"Black Cat"
An older "Tom", going into one of those trance like stares that almost puts them to sleep.
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The black cat has had much written about it over time and is connected with much superstition and symbolism.
Bad Luck... satanism...witches... sorcery... evil incarnate... a coat the color of mourning... History reports black cats were mercilessly put to death just for the color of their coat and its associations. Superstition is silly isn't it. Just things we make up, convince ourselves about and decide to believe. Silly Humans, and we think we are so smart.
I have even read black cats were unfortunately referred to, as "the rabbit of the poor" and you know what that means.
Yet they survive, proud and beautiful, their coats shimmering in the sunlight... and the moonlight.
Sleek and still with an air of beauty and mystery.
Sleek and still with an air of beauty and mystery.
Long live the black cat!
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...approx. 4" x 6", charcoal, conte, chalk on heavy brown paper...
I love how these mediums grab and react on brown paper.
... sinking into minute portions of it while other particles remain lying on top.
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Other Cats in the series:
Gwen Buchanan at Desideratum Art and Jewelry Studio, New Brunswick, Canada
18 comments:
Cats are such wonderful art models. We always seem to have a male black cat, and never by our own choosing. They just show up. Naturally, we accept them into the family and care for them, but sooner or later Mister Black cat disappears, either mysteriously (you know cats) or because of an accident in the road. Usually they dwell with us for a couple of years. This has happened with 4 cats, it's odd. Our last black cat, Boris, was here for 3 years and then, 4 months ago, HE disappeared as well. I am expecting a new black cat to magically appear at any time. When he does, I will name him Boris the 5th!
Mr.Cat looks to be a wise and adventurous puss not one to be turned from a challenge.
Unlike our black cat 'Magic' he and I have staring competitions, you know like who will blink first. Mostly I win as he turns his head away momentarily and then strolls off.
OMG I love the pic ... would like to use it in my own blog. please? ... never forget Mr. Purdy ... now I have Theo ... smiles
Oh I love this post! As you know I love cats in general and black cats in particular. The one I had, too briefly, was a true blessing.
Jeri, You have had a quite a few visitations of the alluring black cat... so interesting. Has the namesake made it into any of your illustrated books? I hope Boris the 5th steps out of the shadows very soon.
Mel, it appears that you have some magic too, if you can stare down a cat!
^.^ , I would be honoured!! Thank you. RIP Mr. Purdy. I'm sure Theo knows how lucky he is.
Guillaume, You always have the best real-life Black Cat adventures. I enjoyed your tales of the beloved Odin so much.
RIP Odin.
I like black cats but looking back over the colors of the cats that have owned me I don't remember a black mostly tabby, tortoiseshell and gingers. Oscar is ginger. Love that drawing.
Ah! Something new here to explore. Thanks, Gwen. I'll be back to view more later. Love black cats & I guess too, silly superstitions, if I don't have to act upon them! Lovely drawing.
We have a black cat visiting us here now & happy about that fact.
Penny, we have had many different coloured cats over the years too. I loved them all too.
Wildside interesting to hear a black cat is residing with you too. I wonder if there are more cats as pets in peoples homes or if dogs win out.
Hi, Gwen! So nice of you to visit me! We lost track I think. I had a rough patch with health last year, and I wasn't online as much... sadly I lost touch with some. But what fun to see all you've been doing--and with all the "home work" !! ;o) Happy to see again your beautiful drawing/art and jewelry-- love your new & very limited jewelry this season! VERY sweet tom here. Kitties make great subjects for portraits. Oh, and it was very fun to hear you'd been making clothing too--skirts, like me. Great minds. ;o) Happy Summer Days ((HUGS)
I love your cat drawings, Gwen! Mr. Cat seems to have a bit of an attitude - which I would, too, if I were him!
Tracy, it was great to see the multitude of creative things you were doing.. Loved them all. I feel very lazy in comparison.. thanks for the inspiration. Take care xo.
Thanks Sharmon, I'm sure he does... I haven't met a cat yet that didn't
Recently acquired a cat here - a 3D one!
I thought it was living under the spare bed upstairs but a minute ago it just walked in through the open front door (which is where I'm sitting). Oh well, must be time to let it go out...
Hmmmm, sackerson, a 3-D cat... that means its real, right? I have had cats that were much like cartoon characters.
OK, coming back to see cats & acting upon silly superstition, I saw the #13 for comments, and can't have that!
Have you been an artist your whole life, Gwen? Your talent shines brightly, so this may sound a silly question, but how did you decide to make it your profession?
Wildside, You are kind, I can only say...
I think in Pictures,
Necessity is the Mother of Invention,
and I couldn't do it without my fabulous artistic partner, John.
I love black cats and still miss my Toe Toe.. smile.. Love your talent as always.. xo
And what a handsome chap he is! I hadn't heard about the extent of the superstition about the black cat before. I mean, yes, about black cats and luck, and black cats and witches, but I didn't know the strength of these superstitions and the implications of these for the cats.
Faye, Toe-Toe, What a cute name for a cat.xo
Janice, Funny how people make up superstitions and actually get other people to believe them. Maybe that is why fiction is so popular, humans need to exercise their imagination... but sometimes it does go too far.
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