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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Workin' The Kinks Out


Inspiration strikes when I least expect it sometimes. Yesterday morning I was shlumping on the sofa in my PJs with Digby, my one and only male cat snoozing beside me, watching Saturday morning TV(which leaves something to be desired)and wondering what my next art project would be. A commercial came on and as always the volume on the TV increased considerably.


Before I could hit 'mute' Digby woke, hopped off the sofa and took a big looooong stretch(workin' the kinks out, I call it). As I watched him I suddenly thought, " Wow! What's more 'cat' than that?!" With no time to snap a photo I had to try and commit that moment to memory. I grabbed my pencils and paper and started sketching. After several tries I wound up with this.(see above) I'd like to refine it a bit more before I paint this so I've been keeping paper and pencil handy at all times waiting for him to stretch again. So far that hasn't happened but I'll be ready when it does. Right now my sketch doesn't look too bad as is but I'm still workin' the kinks out..........

11 comments:

Ron Morrison said...

Yes, whats more cat than that? Good for you, I like the action shots so much more than the posed "portraits".

Billie Crain said...

thanks Ron.:) i'm trying to get away from the photo thing. it's so limiting sometimes. it doesn't mean i'll never use photos again but i'm having fun working from life and imagination for a change.

Stacy said...

This is why the boyscouts motto of "Be Prepared" works so well for artists too! I hope one of your kitties decides to stretch for you soon. Maybe try waking them up from naps. It might make for grumpy cats, but we all must take risks for our art. :D

Billie Crain said...

i'm learning how true that is, Stacy. working from life when your subjects are moving targets is a challenge to say the least.

as for waking a sleeping cat, well...i usually get a nasty look and the 'mean back' if you know what i'm talking about.

Tracey said...

lol love it looking forward to seeing this one develop, it is such a cute pose :)

Jeanette Jobson said...

Great sketch Billie! Yes, its classic 'cat' :)

Tripod can't really do that stretch as he falls over, poor chap.

Mary said...

This is precious Billie! BTW there is a sketching from life in CP thread in the CP forum at WC.

Billie Crain said...

thanks Tracey.:) i'm still waiting to catch him stretching. i swear...he knows what i want and refuses to do it! no matter. i'll make it up without him.

Billie Crain said...

yes, poor Tripod.:( he certainly suffers, doesn't he? *wink* i'm sure he's found other ways to work out his kinks.

Billie Crain said...

thanks for the tip, Mary! i'll check it out.:)

Becca said...

I love this Billie. I can't wait to see what you do with it.