C.A.T.

It is cool to meet artists who share your esthetic. Elaine Summers, case in point. We share an appreciation for outsider/folk art. I had so much fun drawing her cats and coming up with the kooky designs. Elaine had nice, high resolution photos to work from and was great about collaborating on the ideas. And for sure, she knows her cats, which I think comes out in the individual pieces. Meow. (photo credit Elaine)
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Court painter

Ever since I showed my cat art at the Heron's Nest, I have been getting requests for customized cat portraits. Gotta love that.  Sort of takes the anxiety out of deciding what to draw or paint.  I actually got a little backlogged, so here Is a drawing I ended up working on while sitting at an airport food court, waiting for my flight.  Not the most romantic art studio, but it was a fun way to pass the time.  This very unusual looking cat is an oriental short hair named Esher.

A different kind of figure drawing

It is funny to me that the human form has such a huge place in art history, even during some pretty conservative times, and yet modern Americans seem to be pretty uncomfortable with the subject. Granted, it can be awkward to have a figure painting above your couch. But the truth is, I am ready for a different kind of naked animal.

Exhibit A: Dexter, world's cutest dog, named after a Cary Grant character.

Rumor has it he began to bark at this portrait when he saw it, thinking it another dog.  That's dog brain for ya.