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!
Texas has spent the last five years in a dreadful drought. Most of us have spent that time on our knees begging for rain and for this 5 year nightmare to end. Realistically, there is no way to end a drought but to pour huge amounts of water on it so that the soil can fully drink it in and have enough left over to run off to the very thirsty lakes. That is exactly what happened over the Memorial Day weekend. Most of Texas was drenched and trembled as lightening, thunder, funnel clouds and flooding; turning our normally fun holiday weekend on its head. These are the types storms that scare pets enough that they do very unexpected things; like run away. Today is the last post for Animal Month of May so it seemed fitting to give you my interpretation of a cat at home (safe) and a cat out in the storm, at large* and frightened. Please enjoy and do take time to hug your pets today. *meaning: free; uncaptured. (Usually said …
Georgetown Animal Shelter had the annual fund raiser this weekend, hosting with wine and chocolate and lots of wonderful art work by our local talent. The shelter animals were featured on a video which inspired me to paint my idea of what life might be like for a new kitten in the shelter. New Friends Watercolor & Ink Click To Enlarge
Deer are prevalent and neighborly in the area that I live in; not at all like the large deer in Montana, who serve as good dinner menu items. Our suburb deer are smaller and have been known to be friendly – if you let them. Many people on either side of our property feed them with feeders or by hand so on any one evening we can have up to 30 deer in our back meadow. This little dude was born right before winter, October it seems, so I call him a teenager. He doesn’t have his spots anymore but he acts like a youngster. Teen Fawn & Old Family Friend Watercolor & Colored Pencil Click To Enlarge
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
Sweeney Art Center 