Pierre, Most Debonnaire

Illustration Friday

(theme: "moustache")

Pierre, most debonnaire of spotted mancats, believes that his highly unusual markings give him a greatly-appreciated and serendipitous advantage where the fair ladycats are concerned...

Rain or Shine, Together Forever

Illustration Friday

(theme: "together")

Rain or shine, Cat Lady Rachel and Sabrina will be together forever in their hearts.

Who would YOU most like to snuggle with under an umbrella? Tell us in the comments section of this post...

The Call of the Wild...

Illustration Friday

(theme: "lush")

The lush greenery of the new bouquet in the dining room caused Hubert's brain to spontaneously imagine that he was wild jungle beast. The urge to stalk unsuspecting prey surged through the sinewy muscles of his panther-like body, causing him to leap into action without further thought.  That's when the unfortunate accident happened and Hubert once again became a house cat, feigning surprise at the bouquet now suddenly askew on the floor as he carefully tiptoed around the large puddle forming on the carpet.

A Cuddly Lap-Cat No More

Illustration Friday

(theme: "wild")

artwork copyright 2013 Susan Faye

 Normally a mild-mannered lap-cat, Percival is sometimes inexplicably transformed into a wild jungle beast, helplessly lured by the intoxicating scent of his rodent prey which have been cleverly disguised as catnip toys.

New Year! New artwork!

Illustration Friday: Glow

...Best Wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Joy-filled New Year! Let's honor this precious baby by practicing human kindness each and every day...

Illustration Friday.... "Whiskers"

Illustration Friday

(theme:"whiskers") 

 

 

A backlit cottontail bunny with whiskers glowing in the early morning sunlight enjoys a tasty grape leaf at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens in Claremont, California.  

This is a watercolor painting on canvas that I painted several years ago after a visit to Southern California.  I used masking fluid to preserve the white of the whiskers and the sunlit edges of the rabbit.

Enjoy!

Illustration Friday... "Shy"

Illustration Friday

(theme:"shy") 

original watercolor by Susan Faye copyright 2012

Both Delia and her fluffmonster Abercrombie shy away from loud people and barking dogs (or is it barking people and loud dogs?), 
but would love to have an amiable chat and a cup of tea with you. 

 Thanks for visiting!

My original watercolor painting of Delia and Abercrombie is available for purchase in my Etsy shop: Cat Lady Delia Painting

https://www.etsy.com/listing/111422051/tuxedo-kitty-fluffmonster-and-cat-lady

A handcrafted pendant of Delia and Abercrombie is also available for purchase in my Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112274810/cat-lady-and-tuxedo-cat-glass-pendant-in

Jungle Kittens... Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday

(theme:"lost") 

It's quite likely for a pair of jungle kittens to become hopelessly

lost 

 when it's SO easy to be distracted 
by the ever-fascinating native flora and fauna.

Thanks for visiting!

Jungle Kittens are available on a variety items including jewelry and gift tags in my Etsy Shop... 

Perennial Favorites (Chomp, Chomp)

Illustration Friday
Theme: perennial

copyright 2011 Susan Faye

Apparently Bob the Cat (the stripey one, pictured above) has a thing for perennials.

Cat Lady Karen explains: "My kitties Zoe and Bob are both rescue cats. Certainly if this were a real picture, those flowers would be little green stumps because Bob would have eaten them all before the flash went off."

Hey, a guy's gotta make sure he gets plenty of fiber somehow, doesn't he?

Does your furry loved one have a thing for greenery? Please share in the comments section at the end of the post.

The custom portrait of Zoe and Bob was drawn with pen and ink, then hand-painted on super-heavy Arches 300-lb. acid-free cold-press watercolor paper with professional quality watercolor and gouache paints.

Thanks for visiting!

A Kind Gesture... Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday

(theme:"gesture")

As a gesture of goodwill, Tiger Tim has offered to make dinner tonight. Cat Lady Monica appreciates the kind gesture, but has respectfully declined the offer.

What would YOUR pet make for dinner tonight if he/she could?

May Showers...

Illustration Friday

(theme:"soaked")

Here in the Pacific Northwest we know that "April showers bring May flowers", but what do May showers bring?

Lots of HOURS for indoor activities like coloring, drawing, and painting...!

