What A Week

There is so much going on I've just been keeping my head down and scratchin' away at cats. Here are a few finished or almost finished pieces. (one of them is Socks Clinton, which I did just for fun, from photos on the internet. Sadly, not in the book.) I usually keep 3 going at once and I can say that things are right on schedule. There are a few cats whose info, stories or photos I have not received yet. Rest assured I will be emailing those folks this week and onward until I get what I need.
Without trying to make too much of it and my attachment to it, the events in Boston have really shaken me. I used to live in Central Square Cambridge, on Mass. Ave. I had a favorite 7-11 which was on the way to my work at the YWCA right around the corner. I'm guessing this might be the 7-11 the bombers were photographed in. I spent a lot of time in many of the neighborhoods that were directly affected by the bombing and bombers. Newbury St. is still one of my favorite Sunday strolls, and Copley Sq. my all time favorite downtown area. I never attended the marathon (too many people) But my time living in the Boston area remains a great memory and I try to get back to visit my beloved 'family' there as often as possible. I really hate that this happened to them, but I'm also proud of their response. It is one tough city, with amazingly resilient people. Things have changed because of this, and maybe we will all be a bit more suspicious and scared for a bit.  I believe though, we will just get stronger and will continue doing what we do so well. I know I will keep on making art and loving my life. Thanks for checking in, I hope all is good with all of you.

Art Making And Long Trips

I got to Austin last night after a long drive and will be here for a few days. I purposely didn't bring any scratchboards with me, just a sketchbook and a pen. I may do some drawings later, for fun. Currently I'm deep into doing the cat drawings for the Cat Scratchin' book. To answer a question about my process, here goes--I usually have two or three different drawings going at the same time--that's it. Work a little here, set it aside, scratch on another, back to the first, and then on to yet another. While that may seem like it lacks focus, it actually seems to help me to stay interested. I find I get a bit bored doing the same thing for any length of time. Typical Aries behavior. The above is the beginning of a long haired Tortie. I still have much to do and I've decided this time to not share the completed artworks, but just wait until the book is finished and out.  So, it's blurry because it's a phone photo, you get the idea though, right? I'm off to deliver art and visit with friends today.

Cat Scratchin' Book Kickstarter Rewards!

Monday was my birthday! And also the day that the cats who will be the images on the rewards were chosen. At random. From a basket full of names. By the poet Miller Williams, with his wife Jordan looking on as 'judge'. I can't put this in the update at kickstarter because they have rules about raffles, contests and such associated with projects. I guess this picking of the cats might stretch those rules, and lord knows I hate breaking rules. But 'stretching' them? Not so much a problem for me. So, without too much more yakking, here's the cats--
For the image on the Postcard (which will be printed as a black and white line drawing that I will then, hand-color;  ROCKY G!  He's a large tabby boy out of Tennessee (born in Arkansas)

                                                           Rocky G

For the image on the Greeting Card; MAGGIE H!  She's a classic orange kitty with nice white markings.

                                                           Maggie H


For the image on the Fridge Magnet; TILLY B! She started out as Atilla because she was hostile with everyone. She grew into a sweet, loving cat and so she became a Tilly.

Tilly B

 

There you go. These may not be the specific photos I use to draw from, I just wanted to give you an idea what they look like. Now I've got to get to work on them so I can send them out for printing. I am glad and relieved that they are all so different. I must admit, I was worried for a minute that maybe they would all be Orange cats, or all Black cats, or fill in the blank, all the same color/type of cat.  But this worked out perfectly. And Miller and Jordan were lovely to help with the drawing of the names. If your cat was not picked, don't worry, they will still have a special place in the book, and in my head and heart. While working on the dog book I spent so much time with the photos and stories I felt like I knew all of them and their owners personally. I anticipate that happening with the cats as well. What a beautiful gift this is for me to be allowed to draw your beloved cats and tell their stories. Thank you!

If you are a backer and in the book and haven't gotten photos or stories to me, you still have time. I'll be drawing and doing edits for the next two months. Please, don't wait till the last moment though. I'll be pulling my hair out if you do. (and that's NOT pretty)