A few days ago I reached my 100th day of daily art (barring those couple of sick days). I felt so surprised that 100 days had already passed, but at this point it’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t draw or paint everyday. The sketch I did on the 100th day was not exceptionally exciting, another loose watercolour sketch.
But to celebrate my milestone instead of rewarding myself I decided I wanted to give thanks to a friend of mine who has been a constant support throughout my artistic journey. I met her online a few years ago but have since met her in real life and she’s just as wonderful in person. She is the proud owner of two very handsome specialty siamese cats. I’ve seen a few photos of them online and decided to do a pet portrait especially for her.
This is the prototype for her red siamese, Rio. You can tell that I really overworked this, particularly his face and the shadows. But that’s okay because this was just the first draft and I was trying to work out what colours to use and how to approach it.
My second attempt turned out much better, I feel like I captured a bit of a likeness here (long face, very large ears and regal look). I kept the shadows lighter and not so grey and did away with the distracting shadow underneath him. I sent it off yesterday and am crossing my fingers that she likes it. It is the least I can do for someone who has cheered me on every step of the way.
Do you make art for others, as a way to give thanks or to mark an occasion?
Mel is North 
Yes exceptional! I feel the same and believe doing an illustration a day, is now like breathing the scents of a bakery as the doors open.
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Lovely cat, and what a kind gesture, too. Beautiful colors!
I often use watercolor cards to send a smile through the mail. Inexpensive and fun way to do it!
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Great eyes on those cats.
I make things for people all the time. It’s a nice gesture of friendship I think.
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Congratulations on the smashing through this endeavour 🙂
Those are finely painted cats! 😀
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Nice drawings. But giving thanks is groovy stuff.
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Weee – tomatoes in hand, am I inspiring? YOU inspire me. I thought of you with the daffodils. Lovely portrait!
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PS I love both cats!
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I definitely use art as gifts!! And when I receive art it gives me a special warmth that something hand made does. Happy 100th day!! Those cats have so much personality and the eyes…they are siamese! I like the tomatoes as well, the bleeding is pleasing. And as I type that, I really hope that stays in context…”the bleeding is pleasing” just sounds wrong…….ahh smile!
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Thank you, and yes sometimes art terms are funny. I love the bleeding too 😉
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Thank you so much!
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Thank you!
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I hope to make more things for people, art always makes a good gift 🙂
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I want to give those watercolour postcards a try someday, but a little scary showing my art not only to the recipient but also to everyone at the post office!
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Such a great way to put it Barry, I couldn’t agree more.
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These have envelopes but I know what you mean. I bought postcards too and never used them yet!
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Congratulations on 100 days, a real milestone. Great cats so interesting to see the first and second version. I also make art to give to friends, it is so pleasing to give something you made yourself and it is something I have done since I was a child. Somethings I just don’t grow out of. Karen
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I especially love the tomatoes!
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You are so talented. I really admire the way you share your self-critiques with us. I love the looseness of your work (those tomatoes) and the ability you have to add the details that turn a blob into something recognizable. Brilliant. What happens on day 366?
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You are so kind! I’m still working on getting those blobs to look good 😉 I’m definitely going to be going past day 366, it’s hard to imagine life without it now really. Who knows where it might lead!
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