"Three's Company"

 

 

6 x 8"

oil on panel

sold

This study was a test for me - wanting to take on a larger painting with David Hockney's Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy.  As simplistic as Hockney's composition is, it's the reproduction that just ain't as easy as I thought.  But I've always been intrigued with his painting.

The two were Hockney's friends in London - Ossie Clark, a dress designer and Celia Birtwell, a fabric designer.  Hockney portrayed couples in several very large paintings.  The difference here is notably the two are looking at the viewer, other paintings have at least one looking off to the side.  He painted them in their flat in Notting Hill Gate, in their bedroom where the light was favorable to Hockney.  The tough part, the artist said, was the couple was against the light which darkens the figures indoors.  He did many studies and experiments to get the composition, the lighting and the couple's expressions right - going against the standard portrait of a couple where the woman is seated and the man stands next to her.

 

Percy was one of the Clarks' cats who symbolizes a libertine and somebody who disregards rules and does what he pleases. Sounds right.  The vase of lilies to the left of Celia are a symbol of the Annunciation and feminine purity.

 

Hockney was best man at the Clarks' wedding.  The space between them in his painting is said to be prophetic - the marriage didn't last.

 

"Maxy"

6 x 6"

oil on panel
sold

And now for something completely different - my good friends, Karen and Neil Hollingsworth's beloved cat, Maxy.  

And for some GoodTV ...  for those stuck inside with nothing to watch, stream in these two movies this weekend - Chef and Bernie.   I promise, you'll love these movies.

"Gatto"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Adding to my ongoing series ATL to NYC & Back - another charming resident I met up with in Little Italy. Come to think of it, he's the only outdoor cat I saw during my stay in New York City.

"Jolie"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
nfs

For a friend, in memory of her Jolie.

Our Bitz

NFS

I painted our cat, Bitz, today - she was 17 years old and she was put to sleep this afternoon. She lived outside for years - faithfully coming for breakfast and dinner every single day. She had this funny eye thing when she was relaxed, one would shut, as if she was winking at you. Her mother did the same thing. Years ago, when she slept inside the house, she'd bring in live presents - snakes, birds, chipmunks, butterflies - whatever she could catch, but she'd never kill them. That was always fun. Painting her today made me feel good - she was a great pet and will be missed.

"Pure Luck"

5 x 7"

oil on masonite

sold

After painting a variety of dogs for the upcoming show - it was time to paint a cat. My cat, Willy, who's usually a mass of black fur, except when he is bathed in sunshine.

"The Bitz"

5 x 7"

oil on masonite

sold

This has been somewhat of a pet day. Jack got a good check-up at the vet, two different friends are going through tough times with their dogs, and of course the ongoing news of tainted pet food. This new piece also marks my 200th daily painting - and I wanted it to be special and a little more personal. And on this bright, beautiful, spring day, my cat, Bitz, posed for her moment in the sun.