October 19, 2010

"Administrative assistant"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 8"

My wife Susan occasionally works from her home office and is often visited by unsolicited I.T. support in the form of J.J. He is highly skilled at sending e-mail and types in some form of code that only cats can read. In keeping with my new more painterly approach to the daily paintings, this piece was a study in contrasting colors. The ubiquitous "windows" blue playing off the warm oranges of J.J.'s fur. I am still on the fence as to whether this one works or not. I was close to wiping it down along the way. I'll know better tomorrow. J.J. is thinking "Now where did she put that mouse?"

16 comments:

Brenda Boylan said...

This is great! Cats doing what cats do best!
I, too, have a studio assistant who insists on helping me paint by sitting on my pastels, but only when she is hungry or desires attention. Very colorful kitties indeedie do!

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

This really made me smile! Being a cat lover makes me appreciate what you have created here even more. My cat likes to help too...at the most inopportune moments, unfortunately...MS blue screen of death...

Diane said...

what a handsome assistant.. Your always are able to capture this great guys character... As you know He is my favorite feline and your fvorite model!

Margaret said...

So glad you are back! I always wondered about your daily paintings and how long they took you. The detail and expertise were amazing for a "daily". Fast and quick isn't less, sometimes it is more exciting. Just a different, almost playful style. ...and thank you for the kind words on my daughter's blog (Chelsea) Artistic Adventures. She is hoping to get into the University of North Carolina School of the Arts high school program next year. Her enthusiasm and unbridled approach to art is fun for me to witness firsthand.

Anonymous said...

Mark, it works. The orange and blue play off of each other perfectly. It looks like JJ has mastered the art of the pose.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Bob. J.J. is a ham.

Mark Adams said...

Brenda, It is all I can do to keep him from jumping up on my painting table. Occasionally he has leaped into a loaded brush and I've had to chase him down and clean him off. I think this game amuses him (except the cleaning part).

Mark Adams said...

Claire, Ooh, I hate seeing that blue screen!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Diane. He is my constant companion.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Margaret. It's good to be back. I'm glad you just mentioned your daughter. She remarked that "her mother" recommended looking at my sight but she didn't say who her mother was. I see where she gets her free spirit.

JEANNE ILLENYE said...

Love the title!! Absolutely adorable! My admin. assts. just lay around all day, too! LOL Jeanne

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Jeanne. The studio would be a lonely place indeed with my assistants.

Marilyn Russell said...

I am so glad you didn't wipe "Administrative Assistant". The reflexion off the "blue screen of death" puts all the attention on the cat. FYI Boulder's humane society classifies adoptable cats as "couch potatoes, administrative assistants and secret agent" to describe personality.

Mark Adams said...

That's an apt description of personalities, Marilyn. We have one of each, plus a bureau of secret agents.

Dean Grey said...

What a talented cat!

-Dean

P.S.: Great painting too!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Dean. Sorry to respond so late - computer woes.