Bunny Art is a better gift than a live bunny. Seriously.

White Rabbit drawing by BZTAT
Drawing by BZTAT

Every year, bunnies and baby chicks are marketed to the general public as pets to be given as Easter gifts. It is sad, because most people are not well equipped to keep them as pets. More often than not, these creatures end up in small hutches and cages, and they live a lonely and miserable existence, if they remain alive at all.

If you have the desire to give someone a bunny for Easter, please reconsider. The live animals are certainly cute, but they deserve to live in a humane and interactive environment. Perhaps an artwork that is enduring and in no way harms a live creature would be a better gift. 🙂

Regardless of faith, Spring is a time to celebrate new life and new beginnings. My hope is that your Spring is full of great promise and celebration!

(The drawing above is 5″ x 7″ and matted to fit an 8″x10″ frame. If you are interested in purchasing the drawing, it is $50 + shipping. Contact me if you are interested.)

Sneaking in the Grass – New Cat Drawing

Cat in grass drawing by BZTAT
Drawing by BZTAT

As I mentioned in previous posts, I am in the process of  moving my home and studio. Things are still pretty disorganized, and my new and old painting areas are both in disarray. I can’t really paint at the moment, so I decided to sit down and make a drawing last night.

I used to draw images like this one all the time – simple landscape scenarios with a cat surrounded by a colorful pattern that is a little wavy and irregular. I am not exactly sure why I returned to the theme with this drawing, but I kinda like it. I may return to the theme more often.

The drawing is approximately 8″x10″ cut out and pasted onto a green background, which is 8 1/2″ x 11″. If you are interested in purchasing the drawing, it is $50 + shipping. Contact me if you are interested.

Murphy Martino – The Artist's Cat

Tabby Cat Under Blanket Portrait Painting by BZTAT
“Murphy Martino” Painting by BZTAT

I have known Murphy’s human family for a long time. Joe is one of my favorite artists in Canton, and Gail is the inspiration behind many of the creative fine arts programs throughout the schools in Stark County, OH. I was honored when Gail asked me to paint Murphy’s portrait for Joe’s Christmas present.

I was not able to complete it before Christmas, but Joe was thrilled to watch the process of the portrait being painted on Facebook.

Tabby Cat Under Blanket This was not an easy portrait to paint. I immediately was drawn to a photo of Murphy that they supplied that had him peering out from under a blanket.

Abstracting the folds of the blanket in a way that was consistent with the abstraction of the face proved to be quite a challenge, though.

The colors in the photo were not part of my typical palette either, so some color abstractions were necessary too.

Tabby Cat Portrait Painting by BZTAT
Joe and Gail Martino with Murphy’s portrait

It took me longer than usual to complete the painting, but the end result was worth the time, I think. Joe and Gail were very pleased. (See work in progress photos here.)

I often paint my own cats, but it was a true pleasure to paint another artist’s cat. I hope Murphy likes his portrait!

Interested in a custom portrait of your pet? Find out how here!