Kitten in the Corn

 

This was a fun painting of a cat hiding behind the corn stalks in a field preharvest last year. This is a 12"x12" painting, so larger than I normally paint these square works. It is always a challenge to play with the light and how it comes through the field, playing off the stalks of corn and the kittens face. 

Murphy the cat

Murphy  acrylic on board, 8" x 8"

This is Murphy.  It is a cold January day in Iowa and I think Murphy is doing well just sitting tight and staying warm.  Winter sure can get long and desolate.  This year it has been colder than normal and I am always thinking of all the animals out side in the elements and how they survive.  A good coat of fur is definitely a benefit.

Thomas-the Watcher

Thomas Acrylic on Masonite 12'X12'

This was a more complicated or should I say involved painting than the previous ones I have been working on.  I have two definite styles that are developing in my work.  One is the more detailed, defined painting like this one.  The other is a more playful, cartoonish look what emphasizes the black outlines akin to print blocks.  I chose to do a more serious painting of Thomas here.  He was a cat that lived in St. Paul, MN with my sister.  He was quite old and died recently of a medical problem.  But, I knew this kitty personally and he had a great life with great people.  He had the freedom to roam the neighborhood for many years and was a friend to many.  His fur was long and luxurious and reminded you of a lion.  But, this was a gentle animal and enjoyed being on your lap or not.  Here he was painted sitting in the backyard garden in early spring enjoying the sun and watching.....as cats tend to like to do.

What have I learned?

Gracie 6"x6" Acrylic on board

I am posing a question for the holiday.  Usually we sit around the table at Thanksgiving and routinely say what we are thankful for.  It is important to reflect on these things that we take for granted.  Health and family are two big ones that come to mind.  However, this year I am reflecting on the things I have learned as well.  Last June I took a painting class in Grand Marais, MN which brought me back to acrylic painting.  It has also brought me to this blog.  I entered an artwork in our local Area Art Exhibition put on by the MacNider Art Museum here in Mason City, Iowa and was selected for showing.   I have also sold several of my works which is also reaffirming.These are all steps in the Creative Way that I have come forward and progressed.  So, this Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on the question of "What have I learned?"

Flexibility

Meeting people halfway

Keeping an open mind

The above painting is of Gracie.  This little dog is owned by a past student of mine.  I taught art in the local high school for many years and I was delighted to have the opportunity to paint this little guy for someone I had in class in the past.  Lots of unruly fur made the dog fun to paint with the liner brush.

Kittens on the Farm

Kittens on the Farm    10"x10" acrylic on masonite.

It is the 14th of November.  Tonight the Super Moon will be at its fullest.  According to EarthSky website the moon of November can be called the Frosty Moon, the Hunters Moon or the Beaver Moon.  Nature is such a splendorous thing.  

These two kittens that I painted and posted here are frolicking in the grass.  They were born on a rural Iowa farm and are two members of numerous litters that occupy the grounds.  Green grass will soon be covered by white snow.  Winter is coming.  The seasons are changing.

Black Cat on a Black Chair

Toki 6"x6" Acrylic on Masonite Board  11-16

This was definitely a challenge for me.  This kitty is my daughters.  I already painted her other cat, Stella, on August 4th.  This is Toki.  A very black cat.  Back in August I cat sat for the two kitties for a week.  Toki was a little shy and didn't stick around much to socialize.  She did jump up on the refrigerator and stare at me while I watched the television.  I did manage to get a photograph of her on this black chair glaring up at me, at least long enough to get a photograph.  I like the perspective and the challenge of painting black on black.

Content

Willow  6"x6" acrylic on Masonite

It has been a few days since I have posted a painting. I have been working on a larger work for an art exhibit in October which had taken most of my studio time. I have also had garden produce to deal with. Tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans have occupied much of my free time. 

The kitty above is a 6"x6" acrylic painting.  She is relaxing on a pillow as kitty's do. Her name is Willow and she lives in St. Paul, MN.  

Invasion

 

Stella  8"x8" acrylic on Masonite

I spent last week in Iowa City, IA taking care of my daughter's two cats, Stella and Toki.  I invited my sister from St. Paul, MN along for the ride.  We kept ourselves busy in this fun college town by trying out fun restaurants, shopping on the pedmall, going to a book reading at Prairie Light Bookstore, and sitting in the backyard eating salsa and chips made with fresh picked produce.  We even spent one day on RAGBRAI, a bike ride across Iowa, that was happening south of Iowa City a little ways.

Stella kept to herself during the week due to the fact that I brought Rondo, my dog, along and he would always want Stella to play.  Stella would have none of it.  The painting shows her in one of her more brissley moods.

Nine Lives

Stinker 6"x6" Acrylic on Hardboard

Stinker is a cat that lives in the country.  It arrived at it current owners starving and without much hope to live.  But it survived and has thrived.  Now it is a lazy, pampered fatcat. I enjoyed painting this kitty that used up most of its nine lives early on and now can live the life of leisure on a recliner basking in the sun.