September 15, 2008

"Piper the calico kitten"

Oil on museum quality, archival ampersand gessobord™ panel - 8” x 8”


A few weeks ago a little white cat showed up in the area we call the bird berm,  a lush oasis for our avian friends to eat and bath and hang out together. In order to keep the peace and prevent this from becoming the cat feeding station, if you catch my drift, we put out some food for the cat, who looked to be quite pregnant. We convince her that free canned cat food served on the other side of the house, on our patio, was a better option than having to hunt for her meals.  She soon became a regular diner at "The Cats Meow" patio restaurant.  Word got around and soon we had another regular, a calico with white paws. We had named the white cat Bristol, after a certain Alaskan Governor's daughter, so it made sense to name her Piper, after her sister.  Three days ago up pops 4 or 5 kittens and we still don't know whose they are. There is a totally black one, a calico. a white with spots and a tabby.  They appear to be about 4 weeks old.  I looked out the window this morning and piper was cuddled up with one of the kittens so perhaps they are hers.  In any case, we are going through about 8 cans of food a day between our cats Anna and JJ and this new pride.  Piper and I had a break-thru today; she has claimed me by rubbing, rubbing, rubbing my legs when I feed her. Sadly we didn't find the kittens early enough to tame them and they are quite the scaredy- cats.  This is Piper on the blue stone patio.

15 comments:

Diana Moses Botkin said...

I love the "Wayward Girls" tag... and this painting... it's beautiful.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Diana.

BTW- I am still trying to pick my 7 favorite blogs for my Brilliante Weblog Award, which is not an easy task, there are so many gifted artists and writers out there.

Barbara Pask said...

She's a beauty as is your painting. It's nice to hear someone taking care of stray kittys.

Mark Adams said...

Barbara - We live two blocks away from the Humane Society, so there is no lack of strays, thanks to the thoughtless people who drop them off after hours. When the time is right we well try and round these girls up and get them spayed and hopefully tame them enough to adopt them out. We already have a prospect for Piper; she's a sweetie. Thanks for the compliment on the painting.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant painting. You've captured the kitty's personality, the expected tension of its imminent movement and an exquisitely delicate balance of colors. This is one of your best. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

Brendy Vaughn said...

Really nice work!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Robert. You're right about the tension, she's a jumpy little thing. I'm glad that came through in the painting.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks for stopping by Brendy. It's always nice to see a new smiling face on the comment page. It makes my day. I like the pastel of Biscuit on your main web page. He lays on his back like my JJ.

Brad Bisbey said...

Beautiful painting. Her eyes are mesmerizing!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Brad.

You coping OK without sweet Charity?

kaycrain said...

Mark,

good job on the cat...great job on the stone!

Mark Adams said...

Scumble, scrape, rag, spatter - nothing to it (joke) Since I divided this composition in half diagonally, which is usually a visual no no, it was imperative that the stone had interest. Thanks for noticing Kay. You have a good eye.

Brad Bisbey said...

Thank you for asking, Mark. So many great memories. Charity will always hold a special place in my heart!

Eugenia Wadsworth Martin said...

Hi Mark
I have ended up spending way to much time at your blog but must say it has been a hoot. I love all your paintings and your nudes are just gorgeous. But this one is just purrfect.
Eugenia

Mark Adams said...

Eugenia, I'm flattered that you spent the time to read my rambling musings. Thanks for the compliments.