapt.

March 22, KAYLEIGH!

I think I spelled that right...
This is Kayleigh, for Jill~  She's got a pretty incredible story too~  I don't know a lot about Feline Leukemia but she's a beauty!
And as an aside, I gotta say it is trickier coming up with time to paint on this vacay than I thought...  I am really trying, folks!  Wow!  Thanks for sticking with me!

Read Kayleigh's story below!

Kayleigh was found in a sewer drain during a thunderstorm at 6 weeks of age. Someone heard her cries and was able to rescue her. That person reached out to Saved By A Whisker Rescue to help with Kayleigh. The rescue started the vet work and found that Kayleigh was FIV+. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease in cats that compromises their immune system. But contrary to what many believe, FIV+ cats can live full, healthy lives! Kayleigh is one of those cats and she has been living with me since May of 2013. She will be a year old in April! She lives with another cat and a dog and has a busy, fun life. She is currently learning to do tricks through clicker training and has her own Facebook page, where she posts to help change the stereotypes of FIV+ cats! She loves to snuggle up in bed and purr and she loves to play and be a part of all the fun here in her foster home. Kayleigh is available for adoption through Saved By A Whisker Rescue. 

Here is Kayleigh's Facebook page, where you can learn more about her and cats with FIV: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-Kayleigh-I-have-FIV-cest-la-vie/48361901841734

This 8x8 original acrylic painting can be purchased for just $145, click HERE!

March 21, Aaron~

And I tried to have Max (pretty good usually with a camera at age 5, but I think he was too into his game on my phone to use the camera well) take my picture painting this, but it really didn't work...  I am painting at my sister's place in South Beach, Florida, with beautiful palm trees and skies and beaches and really friendly people!  We are having a great time!  Though it is always tricky traveling with paint, and kids too-  it's our first trip without Duane, who opted to stay home, and is now maybe rethinking that but he had a few projects to get done... I am missing his cooking and caretaking and Max is missing his ability to play continually!
SO at any rate, here is Aaron!  Painted this morning so we can head off to the Sea Aquarium!

And Aaron's story is here!  His sister kitty is Soh! from March 5th!

"Aaron, known affectionately as Ah-run, wore many hats--or furs, if you will. He was the assistant captain of the prestigious dog organization the Twenty Nine Dogs. He was the endlessly regal master of his kingdom, surveying his land comfortably from his thrown on the second floor balcony. He was a loving brother to his sister Soh!, although he was not above laying down the law if she crossed him. He maintained order in his kingdom by chasing Soh! up and down the halls in the early hours of the morning, while she screeched her innocence. But most of all, he was the sweetest, most agreeable friend a girl could have."

March 20, Abby & Missy!

This painting has taken two days now, and I'm still not sure it's finished, but these are my uncles' rescued cats, Abby and Missy, and are currently down here in Florida with us!  They are super sweet and are even happy to chase Max's Squirmel around the apartment!
I may add more later but Max is wanting to go out and had kindly waited until I posted this!

March 19, Maeve & Mari!

Okay, here's my first double-shot, and tomorrow (for some reason~  scheduling? self-inflicted penance?) will be my second one!  This is Maeve and Mari, and below is what owner Emily says about them!
SO sweet!

They're Maeve on the right and Mari on the left. I adopted this mother-daughter duo in October, and they are two sweet cuddlers. They told me at the shelter that Mari was never more than a few feet away from her mom, and they are still inseparable. I didn't pose her holding Maeve's paw, they're naturally this affectionate with each other (though they love to wrestle, too). I could send a clearer picture of Maeve if that would be useful. Thanks! What a great project! 

March 18, Surely~

I loved this cat's name too!  Anna has a great explanation...

This is Surely. As in…surely the cat isn’t scratching the couch again!! Surely is the cat everyone wants to take home - she loves everyone and chooses laps not to be perverse - but to really snuggle. Anywhere, anytime, you can lie down for a nap and call her, and she’ll come to lie perfectly still and take a nap for as long as is necessary.

I loved painting the greys in her fur!

March 17, Finnegan! Happy St Patrick's Day!

And here is Finnegan, Sophie's "brother"!  They do share those persian- traits of long fur and smoldering eyes...

I thought he'd work for our St Patrick's Day cat because of his name, and he just seems kinda Irish in his vocalizations!

Finnegan was a wee 6 week old when I found him 7 years ago in January via a postcard offering free kittens at Eagles Club #34. While there were a few kittens to choose from, his spunky attitude, long silver fur and mischievous eyes captured my heart. Then he scooted full speed, ears back, like a race cat across the floor - showing off for me - and I knew he'd be coming home with me in a few weeks.

Finn is part Persian, with tons of silver-grey, blue-ish fur. He's a playful prankster with a peculiar, endearing sense of humor. He plays "bad cat" scratching chairs and daring me to catch him, for attention. A drama queen, he wails for the longest time, in a rather bloodcurdling way if I hold him too long (more than 15 seconds). He quacks like a duck, rather than the traditional meow and coos like a pigeon when being petted. I think he was a bird in a past life. He loves to bask in the sun, following sun spots all day, and arching when you rub his tummy. He also likes to chew autumn leaves and lie on warm garden soil. He's a cuddler, and a music-lover who leaps onto the table and computer whenever he hears the music (especially punk music) or to curl up in my lap to listen. He tear-asses around the house as well when he hears a good dance beat. Finn loves food, is addicted to cat treats and never misses his 4:30 p.m. lapcat cuddle-time. He's camera-shy - avoiding to look in the camera is a challenge. He has a companion, Sophia - they have a rather tumultuous friendship at a distance, although with enough catnip they love to play full-speed chase games around the house. His nicknames are: Finnegan the Micro-lion because of his wild mane and attitude, Finn, Finny, or Finner. 

