Rhino Ride, 2014 was the follow-up to Elephant Ride, 2013. They are both painted on a 36 x 36” canvas and I believe they really work well on a square format. I painted another version of Rhino Ride in 2019, the big difference with the second version is that the rhino is white and facing the opposite direction. I am typically not political but white rhinos (northern and southern) are endangered and I am an animal lover, so I am hoping that this painting might bring some attention to these beautiful and powerful creatures. I have also thought of painting a third version, this time using a black rhino. All this said, Rhino Ride is one of my favorite paintings.
Parachute Ride
This version of Parachute Ride (18 x 24”) served as a study for a larger painting that was included in the 2019 exhibition titled, Cats Rule: The Art of Michael Crane, at the Scarab Club in Detroit, Michigan. The inspiration for the painting was from a James Bond film, Moonracker, 1979. Luckily for our parachuting feline friend, Jaws is nowhere to be seen. This is one of my favorite paintings along with Rhino Ride.
Dancing Kuhli Loaches
Dancing Kuhli Loaches was painted in 2016 during a period when I was revisiting tropical fish as a subject. Michelle and I had several Dojo Loaches when we lived in San Francisco. The Dojos are essentially the larger pink version to their striped cousins. I had Kuhli Loaches as a kid as did my childhood friend John Whall. Loaches are very active, so capturing them in such a balanced composition in nature would be highly unlikely, but that is the magic of art.
This painting is currently hanging in our A-frame cottage in Michigan.
Riga Mortis Cat
I painted Riga Mortis Cat during the Pandemic. The concept for the painting predates the Pandemic. It is based off an earlier sketch that I did while watching movies in the A-frame (our cottage in Michigan). The painting is meant to be funny—in the Kurt Vonnegut manner.
I plan on showing the painting at some point in 2021—possibly at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center in the Spring. Riga Mortis Cat would pair nicely with one of my other paintings called, Dead Cat…. the possibilities are endless!
Medusa Cat
Medusa Cat simply makes me laugh. I believe I have painted three version of Medusa Cat, each with a different background color (red, green, and the above). The snake heads remind me of the Pacman videogame character and the Medusa Cat’s green tongue really works well against the background/field color.
Screeching Bat in Flight
I painted a fun painting called, Unlikely Friendship in 2018 which features a gray cat with an extended finger on which a screeching, upside down bat hangs from. Painting a bat encouraged me to sketch more, which led me to painting the image, Screeching Bat in Flight. The field color is a dark blue to give the painting an evening feeling.
If and when I show again at the Pontiac Center for the Arts, I would love to exhibit these two paintings together.
Balloon Ride
Balloon Ride is one of my favorite paintings that I have created in some time. The concept for the painting came about while I was working on a giant wooden “P” (8 x 4’) planned for the “POP! P’s of Pontiac” upcoming exhibition sponsored by the Pontiac Creative Arts Center. The show has been delayed due to the coronavirus however, Balloon Ride originally appeared on my giant “P.” I enjoyed it so much, I painted a second version (24” x 36”) which serves as a wonderful companion painting to Parachute Ride.
Mid-Century Modern Cat with Mouse
Mid-Century Modern Cat with Mouse was painted in 2018 and was featured in the 2019 publication, “The Art of Michael Crane: Cats Rule” (Treasure Press, Detroit, MI). The red background coupled with the eye to eye connection between the cat and mouse really create tension. The cat’s tail creates a nice visual counterbalance to the mouse. The mouse tries to pull forward while the cat’s tail conversely curls.
Mid-Century Modern Cat with Mouse, 2018
Muskox and Sleeping Cat
Muskox and Sleeping Cat was painted for a young friend (Rocco) who is an expert in all things animals and his favorite animal just happened to be the Muskox. Rocco and his parents (Tony and Laura) have hosted Michelle and myself at their family cottage in East Tawas (MI) many fun-filled weekends. We have taken to calling this friends circle our “Cottage Adventure Friends.”
Because of the obvious size difference between a cat and a Muskox, I chose to paint the orange cat sleeping on the back on the large animal. The sleeping cat is a departure from my typical equestrian cat sitting on top of various animal friends while waving.
Sheltering in Place
So, we, like everyone else, are sheltering in place. This Coronavirus pandemic is something we’ve never experienced before and it is wicked. We’re feeling a bit cooped up but we’re doing our part to practice the rules about washing hands, remaining six feet apart, etc – Snuggie cats wanted you to know they are taking this serious as well. Stay in everyone. We need to flatten the curve to beat this beast.
