Leo

January 5th, 2017

January 5th, 2017
Leo
Oil on Board, 9 x 12 in

My cat of 17.5 yrs has been very, very ill – and is probably very close to meeting his maker. While he was sleeping, I decided rather than just keeping vigil at his side & staring at him, perhaps I should paint him, from life, such as it is. He is a gorgeous cat but definitely looks bedraggled after about a week of not eating. That being said, I am amazed at his strength. He is not going gentle into that good night, and I thank God – and Leo – for that.

Penny

January 6th - 10th, 2015

January 6th – 10th, 2015
Penny
(nfs)
Oil on Canvasboard, 16 x 20 in

This has been a fairly rough year so far – the most recent blow was the rather sudden demise of my beloved cat Penny. Her name is short for Pentecost, which I named her because she was all grey and black except for one big tongue of flame on her forehead. Painting her has been wonderful – a very fulfilling way to spend time thinking about her and our life together, to savor and celebrate her incredible beauty. I think I may tweak this here and there, but it’s basically done. I hope now that there’s a little routine & order to home life (and the care of my uncle at home in hospice) I will be able to get out and paint again soon.