As I imagine most cats do, Finnegan and Sophia love to be sung to, each has their own songs - Finn's are silly, Sophia's are her name sung, aria-style. 

March 16, Sophie!

Today's cat is Sophie, with her brother Finnegan being painted tomorrow!  Sophie's story is below, and I really loved painting her dark lush fur and her luminescent yellow eyes...

Sophia, or Sophie for short, came into our lives, as Finnegan seemed lonely for a cat companion, a partner in cat crimes. I found her at the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society 6 years ago this May. She is a long-haired black angora cat with tinges of auburn fur, more so in the summer. She is sleek, long and sophisticated looking, like a mini-panther. I named her Sophia after Sophia Loren, and for her sultry, slinky looks. She loves nothing in this world more than to be outside, to play, and to hunt. Nomadic by nature, Sophie has run away several times since she was a wee kitten – once found inside a moving van shortly before it left for Oklahoma. She is usually found with a new friend she’s followed home – I’ve come to terms with her being a “cat of the people,” not just my own. : ) Finnegan has gone on searches for her with me a number of times – while they don’t act close, this sensitive fellow seems upset when his sister cat is gone. Sophia loves to play chase after long feathery toys in her cat tunnel, moving so fast and low she’s a blur of dark fur. She is a sweet cat who loves morning pettings and nighttime chase games. She’s the dark, silent type except for purring meows occasionally when being petted or asking to be let outside, or for me to join her on long walks around the neighborhood together.

March 15, Badness~

I love this cat's name!  It reminds me of watching "Days Of Our Lives" in college with the bad-boy Patch and his relationship with rich-girl Kayla, and he calls her "Sweetness" and it was just the most original term of endearment I had ever heard~  though "Badness" may not have been named from a means of endearment...

Liana, who knew him, had this to say about him~

"He was beautiful, and a terror. My first cat. Rescued from a ditch (injured and flea-infested) by my husband before we met.  Probably from a litter of barn cats."

March 14, Chairman Meow!

Whew!  This was a rough one to pick from the selection of adorable photos Laura sent me!!!  And I am still not sure I won't be going back and painting one of the kitten shots too….
And below is the story of how the Chairman was found!  I have yet to read the "Mortal Instruments" but I have had the pleasure of meeting this spunky little booger!

After a long day of motorcycle races at the Moto GP in Indy 2013, we went back to our pals' place and I had a quick cat nap.  Little did I know, it would really be a cat nap.  When I woke up, the men of the house shooed me over to this big box and pointed inside.  Lo and behold, there was a teeny-tiny, dirty, scared, blue-eyed and grey striped kitty cat.  

I immediately loved him, and went to the store to get kitten milk replacer.  He figured the bottle out pretty quick and then he set to eating.  We hung out and waited and watched for mumma cat all night.  She never came back and so the next day, he came to the races with us.  We paid some dude $20 so we could park under a tree in the shade, and I missed most of the races because I was hanging out with the kitten.  I was going to call him "Indy", but when I texted my daughter Athena about the kitt-eh, she was super excited, and asked if he was grey - and if he was, if we could name him "Chairman Meow".  He was, and so we did.  We drove back to Minneapolis with our little flea bitten kitten and I've loved every minute since.  (And I've read all the Mortal Instruments books now, so I understand the namesake.)

March 13, Kitty!

And here is Kitty!  For Sarah and her family, who also own Buck the collie and have a portrait of him in their kitchen and so obviously needed a portrait of Kitty as well!
Yay for collectors of art!
And for green-eyed cats!

March 12, Karl!

Wow!  Some cats just have personality OOOOOOZING from their photos, and this is one of them!  Karl was great fun to paint, and then when I was done I wasn't sure about his eyes, but they ARE a little crossed, and it seems to add to his presence somehow…

And here is what Karl's doting owner, Lyn, has to say about him!

A little bit about Karl. We adopted Karl when he was four months old and he only weighed two pounds. He had a horrible upper respiratory infection and his eyes were glued shut from matter. We still fell in love with him. Karl was diagnosed with diabetes and asthma seven years ago but with the amazing care from Dr. Smith at Countryside Veterinary Services we have kept him alive much longer than his expected life expectancy. He adores Andy and most boys that visit our home, however, he despises all females that visit. He hisses and growls at them. Karl loves me though and follows me all over the house when Andy is gone. Most of the people who take care of Karl are terrified of his nasty show of aggression, however, he has never bitten anyone He is truly a love cat in our life.

March 11, Ruby! For Kelly~

Dang!  I LOVE painting cat's eyes!  I was telling someone this weekend, at one of the MANY (two) art openings I went to, about how tricky it was at first switching from dogs to cats, and that the anatomical differences were a bit awkward to recognize~
Anyway, this is Ruby!

And this is what Kelly says about her Rudy~
Yay! And Rudy is so much cuter than he looks in pictures. He's now a giant puffball w/ a black striped raccoons' tail pasted onto a blonde body.