A brief history.
I've been a decorative artist for 25 years, and I have painted many things on many surfaces, but it wasn't until I was casting about for something to give to my husband for his birthday, that I decided to paint portraits of our two cats. Not satisfied with painting a photo I decided to have some fun and give clues to the cat's personalities in the background that would add to the enjoyment of the paintings.
Oscar's favorite trick is to get close enough for you to pet her chinchilla-like fur, then she'll dash to the door to be let out. Monk, well let's just say he loves the garden and has had many visits to the vet! The gray cross in Monk's background should have been red, but I'm a decorative artist and we like to stick to a color scheme.
Needless to say, one portrait has led to another, and another, and I have found myself happily immersed in animal portraiture. I've discovered that the same great feeling you get looking at your own beloved beast, can be felt looking into the eyes and faces of other people's animals. That is what keeps me happy and painting along.
I grew up with cats as a part of my family, they have always been a part of my life. I deeply admire these incredible, independent, and beautiful creatures, each with their own unique personality. My husband likes to say that our cats are our family relief valves! Our beloved beast Oscar is a family member of the fur variety: she is playful, lovable, funny, beautiful, expressive, fascinating, sometimes beastly, and while one can use the word pet to describe her, she is most definitely more than a pet.
A word about volunteering...
Sadly, we recently lost our sweet guy, Monk. Though it hasn't been easy, we are making it through. When I met my husband, I had two cats, Zinc and Spencer, though he loved our cats, and Spencer was really a cat trapped in a dog's body, my husband grew up with some fantastic dogs. When our daughter's Girl Scout Troop decided to volunteer at Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, I was happy to go along. My husband, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Volunteering at Paws Crossed was a brilliant idea, that I wish we had thought of years ago. My entire family has enjoyed spending time with the dogs, cats, and very warm and friendly staff. We are considering adopting a dog (cat approved of course),an idea that has been years (22?) in the making. Adopting our own dog won't end our volunteerism, Paws Crossed is located right next to what will be a great bike and walking path, perfect for one of us to walk our dog, while the rest of the family meets up with rescue dogs and cats.
Spending time with the dogs at Paws Crossed, I've come to appreciate the complexity of photographing them, once you are at their face level, it seems their tongues always come out and into the picture, that, or their noses make a predominant appearance. Check out my Instagram and Facebook feed to see some the sweet rescue dogs we have had the pleasure of meeting.
Fortunately Paws Crossed is located near our home, making trips there easy. There are many reputable shelter and rescue agencies that are worthy of support and volunteerism. The Humane Society of Westchester, located in New Rochelle is a wonderful place filled with dedicated and kind staff and volunteers. Where ever you go, give volunteering a try!
Spending time with the dogs at Paws Crossed, I've come to appreciate the complexity of photographing them, once you are at their face level, it seems their tongues always come out and into the picture, that, or their noses make a predominant appearance. Check out my Instagram and Facebook feed to see some the sweet rescue dogs we have had the pleasure of meeting.
Fortunately Paws Crossed is located near our home, making trips there easy. There are many reputable shelter and rescue agencies that are worthy of support and volunteerism. The Humane Society of Westchester, located in New Rochelle is a wonderful place filled with dedicated and kind staff and volunteers. Where ever you go, give volunteering a try!
Click here to see my decorative painting at Laurareed.net