March 25, 2009

"Roscoe"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 6" x 6"

I don't always have a back story when reinterpreting someone else's reference. I just really liked this guy's Walter Matthau impression. I was surprised to discover that Roscoe was a Maine Coon, given up for adoption at 6 months of age due to the fact that he didn't have the classic long thick coat. I've been told he does however have all the other typical traits of a Maine Coon, from being a one person cat to "chirping." His "Grumpy Old Man" look has been Roscoe's look all his life. This cat was born an old man. Roscoe is also well traveled, having lived abroad for a couple of years. He is 13 now and Diabetic.

20 comments:

Delilah said...

I think he just woke up from his nap.Nice kitty

Mark Adams said...

Delilah, I finished this painting at 3:00 a.m. I had the same look when JJ woke me to be fed this morning.

Diane said...

love his soft fur and all the patterns in this piece. Roscoe should have a "Do Not Distrub" sign around his neck

Unknown said...

I don't think I would go near this cat without proper introductions, Mark. He looks more than a bit grumpy!!! Still - a beautiful painting, especially when one can capture "that look"!

....... said...

My friend will love it! Roscoe is a really nice cat actually. I am told however, that he was born old.

Mark Adams said...

Diane,
ALL cats have a "do not disturb" sign around their necks, you just can't see it.

Mark Adams said...

"You bow and taking off your hat, address him in this way; "Oh, cat" (T.S. Elliott)

Thanks, Joanne

Mark Adams said...

I know the type. I have a few friends that fit that description.
Thanks, Susan

lyn said...

Great blog!! Love all the animal portraits & you and the cat!
Continued success!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Lyn.

Unknown said...

Roscoe ROCKS! love it!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Sheila

....... said...

Joanne, does he look like a curmudgeon? *smile*
Anyhoo, I broke down and told my friend about the painting, I was too excited about it.

He just loved it, and is looking forward to receiving it. I will see if I can get him to comment here on the blog about the cat.

Thank you again Mark for the wonderful work.

Mark Adams said...

My pleasure, Susan. I'm always glad to have an interesting model to paint.

Cynthia said...

This is a wonderful painting.
You really captured his personality...inspiring work you do.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Cynthia. I wish I had the time to do more. Hopefully this week will be full of time and inspiration.

Dean Grey said...

Great expression on the cat. Almost like a grumpy, "what do you want?".

A lot of colors packed into the fur. Love that. Also nice touch with the floral couch as a backdrop.

Visually interesting and full of color from every corner!

-Dean

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Dean. I did have some fun with color and pattern in this one.

....... said...

It is with great sadness I report that Roscoe was put down today, May 7, 2010. The last two years he has battled diabetes and he was recently diagnosed with lymphoma, today he was let go.

Larry will miss this gentle giant, but the picture you did of him will always be there as a tribute to his lost friend.

Thank you again!

~ susan

Mark Adams said...

Susan, I am so sorry to hear about Roscoe's passing. Losing a beloved companion is devastating. Please pass on my condolences to your friend.