Tree Study

Do you remember seeing this tree? It was first introduced in January, 2008, when I sent it to the Texas Watercolor Society. It was selected to be in the exhibition by the juror, Jeanne Dobie. It was a thrill to have an artist I admire select one of my paintings. I showed "Tree Study" on another post in March when I was notified that the painting had won a bronze medal and an impressive check for "Best Transparent Painting" in the Texas Watercolor Society exhibition.

On June 12th when I attended the reception for the Fountain City Art Center's Open Show I was surprised and delighted to see a "Best of Show" ribbon on the "Tree Study" painting.

Before The TWS show and the FCAC show I had entered "Tree Study" in another competition. It was the first time out for a very new painting. It was rejected. I accepted the juror's opinion, but decided to send the painting out into the art world for other reactions. I am so glad I did!

Leo the Lap-Leopard

A few weeks ago I was introduced to "Leo" by Shannon, a family friend. That was the first time I had heard of the Lap-Leopard, or Bengal breed of cat. The breed came from selective breeding of the Asian leopard cat and a domesticated cat through at least four generations. The result is a beautifully marked leopard-looking cat with a mellow, loving, playful personality. As Leo lay draped across Shannon's shoulder, he was purring. If only my painting had sound, you would hear his song

After meeting and painting Leo, I wanted to learn more about the breed. I "googled" and found several sites with good photos of Bengal Cats. The coloration of a Bengal may be brown, snow, or silver. The markings may be typical Leopard spots or a beautiful marbling.

I found many sources of information about the Lap-Leopard/Bengal Cat on the Internet. www.SantaFeCattery.com, www.pet-net.net/surprisevalley/aboutbengals, and www.kittysites/breed/bengal are three sites I "googled". There are many more with great kitty photos.