Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Cranky Cat

                                                 Acrylic on board 6" x 6"

I'd been planning to get a photo of my friend Barbara's cat for quite some time to use as painting reference. Rusty had been proving rather elusive on the occasions when I'd visited, but I finally got my opportunity. He was already peeved that his house had been overrun by a gaggle of 17 year old girls for a birthday party. Having me take his photo was simply the last straw! Hence his long suffering look.


The photo itself was quite blurry so it was nice to do a painting of a photo that wasn't much chop in the first place. When a photo is already beautiful it seems pointless to paint from it, as it is a work of art in its own right. Which isn't to say that I haven't done such things in the past.

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23 comments:

  1. art by Michael Perchard7 May 2013 at 09:49

    Hello Wendy!
    Rusty rocks! As does the painting!
    Great job!
    Poor guy!
    Everything about this painting is fantastic. I very much enjoy the eyes!
    Nice work mate!
    Michael

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 04:46

      Thanks so much Michael! I was pleased you liked the eyes because I had to invent Rusty's right eye owing to poor clarity in the photo. Although the peevishness in the shape of the eyes was clear enough. I know he regained his composure again within minutes of the photo being taken - once he'd skedaddled from the crowds.
      Love your latest post!

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  2. Robin Rosenthal7 May 2013 at 10:03

    Great pet portrait. I love how you painted the fur!

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 04:49

      Thank you Robin! it was my first attempt at a pet portrait. I loved your painting of Dipper the Corgi!

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    2. Robin Rosenthal9 May 2013 at 15:05

      Thanks.

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  3. Unknown7 May 2013 at 10:07

    Wendy! This is superb!! You did an amazing job on this feisty feline. Love the blue background with the tabby orange colour of his fur, it's the perfect foil. you must be uber happy with it.

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 04:51

      Thanks so much Sally! Yes I was rather pleased with the outcome and thoroughly enjoyed painting it. It was nice to have a positive painting experience like that after a few that felt less successful.

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  4. Celia Blanco7 May 2013 at 12:48

    I've seen that face! Your painting is perfect Wendy! I also love the choice of blue background.

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 05:00

      Thanks for your lovely comments Celia! I was happy at how well that particular shade of blue worked with the ginger cat.
      I love the colours you are getting into your plein air paintings!

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  5. Unknown7 May 2013 at 14:24

    This is a great painting and you captured that cat look so perfectly. The look of independence and distain that cat's bestow on us mortals. I think the teenage girls were just what he needed. I like what you said about the photo being a piece of art in it's own right. I agree with that wholeheartedly. Some photos should remain photos, and the photography given the same credit as an artist. But I'm glad you decided to paint the cat from this photo, because your interpretation seems to give him more character. Nice job!

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 05:06

      Thanks for your lovely comments Katherine! Yes, one often feels merely tolerated around a cat.
      I think you get a lovely ethereal quality with your artwork that you couldn't possibly achieve in a photo. I loved seeing your latest work in its entirety.

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  6. Anonymous7 May 2013 at 18:37

    This painting is very beautiful, Wendy!!
    You painted the expression of the cat's face and his soft colorful fur perfectly! Rusty is a lovely cranky cat!

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 05:12

      Hi Hilje, thanks so much for your kind comments. Yes, he is lovely even in his crankiness!

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  7. Jane8 May 2013 at 16:14

    You got him really spot on LOL , such a great expression , well done !

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    1. Wendy Barrett9 May 2013 at 05:15

      Thanks for the encouragement Jane, It was fun trying to capture the character in his face.

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  8. Helen Cooper12 May 2013 at 02:36

    Lovely painting of the cat! The fur looks terrific and the blue background really compliments the ginger colourings!

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  9. Wendy Barrett12 May 2013 at 02:57

    Thank you Helen! I so love the carnations you've been painting!

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  10. Karen Boe13 May 2013 at 08:16

    Great painting of a cat in a bad mood - love it! I call that "airplane ears", when you know it's best to just leave the cat alone right now. ;) But I'm glad you got the shot and painted it. Well done!

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  11. Wendy Barrett13 May 2013 at 22:04

    Thanks for your kind comments Karen and for visiting my blog .

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  12. Catharina Engberg23 May 2013 at 02:33

    Cute cat!

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    1. Wendy Barrett23 May 2013 at 04:37

      Thanks so much for the comment and for following my blog Catharina! I love your beautiful watercolours!

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  13. Laura24 May 2013 at 02:04

    Hi Wendy. Just love cranky cat. He has so much character. Great colours too. Thanks for dropping by. Hope all is well with you. Busy time coming up foir me too so not much time for painting and blogging perhaps. I'll catch up with you soon. Enjoy!!!

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    1. Wendy Barrett24 May 2013 at 05:53

      Hi Laura,
      Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. I'm down with a cold at the moment but hope to finish a painting in the new few days. I look forward to your next post. Love the architecture theme you are going with!

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