It's Raining Cats (No Dogs, Sorry)
18th March 24 / More recent work to view and the benefits of painting cats
Hello! Has there ever been so much rain? It’s been relentless but thankfully I’ve been at home painting cats and not worrying too much about not setting foot outdoors for most of last week. Eventually, when the rain stops I’m looking forward to getting out, tidying the garden, and going for longer walks. Until then I’m happy enough tucked up inside my workroom, warm and dry, with the radio for company. Last week’s music was a nostalgic mix of 70s and 80s classics on Heart Radio until the repetitiveness of the playlist eventually got on my nerves.
I’ve been loving drawing and painting again, in the old-fashioned way with paper, pastels, pencils, brushes, and paint. It feels very natural to me, much more so than drawing on a screen or working with a sewing machine. I’m very much trying to get back to basics at the moment.
The things that I enjoy most about painting ( both viewing and doing) are the abstract qualities of the paint; the colours, the textures, the mark-making, the composition, and the light and shade. The subject matter is less of a concern. Some of my favourite paintings are of simple domestic scenes, without much going on.
When you’re painting regularly ideas flow. One painting leads to the next, and ideas pop into your head while you work. Being unclear about what to paint holds me back from starting. It’s like a massive hurdle to jump before I begin. What I always forget is that it’s a process. You need to work at it and it doesn’t matter where you begin as long as you do.
Last year I kept a gratitude journal for a few months. Reading it back what came home to me is it’s the simple things in my life that I appreciate most; time spent with family and friends, the warmth of the sun on my face, tasty home-cooked food, and the company of my cats. So, there we have it - that’s what I should paint. Problem solved!
On to the Cats
I began with little painted sketches on odd bits of scrap card and old book pages. The sketches are deliberately loose but hopefully still recognizably cat-like. I have two cats at home who are very photogenic so I have a camera roll full of snaps to work from. I’m desperately trying to avoid wandering into twee territory because although cats can be cute to us they are so much more. They each have a unique character which takes a while to get to know.
Observational drawing helps you notice more of the world around you; the shape of the trees and the shadows they cast, or just how many colours are in the sky, you thought was just blue. Already I notice I’m watching the cats more and appreciating their little quirks. And while you paint time vanishes. It does for me anyway. Hours fly by like minutes but in a good way.
Not sure the best way to sell these yet, but as ever, if you see anything you like just ask.
This is the start of another week of cat studies. Let’s see where that leads…
Have a good week!
While the lack of dogs is disappointing, these paintings are fabulous, Julia. There is something...elemental about them... I dunno... 😀🥰