Studio Cats.

Working as an artist can be a very solitary profession. I spend many hours a day alone painting in my studio. As much as they frustrate me at times I don't know what I'd do without my studio cats to keep me company. 

They're older now and spend much of the day napping, but you can be sure to find them at the window on a sunny day when the birds are chirping. Or when I put down a drop cloth, or decide to work on the floor, they are right there on top of it all, toes in paint. Let me introduce you to my studio cats.

As wee kittens

 IGGY

her full name is Ignatowski Popoloni

I'll guard your canvas

NAMI

Nami was named after our favorite sushi restaurant

waterpark

I am Batman!

 too much catnip

sorry this sink is taken

I can help you with that

nom nom nom

drippies

sisters

A Quiet Moment.

Sometimes things can get extremely hectic here in the studio with art deadlines. When I need to take a break and have a 'Zen' moment, I make myself a green tea and sit down to watch my cat Nami, take a sunbath. I find it very relaxing and a great way to just 'be' for a short while. Want to try but don't have a cat of your own? To the internet!! Videos of cats grooming a plenty.

Studio Cats. Whats in a Name?

According to poet/playwright T. S. Elliot every cat should have three names. In reality, according to the crazy cat people we know (us included) they have many many more.

 Meet Nami. AKA Tsunami, Newman, Newmi, Newmstead, Fatso, Pico, Peekee, Spoony, Schmoopy, Stinki, Floopy.

And this is Iggy. Full name Ignatowski Popaloni. 

AKA Sico (pronounced seeko) Sici (pronounced Seekee) Fwippy, Fwipstead, Flippy, Sweeti, Sweet Tea.

When I first met my DH years ago, I adopted his black cat. She came to live with us when we moved in together. One day we made a list of all of her names. I think we had over 30. Crazy? Maybe, but if you're a cat lover I'm sure you can relate. How many names does your cat have?  

What a Mess!!

Today was spent getting down and dirty and playing in the studio. I got out a huge assortment of paints and mediums and brushes and rollers and spent the morning painting backgrounds. This is the most fun. I'm not worried about coming up with finished pieces today, just playing with paints and textures. Sometimes you just have to let your inner child out to play.
I really like how my red brayer stands out in this photo. I kept my colors fairly neutral today. Warm beiges, light gray some bronze and a little touch of lime green.
Here are some finished pieces. I've already collaged some of my own photos onto the paper. I'll be working on these backgrounds later adding some other elements, drawing, some more collage perhaps. I find working on mixed media pieces so freeing. I guess I never really outgrew my love for cutting and pasting!
My papers and supplies are spread out all over the studio floor. That's their cue. Nami came to help.
So did Iggy. Have a great weekend everyone!