Day fourteen USK challenge.. Pets

_20200502_094659

I drew this at about 3.30am but waited to post till now. This is my fourteenth urban sketchers Stoke-on-Trent drawing.

I have tried to draw the darker areas with heavier pen strokes. The lighter ones I’ve drawn with the same pen, but trying not to put as much pressure on. I used a unipin ink pen 0.8 size nib. On an A5 sheet of cartridge paper.

The stripey thing he is lying on is a knitted cushion in the shape of an owl. It’s my cats favourite sleeping spot as it’s over the gap between the chair arms of our two arm chairs, so he gets the chance to sleep between the two of us when we are there. He’s lying there now. Dozing…

Three years ago

FB_IMG_1559781711030

The kittens were starting to grow, getting ready to pack their bags and move in with their new parents.

I came across this photo today. They were so mischevious. The one with the black mask is still called Bandit, the new owners changed the other ones name.

I sometimes see photos of the two girl kittens, but I’ve lost track of how the boys are doing. Their mum and uncle are still here safe with us.

X

Sleeping cat

Then he decides to pose, to shade his eyes with his paw. To look cute, so sweet. Staying still so I can get photos of him. And no claws or biting, just wanting comfort and friendship. Warmth, snuggling, happy.

I know not everyone loves cats. They are seen as aloof and stand-offish. But when they trust you. They can be truly loving.

X

Outside cat.

IMG_20200408_010631_561

The outside cat continues to patrol the garden, curling up, cozy, at night in the shed. He gets treats and extra food. He is warm and snug, and he is enjoying the early spring sunshine.

Our two indoor cats are well. One has retreated upstairs now the sun is coming in more, I find him curled up on the windowledge or asleep on the bed. The female comes downstairs for love. But she is enjoying the spring heat too. They have plenty of food and water. To be honest, I think they are self isolating from us. Keeping out of the way to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. We’ve never been around so much!

New USK Stoke challenge day three.

_20200421_204817

Try drawing a speedy cat, and include the background. Our challenge today was to draw something we love. In my case its one of our cats. She likes balancing with her front paws on the airer I use for washing, and her back paws on the cat tree. The result is a bit wibbly-wobbly.

I haven’t done an exact portrait, but that’s because she keeps moving, unless she’s curled up in a tight ball. Her brother is a bit quiet at the moment. He’s been enjoying sleeping on the windowledge upstairs in the sun.

X

Angel cat

FB_IMG_1586648444928

“Remember Felix?” she said.

“Yes, he was a good cat”, he said.

They sat quietly and remembered their adventurous cat.

“Remember that Saturday, when he came through the cat flap with a sirloin steak?” he asked.

“yes” she replied “I had to take it off him!”

“And a week later he came in with half a chicken?” “yes, I think it was from the neighbours?, I couldn’t tell them, and I think they blamed their own cat!”

“I still miss him, he was cheeky”.

They looked at each other.

“I bet he’s in heaven”, he said.

“You don’t believe in that stuff do you?” she said.

“bet he wangled his way in, and there’s a big ginger cat up their sporting a pair of wings?”

“maybe” she smiled.

Two tier cats

_20200411_133700

Two cats are taking over the kitchen. The boy is up on the cupboard, while the girl races towards me as soon as I get my phone to take their pictures. I just managed to snap this before she got to me.

I want to get out later on and try and get a photo of the cherry blossom in the garden. It’s just starting to burst, but the forecast is for the weather to get cold again in a couple of days so  I hope the blossom stays safely furled till after the weather improves again.

Anyway the cat wants a love, so better go now. X