Tag: cat paintings

Patterns, Pets and Portraits

Two Tabby Cats on Patterned Persian Rug Portrait Painting by BZTAT
Painting by BZTAT

As a teaching artist, I visit a number of preschool classes every week. One of the many learning objectives layered into my art lessons is helping students identify patterns. Each child’s moment of recognition of a pattern is often filled with excitement. Discovery of patterns is thrilling when it is a new concept.

We still have strong emotional responses as our minds grow and become more adept at identifying patterns. The response is deep. Sometimes it is relaxing and sometimes it is exhilarating depending on the design, textures and color intensity.

Patterns can spark a range of emotional reactions while also enhancing intellectual capacities.

I enjoy adding patterns to my compositions when I paint portraits of pets. Many pets have intriguing patterns in their coats, and combining those with patterned backgrounds can be a great visual challenge. Often, when I see a patterned rug or cloth of some sort in the photos submitted for a portrait, I find a way to include it in the composition.

In the above portrait of Tommy and Ollie (Thomas and Oliver if we want to be formal), I included the patterns from an authentic Persian rug on which these two felines loved to lounge. Their tabby cat stripes are offset by the rich designs and colors in the rug. I believe that this makes the portrait a more dynamic artwork than if I had focused simply on capturing the cats’ likenesses.

White cat portrait with patterned blanket
Painting by BZTAT

A portrait calls for more than making images that look like the subjects. A portrait calls for an interesting design and composition that inspires emotion on many levels. The emotion is not sentimentality, although some sentiment is acknowledged. The color and patterns take the painting to a different level, making it an artwork that can be appreciated even if you have no actual connection to the subjects.

In this portrait of Claude, I could not resist including the intricately patterned blanket on which this beautiful cat reclined in the submitted photos. Including the pattern made the portrait much more difficult and added considerable time to the process, but I think it was worth it.

(Claude’s portrait was recently featured on Hauspanther, where you can see the original photos from which the painting was designed.)

Dilute Tortoise Shell Cat Portrait Painting with patterns by Artist BZTAT
Painting by BZTAT

The patterns in Francie’s portrait to the right led to a more abstract design for the the overall composition. I was intrigued with the cool colors of her coat contrasting with the warmer colors in the background. I also enjoyed playing with the haphazard quality of the patterns in her fur and the energetic quality of the background designs.

I do not include patterns in all of my custom pet portraits. Sometimes a simple background makes a strong composition, and sometimes I include scenery or other background choices. I find that the ones with patterns are often my favorites, however. I look forward to creating more of them in the future.

The important takeaway here is that painting a pet’s portrait, for me, is more than painting what the animal looks like. I am challenged to create an experience for the viewer that excels in the visual elements as well as meets a patron’s desire for art resembling his or her pet. Achieving an accurate likeness of the pet is important. The relationship between human and beast is best expressed, though, when the rigors of color, texture and design are applied to the painting. My hope is that I meet that challenge each time that I combine patterns, pets and portraits.

Interested in commissioning a portrait of your pet? Learn more here.

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

Cats and Art and other schtuff. Yeah, there are a few other things in the world…

Black Cat in the City Painting and Assemblage by Artist BZTAT
“Black Cat in the City” Painting/Assemblage by BZTAT

The image to the right is a painting/assemblage that I created recently. It was a bit of an experimental piece. I found the 3-dimensional cat at a store that sells cheap mass produced items and it inspired me to build a painting around it. Although it was inexpensive, it was solid wood, so I felt it was a good item for assemblage art.

I changed the color, texture and design of the cat to ensure that I was not stealing a licensed idea, and then I turned it into a creation of my own.

I put it on a piece of board that I had hanging around and painted a city skyline behind it. Cats in the city is a theme that I enjoy, and I hope you do too. As an avid Trap-Neuter-Return advocate and volunteer, I have a high regard for cats who make the city streets their home.

I recently posted the painting in my Art for Sale Gallery. I brought the price down on it from what I would typically sell a piece this size, as it is very heavy, and will require higher shipping costs. Please let me know if you have an interest in it.

I also posted the image in my recent Buzz from BZTAT! newsletter along with some other interesting news and tidbits. I would love it if you signed up for my newsletter, as that is the best way for me to share what’s new with people who enjoy my art. Regardless of whether or not you have an interest in purchasing anything, my newsletters put a little color in your inbox now and then, and who doesn’t need a little bit of that?

Subscribe to Artist BZTAT's newsletter
Receive the downloadable print by signing up!

If you do sign up, I will send you a free downloadable poster that you can print out and put on your wall! You also will get the latest news and exclusive offers.

And, when I launch my upcoming ebook, you will get an opportunity to receive it for free! how cool is that?

I look forward to hearing form you!

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

 

How can you get great BZTAT cat and dog art on your walls? Just make a bid!

"Cat in the Grass" painting by BZTAT
“Cat in the Grass” painting by BZTAT

THIS AUCTION IS NOW CLOSED.

I used to do art auctions quite often, but I haven’t done any in awhile. Since I will be moving soon, I thought now might be a good time to get some artworks out onto someone else’s walls so I won’t have to physically move them to my new place. Now is a good opportunity for you to get an original BZTAT painting for a great price, and have some fun in the process!

I am going to start off with an auction of two paintings today.

The first is the one that you see on the right. It is a colorful contemporary folk art style painting of a cat in the grass. It is painted on wood with a faux frame painted as part of the image, so no framing is needed.

If you would like to bid on it, simply state your bid in the comments below and indicate that your bid is for “Cat in the Grass”. The minimum bid is $70 and there is a “Buy Now” option. (See details below.)

"City Poodle" painting by BZTAT
“City Poodle” painting by BZTAT

The second painting in the auction is the “City Poodle” painting that you see to the left. It, too, is a colorful contemporary folk art style painting on wood with a faux frame painted as part of the image, this one of a very urban pup.

If you would like to bid on it, simply state your bid in the comments below and indicate that your bid is for “City Poodle”. The minimum bid is $70 and there is a “Buy Now” option. (See details below.)

Both paintings are listed at $175 for the regular price, so you just might get them for a steal! Bid away and have some fun! But hurry, and watch closely. The bidding ends Thursday night!

Here are the details:

10″ X 14″ paintings on wood by artist BZTAT

Leave bids in increments of $10 below in the comments section.

Minimum Bid $70 USD

Shipping: $25 USA $45 International

BUY NOW OPTION: You can buy this piece now for $125 as long as no bids have been made in the comments below. Simply write BUY NOW in the comments and send a payment of $125 + shipping via PayPal to bztat at bztat.com.

Highest bid at 10 pm ET on Thursday, May 29 wins the piece.

Winning bidder: send payment of bid + shipping to Paypal using email address: bztat at bztat.com

Please allow 4 weeks for shipping.