Further Exploration and an….Award!
Well, this one is at least a week overdue on the biweekly schedule so lots to catch up on! You may have seen my subject matter is mostly florals with the odd cat and bird in there.
During a FaceChat with my mother, she asked me to paint an Indian parrot to add some visuals to a family group discussion online. This got compliments from the Indian side of the family as the parrot also has a guava in its claws. Authentic enough! The result is unexpectedly fun and even tickled my niece enough to have her mom request a print made for her room. Lovely!
In addition to the restrained Japanese styles i’ve been applying to my florals, I would like to incorporate more of my own Indian heritage in my future work. Stay tuned for those stylistic explorations!
Indian Parrot and Guava (watercolour, ink and pastel)
2) Moving on to a bird’s worst enemy: the house cat. We have 3 cat dragons ourselves, and my husband, even though highly allergic to cats has emotionally bonded with all of them. Eventually, we’ll get down to a more reasonable number, but until then I really should start drawing and painting them as they inspire and entertain us daily.
So on another Google research adventure on cat art, I discovered a very original voice. He was Japanese print maker and commercial artist Inagaki Tomoo. Apparently, this cat series was a project he did in his late 40s and early 50s and has the mid-century look during his most famous work period in the 1950s-70s.
Could just be me, but his expressive, graphic, cubist cats almost look like they may have inspired Disney cat cartoons like the Aristocats, or the Siamese cats in Lady and the Tramp (or am I really reaching here?) Let me know.
So, I humbly attempted a copy.
Success! I captured our naughtiest cat’s personality (Boomer) and really liked how the watercolour washes almost resembles wood paneling. Very mid-century cat chic. Even if i’m missing the left side of his face’s whiskers (!) I’m definitely going to do a few more of these. I also enjoyed committing to a strong line. Sharp edges, bold shapes and expressive wit that is underpinned by a thorough understanding of the cat form and psychology.
After Inagaki Tomoo (watercolour, ink and conte)
3) Last but not least, I got a wonderful surprise this week. I was nominated for the annual Harry Wohlfarth Memorial art award at UofA Extension! I was so happy I walked around with a smile for the whole day, and the next too I think.
It’s extremely validating to be acknowledged in such a way by my instructor, and by extension, the art community and that is the true reward. I am grateful.