Art Prints

Before my art show there were a lot of preparation that were involved. I had my artwork professionally scanned and printed on archival fine art watercolor paper. The printer did a wonderful job. It's expensive but I think the quality is worth it. The fine art prints really shows the depth and color of my original painting well versus if I get it printed at a copier place. At the copier place (like Kinkos) the color is not brilliant (like the original) and comes out flat and dull. Besides I don't think it's really a great way to print your artwork or show off your artwork with a copy machine.

Then I wrote a short artist comment for each piece. I matted, labeled, and package them in cello bags. It was more work than I realized. I didn't get much sleep before the show.

Commissioned Work

It's always exciting to get a commissioned work but it's actually hard to do. You don't have the flexibility to do as you pleased. For instance, this client wants his son's favorite stuffed animal to be included into my illustration. I find that difficult since I don't have a connection to the subject matter (to conjure up a story or pun). Then it occurred to me that I can always treat it like a pet portrait. So here it it. "Pet Portrait" for a boy and his favorite stuffed animal.

Come and Play with Us

Inspired by the old classic horror movie "The Shining". I could never finish watching this movie because it's so creepy.

Sherlock Bones

It's not my usual cat illustration but once you let your inner dog out, you kind of have to finish it. :p

Old Dog Sketch

Sometimes you find old unfinished sketches that you've done a long time ago but I was quite excited to finally finish painting it. I probably drew that after I did my digital drawing.

Happy St.Patrick's Day

I feel lucky today. I am holding a four leaf clover in the palm of my hand...and a cat, too. :p 

Progress

It's almost a year (shy of one month) since I painted my first cat watercolor. I thought I would paint (my first one) again. Putting it side by side, I couldn't believe how much my style had changed. It's gotten more realistic and detail and it takes a lot longer to paint, too.

Illustration Friday: Twisted

Doesn't everyone twist themselves to match their outfits?

Caturday Night Fever

Remember the movie "Caturday Night Fever" from the 70's? I don't think I ever saw it. I was too young. I do know there was one cool cat that made dancing with one paw up in the air iconic. :p

Chairman Meow

These cat illustrations are getting longer to paint as they get more complex. I am also learning new watercolor skills with each painting. For example, from the last painting, I learn something as simple as to tape down the paper to keep it from buckling!

Marie Catoinette

Your Highness

I didn't expect how much detail I was able to accomplish with watercolor. I also discover the more detail you put into the painting, it also requires twice as much time to paint it. 

The Sky is the Limit

Everyone loves a bedtime story, right?

Daydream

Don't you ever wonder what's up with cats that just sit there and stare into space?

Royal Portrait

I think all cats think they're royalty and demand to be treated as such. :)

Happy Holidays

I'm a little slow on getting my "homemade" greeting cards done this year...... :(

Zombie Cat

I think all zombies should wear a bell.

Lollypop

Just wishful thinking.....in reality my cat likes his live hairy protein than sweets.

Tic Tac Kit Kat

I would like to illustrate KIT KAT but all I have was TIC TAC. Such is life.

The Birthday Crasher

My cat is probably a year old now.