Mad Cats

I once had a dog I really loved, but I'm much more a cat person. Cats are endlessly fascinating: the way they look, the way they move, their little OCD cat habits. But the best thing about cats is the way they keep secrets. You just know by the look in their weird alien eyes that they are plotting something, and you may not want to find out what it is. At heart they all belong in Alice's Wonderland, charming but bonkers, mad beings in a mad world.

My joy in these drawing/paintings is not just about the cats (though a cat would tell you that should be enough.) All my work involves drawing - hand to paper - but instead of freehand digital coloring, here I'm working with tools I relish. Ink pens, charcoal pencils, watercolor pencils, brush and water: complete freedom in a few sticks, mixed with chance, luck, and lifetime practice - what can be better? My favorite pencils are Faber Castell Albrecht Durer - beautiful rich color that responds perfectly to the touch of a wet brush.

This series is a tribute of sorts to Mad Cat Excellent, Sir Toby, a furry beautiful rescue alien who allowed us into his world for about 14 years - he left us in 2020 at 18. Every cat I draw is at least a little bit about him.

Note: the images of the Mad Cat works are not perfect - I'm away from my studio for a couple of months so am making do with photos instead of high quality scans. I will be back in late November and will then provide better images and information about availability and pricing.
Let me know your thoughts about cats and about my Mad Cats!