Mod-Byzantine Cat Holding a Purple Flower

Mod-Byzantine Cat encompasses a bit of art history, something I often indirectly feature in my work. For this piece, I used a faux gold background which I playfully link to Byzantine art because of the metallic gold backgrounds used some 600+ years ago in many mosaic compositions.  This painting is another fun example of my playing around with different background treatments. 

The cat holds a flower in keeping with my Otto Dix motif.  I decided to paint the flower purple, which in this case represents nobility.  I named the painting, “Mod-Byzantine Cat Holding a Purple Flower.” Juxtaposing the words Mod(ern) and Byzantine are exceptionally humorous in my mind.   

On another note, during this time of uncertainty, stay safe and be well everyone.

A Tribute to The World's Greatest Cat

“Tigger Earned His Wings,” 2019, was painted shortly after our beloved orange tabby crossed over the rainbow bridge.  Like the title suggests, Tigger really did earn his wings with Michelle and me.  He was both rambunctious and loving.  And, strangely enjoyed eating corn on the cob—I had never witnessed at cat literally doing this until Tigger entered our lives.  He was also known to have ferreted corn on the cob out of the trash so he could glean what remained.  We adopted him from the Detroit Humane Society many moons ago.  If he would have lived just a little longer (January 2020), he would have been in our lives for fifteen years.  This painting will live with Michelle and me for as long as we live as a reminder of how special Tigger really was to us.

Waving Snuggie Cat

I have been remiss in not discussing, “Waving Snuggie Cat,” 2018.  This idea morphed from an earlier painting entitled, “Happy Assassin,” which showed in the Scarab Club’s Gold Medal Exhibition a few years ago. “Happy Assassin” (a cat wearing a smiley-faced snuggie) was based off a sketch I made about twelve years ago shortly after I purchased a smiley-faced cookie jar at a rummage sale.  That said, I thought the idea of a standing full-length black cat, wearing a snuggie, was pretty darn sardonic.  After all, you have a brightly colored snuggie which lends itself to early childhood and innocence, and then you have a black menacing cat inside waving at its audience. 

Mid-Century Modern Cat Series

I painted Mid-Century Modern Cat (Blue) back in 2018.  This example goes back to some of my first cat paintings in 2008 that featured a series of startled cats leaping in the air with open mouths and exposed claws. I’ve resurfaced some of these characteristics as of late.

The inspiration behind this mid-century series is the simplified and streamlined approach that was popular during that period. My mid-century series features cats with triangular eyes and ears resembling horns. Many of which are painted black which adds to their mysterious nature.

An Artist To Watch

I am attracted to subjects like rocketships and space travel.  That subject is popular with outsider artists and it has crept into my work also.  At any rate, San Francisco artist Johnnie Botts really does an amazing job with rocketships and robots.  About seven or eight years ago, I bought one of his small paintings and Michelle and I have enjoyed it ever since.  Johnnie is also a really nice guy and Michelle and I have met him several times during gallery crawls.  At some point when we have more normality in our lives, we might buy another work by his hand.

Sharkride Has A New Home

I am pleased to announce that “Shark Ride” recently sold while showing at the “Synergy Redefined” exhibition at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center.  “Shark Ride” was first conceived while I was under the spell of my animal ride series, featuring animals such as giraffes, a rhino, elephant, panda bear and more. This painting is 30 x 40” and an appropriate size to honor such a powerful and magnificent creature. The animal ride series was pivotal for me as an artist because I was introducing additional animals to my predominately cat themed paintings—it was a breath of fresh air and a very creative period for me as an artist.      

New Work - Angelfish

I recently painted an angelfish on a 12 x 12” panel.  This is the second time I have painted an angelfish.  The first time was when I was living in San Francisco.  Michelle and I gifted that painting to a friend who hosted us for numerous wine tastings.  Both examples are depictions of golden angels; we have had good luck with them in our fish tanks.  I was really happy how this most recent example turned out.  It seems to have its own fun personality, which I enjoy.   When we have the painting professionally photographed, we will upload the image.  Currently, I am working on a hatchet fish, which I am painting on an 8 x 10” canvas panel.   

Elephant Ride (2013)

I enjoy sketching considerably and I always seem to have a sketchbook nearby. Most, if not all of my ideas, are born out of my sketches. I cannot tell you how many sketchbooks I fill during any given year. The idea for “Elephant Ride” can be traced back to a number of sketches created in 2013 which opened up a new path of creativity -- my “Animal Ride” series.

Current 2020 Exhibition @ the Pontiac Creative Arts Center

I am pleased to be included in the PCAC exhibition titled, “Synergy Redefined” which runs through January 25, 2020. If you live in the area, please consider stopping by.

2019 CATS RULE Exhibition in Detroit, MI

I am thrilled to announce my upcoming exhibition titled, “Cats Rule” at the Scarab Club in Detroit, Michigan. The opening is October 18 from 5-8pm and the exhibition runs through November 16. I’m honored that John Douglas Peters deemed my work worthy enough for a catalog which features 80 plus pages of my mischievous, playful CraneArt cats over the years along with whimsical quotes describing why cats really do rule. If you are in the area, please come to the opening (217 Farnsworth St.) Would love to see you.