Oil on museum quality, archival ampersand gessobord™ panel - 6” x 8"
Here is a better view of my sweet China. Her piercing blue eyes could melt the hardest heart. Non-cat people say that cats are too independent, that they wouldn't give you the time of day. These people never met China. She would come when called, loved to play fetch, would scold you when she felt it was time for bed and if you were sitting down she was in your lap. She was so light you never even felt her jump up, but look down and there she was. Her daughter, Anna, has many of her charming qualities. I thought China might get lost against all these patterns but I think it works. That deep purple and beige ottoman lives in my studio just a few feet behind me while I'm at the easel. If I take too many steps backwards, I go over it like Rob Petrie in the opening credits of the old Dick Van Dyke Show. I'd move it (my studio is 20' x 40') but JJ likes to sit close by while I work. It does keep me from losing my focus. Salvador Dali is said to have nailed a 2x4 on his floor to trip over and bring him back to reality; I have JJ. (I have been moving it ever so slightly towards the window. So far he hasn't noticed)
16 comments:
This is so incredibly beautiful. I have a Tortie point Siamese and your
description of China describes her
perfectly.
I think this is the best painting of
a Siamese cat I've ever seen.
Just great!
Barbara
Barbara, This is the best comment I have ever received, so I guess that makes us even. I really appreciate it, thanks!
Exquisite painting. You have captured the essence of the sweet soul of this beautiful cat.
Thanks, Bob. It certainly is China as I remember her; the china blue eyes, the crouching stance we used to call her "meatloaf" position. I can almost hear her insistent (but endearing) "meeeow."
This piece is truly Ms. China. I have fond memories of napping with her when I came directly from Paris to your quest room.
Elle était-elle mignonne, n'était-elle pas ?
A truly wonderful painting Mark, and yes the patterns do not detract from (but complement) China's presence.
Thanks, Sheila. I have lived with this patterned ottoman for years. This is the first time I have tried painting it. I spent more time on it than on China. I glad it worked.
I have Peanut and Haley, doggies, who are feet sitters...I feel your pain! Literally! China is fabulous!
Rebecca
wow, who would think all that pattern would still let you see your subject...but it works beautifully. I actually might try that with my own kitty.
Thanks, Rebecca. China used to dig her claws into the back of my legs while I was standing at the easel when she wanted my attention. God, I miss her.
Hey, it worked for Matisse. Go for it Rhonda.
Hey Mark, I went over and took a look at your website. Wow, you are one "cool cat". So many consistantly beautiful paintings. If readers haven't seen it, they should.
I have a question. When your kitties are with you in your studio, do you ever have to deal with cat hair getting everywhere when you paint? Seriously, every time I let one of my cats visit my studio, I wind up with cat hair on the painting. That's fine if I am painting a picture of a cat.
That is precisely how the historians can authenticate my work; early works have Titian and Frankie hair imbedded in the paint, the paintings done in the 90's have Vincent, Theo and China hair and the most recent has JJ and Anna's DNA. What could be more conclusive?
Seriously; it is only a problem when I am varnishing them. The light wispy ones do float around and occasional find their way onto my brushes but I would happily pay that price. I cannot conceive of my studio without a cat. Creating art is a solitary process. It is nice to have a silent (well, almost silent - Siamese, remember?) companion to keep you from going mad (oops, too late).
Spectacular portrait of your sweet China! She's gorgeous and your unique angle and daring to include two contrasting patterns only serves to highlight China's pure, dramatic beauty. ...on another note, I always let my cats into my studio...fine fur can make it into a painting during varnishing, but that's easily wiped off with a delicate brush. In fact, some may call me a bit daring as my two tippy toe through a maze of wet paintings scattered against the walls and sometimes even on the floor! Small risk for the company when one is at one's easel 12 hrs. per day! :o) Gorgeous work as always, Mark! Jeanne
Thanks, Jeanne. I was slightly nervous about the patterns but I think they work here.
Like you, I would rather have to pick a little cat hair from my work than be without their company.
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