Inspired by love

Today my work was inspired by love. Marmalade reminds me of my niece's cat Sebastian, a great orange tabby, who was exactly the color of her hair. Sebastian would sit on her should while she ate breakfast then he'd sneak down her arm and lap up any milk left in her bowl.

Sally is inspired by my neighbor's wonderful old hound. Sally was my friend, she was a great listener,     gave wonderful kisses and was always ready to go exploring. I never see a hound with her markings that doesn't bring warm memories to my heart. I'm glad she was my friend.

Marmalade tabby, 9x12 inches, pastel on paper.

Sally, 12x10 inces, pastel on paper.

Fresh snow in the mountains and on paper

Snowman with hat, 9.5x11 inches, pastel on paper.

Snow puppy, 9.5x11 inches, pastel on paper.

Cats and politics

In a good will gesture, I am giving equal time to canine and feline presidential candidates. Today, I present Loki, a fluffy, loving and silly cat from the animal shelter in Hermiston, Oregon. Loki is an independent cat who takes advice from no one he is influenced by food and tummy rubs.

Loki for President, 9x11 inches, pastel on paper.

Smoking Jacket and Politics

Dog in smoking jacket, 9x11 inches, pastel on paper

Sick of politics? 

Red and Blue

Red cat, blue cat will you purr of me?

Look into my eyes you are getting sleepy,  5x7 inches, pastel on paper

Wild and weird calico, 9x11, pastel on paper

Check out my candidates

Write in the most egotistical creatures on earth, cats, for our highest elected office and see just how well the government works. These felines promise to sleep late, play all night, distain 98% of humanity, including heads of state and the Queen of England (She's a dog lover.) and destroy the rugs in the White House and capitol. They promise to keep the White House and all official buildings rodent free.

For a Rodent Free White House Vote Beautiful Felines.

Vote Smakoge for President 2016
5x7 inches, pastel on paper

Old Blue Eyes for VP
5x7 inches, soft pastel on paper

Vote for ME!
5x7 inches, soft pastel on paper

Raining Cats and Dogs

Today was a perfect day to spend in the studio creating pastel paintings of whimsical pets. As rain pelted my windows I had a wonderful time painting some of my best friends. 

Busy puppy takes a break, 5x7 inches, pastel on paper.

I ate the whole thing, 5x7 inches, pastel on paper.

Mad Cap Cats

It's a rainy day, two dogs snooze at my feet while I play with soft pastels making cat paintings. Painting on a rainy day makes me happy.

Mad cat Loki, 9x11.5 inches, pastel on paper.

Green eyes, 12x14 inches, pastel on paper.

Whimsical Abstract Pet

Inspired by a Boston terrier, a warm summer evening and a little magic.

Who am I? Fido? 18x22 inches, pastel on paper.

Quick Pastel Sketches

I enjoy doing quick sketches of my canine friends because it allows me to work just with shapes and colors. Working fast doesn't give me time to over think what I'm doing. I work so quickly I can't ask myself if I'm doing it right or good enough -- I just have fun.

Leaping the Rainbow Bridge, 9.5x11.5, soft pastel and crayon on paper.

Edgar in motion, 9.5x11.5 inches, pastel on paper.

Falkor, 9.5x11.5 inches, pastel on paper.

Scout Mcsassypants, 9.5x11.5 inches, pastel on paper.