If you find yourself with rainy day hours to while away, you might enjoy downloading my free coloring page available at this link: Let's Play!...Free Coloring Page and a Giveaway

You'll also find details about a Giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to my Etsy Shop.

Have fun!

Kitten on Safari

Illustration Friday

(theme:"safari")

This calico kitten knows that a backyard is the very best place to go on
safari...

What is your cat's favorite thing to stalk in your backyard jungle? Buttonwillow has her eye on a big fat juicy squirrel (dream on, Buttonwillow)...

Have You Hugged A Teacher Today?

Illustration Friday

(theme:"lesson")

Today's lesson: May 1-7 is
PTA Teacher Appreciation Week.

Since 1984, National PTA has designated the first full week in May as PTA Teacher Appreciation Week, "a special time to honor the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. PTA events at the national, state, and local levels celebrate the outstanding contributions teachers make".

Have you hugged a teacher today?

Play Time!

Illustration Friday

(theme:"toy")

This calico kitten has mastered the fine art of mouse-play: maintain an air of total disinterest and disdain until the perfect moment to pounce arrives, then give that toy a thrashing!

Thanks for visiting!

Just added to my Etsy shop: a brand new pendant for Calico-Crazed Cat Ladies! Click on image for more details...

Eat Your Veggies!

Illustration Friday

(theme:"cultivate")

This little rabbit family knows the secret to good health and great eyesight: cultivate a taste for colorful veggies.

Babs, Bibs, Binkie and Cousin Harey would like to share

8 Really Good Reasons to Eat Your Veggies:

• They come in lots of pretty colors
• They are inexpensive
  
• They are low in calories, fat and sodium
  
• They are high in vitamins and other nutrients
• They are high in fiber
• You help out the environment when you eat more vegetables and less (or no) meat.
• They are fun to grow
• They make your nose a rosy pink, your fur shiny and soft, and they put a spring in your hop!

What are you waiting for? There are lots of websites devoted to vegetable gardens and vegetable recipes. Vegetarian Times is a great place to find resources, recipes, and other great information.

Thanks for visiting!


Eat Your Veggies is my newest 8 x 10" print, now available in my Etsy online shop! Hop on over and find out more by clicking the link...

All Stirred Up

Illustration Friday

(theme:"stir")

Most likely due to cruel taunting as a child, Cat Lady Betty Cracker never uses box mixes when baking, and prefers to stir up her baked good from scratch with the help of kitchen supervisor Ginger Snap. Here is an all-time favorite recipe that is super-easy:

Gold Rush Brownies

2 C. graham cracker crumbs
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 C. pecans or walnuts, chopped

Mix all ingredients together. Spread in a lightly prepared 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-in. pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 min. Cut into squares while still slightly warm.

ENJOY!

Sweater Weather

Illustration Friday

(theme:"sweater")

Rhonda Rabbit has caught the knitting bug from Lilly Cat. Cook her a nice carrot stew and she'll knit a dandy sweater for you...

Thanks for visiting!

Resolute about Resolutions...Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday

(theme:"resolutions")

copyright 2011 Susan Faye

Knitter Lilly was not one to make New Years Resolutions, however, with the gentle encouragement of her husband Lou, she made an exception this year and resolved to not buy any new yarn until her stash was below whisker level. Lou heartily approved.

What resolutions are YOU resolute about this year?
Thanks for visiting!!

The Only Way to Fly

Illustration Friday

(theme:"transportation")

With all of the hoopla about Crazy Cat Ladies, mancats Beep and Roscoe want equal time for Fearsome Feline Fellas like their own who know that the only truly respectable form of transportation is a Harley.

Unless, of course, it's a bi-plane...

Thanks for visiting!

I'm pleased to announce that I now have options for Custom Pet Portraits in my Etsy shop. In addition to cats, I love to paint dogs, bunnies, hamsters, horses, birds, or reptiles. There is a "basic" option in both aceo mini size and in a 4.5 x 6.5" size (that comes in an 11 x 14" matting). These feature a simple background with your choice of one flower, leaves, and/or a collar.

I'm also offering a DELUXE portrait where you may let your imagination run wild with the background, accessories, and the theme. No idea is too crazy, so send me your ideas and I'll let you know if I think I can handle it. Like the pet people portraits, the turnaround time is usually 3-4 weeks and the cut-off date for holiday orders will be November 15, in order for items to arrive in time for Christmas...