Labor Day 2016. Friends, painting is not labor. The fun and enjoyment derived from the hours I have in my studio can’t be measured in time or money. Truly, we all know the phrase ‘starving artist’ – well…yes. But I am full in many other ways – and one of those blessings is being able to share my work with you. Let me know what you think of this new style I am working on…it is from my Foxy Lady line.
This painting is of a wandering cat; originally a barn cat, who has adopted a beautiful family. They named him Yellow Cat. He has been coming and going from their backyard for a long time. He is somewhat tame with the female of the household but still a bit shy and wary towards other people. When I began painting Yellow Cat I thought about his life and how he has managed to thrive and be loved again. I hope you enjoy the painting and this story, written for cats, but applicable to all of us. How to THRIVE – from the Sweeney Cat Handbook In rapidly changing economic times your family lost their home and moved away leaving you to fend for yourself. World news continues to worsen, you’ve lost your home, your warm bed, and your loved ones. What can you do? TH – THINK Lick your cold paws, put on an air of dignity, and think – do NOT panic. You live in interesting times. Take Advantage of it! Just think and map …
Haven’t posted here for some time….helped my husband run for Congress and rather ignored the rest of my life. Finally relaxed and began painting again. Now many orders are coming in for prints and also for pillows. My paintings make beautiful and fun throw pillow keepsakes. Check out my store at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-kathy-sweeney Today’s post is a new style I have been toying with. What do you think?
Today I offer you a painting that was inspired by a memory that my husband shared with me about his family dog. Dusty was a golden retriever with a very big heart that reached out to not only the family but beyond. When the neighbor’s cat had kittens she would always leave them unattended and crying. One day Dusty went over to the neighbor’s back yard and cuddled the kittens. They clung to him and he nuzzled and licked them like they were his own. When the roaming mother cat came back and saw this she hired Dusty right on the spot. Every litter there after she would run over and meow at Dusty who would dutifully babysit her brood . You can see why I call this painting “The Baby Sitter”.
My mother passed away when I was eleven leaving her grieving family to raise a 5 year old boy. It was a collective effort but when I remember back it seems I was the “motherly” one. However, not sure about that, because knowing that Dad would never, ever go to a Cub Scout meeting; I too, wouldn’t consider interrupting my girlie life for such a thing. But I do remember one very touching day when my brother, then 10 years old, was walking home from school and spotted a cat sitting in the middle of Hiway 72, which ran through our little Montana town. He brought the kitten into our house and excitedly said “She was asleep on the Hiway. I could barely see her – she looks just like the pavement! Can we keep her? She could have been hit by a car.” It was my assignment to talk to Dad for permission and winning that battle made me somewhat of a hero in my brother’s eyes. We named her Amy. She was a …
It is May 29th and it is still raining in Texas. News reported that Dallas received 5 inches last night. We got a good share of rain also; complete with flash flood warnings at 5:45 a.m. However, yesterday was pleasantly sunny giving plants, birds and animals a chance to stretch and grow. As I sat on the back patio contemplating the rejuvenation of everything around me coming to life, I couldn’t help but notice the Cat & Mouse statue in the garden. What if it could also come to life? Which one would make the first move? The First Move Click To Enlarge Thank you for checking into May Animal Month’s last post. Next month we will celebrate Marriage. If you haven’t clicked the follow button please do today so that you won’t miss a post. Coming up: A beautiful bride, love poetry, and many fun wedding surprises! Talk to you in June!
The beauty of nature is all around us at this time of year. Who knows what these cats are thinking but I am sure the next move is one of action! You can almost see the electricity between these two. Springtime Stare-down Watercolor with colored pencil & love
Thankful for the peace of coming home. Coming Home by Kathy Sweeney Watercolor and Ink 11/2014
Sweeney Art Center 