A day in the life of me and my cat
I was going to write about a day in the life of a hard working pet portrait artist, but then I started thinking about the wonderfully laid-back-life my cat Titus has, so I thought it would be fun to compare and contrast the two.
Breakfast
Titus spends the early hours of the morning resting in a flowerbed at the end of my garden. He always keeps one eye on the kitchen window, though, watching for the moment when someone arrives to serve him breakfast. When he spots me, he comes running in through the cat flap and looks up expectantly at the door handle.
We enjoy our breakfast while I post on Instagram, and reply to emails, messages and Instagram comments.
An exciting new project
I tidy my work space, organise my pencils and then get to work on an exciting new project. It’s a new set of Christmas cards called “Animal Families in the Snow.” I’ve selected some cute reference photos of a reindeer, a penguin and a polar bear, each with their young.
Titus likes to distract me and be the centre of attention so he sits on my work. Once the artwork for the cards is completed I’ll scan them in, adjust the colours for printing, and then make them available in my online store in time for Christmas. I have a lot of commissions to complete before then too so it’s great to have made a good start on the cards now.
Packaging up a completed portrait
After a few hours outlining and drawing the cards, I package up a recently completed commission while Titus sleeps on my pillow. Most of my artwork comes in a presentation box but as this is a pastel drawing I cover it in glassine paper and sandwich it safely in-between two sheets of firm white-board for extra protection.
Hot Chocolate
Then it’s hot chocolate and Netflix - I need to relax too!
Starting my next commission
Feeling refreshed, I sketch out a new pastel portrait and begin work on layering up the colours. This one is a give-away for a charity fundraiser I helped with last year. Halfway through, Titus disappears for his dinner and then tests out a new sleeping place for comfort. Three cushions seem to give just about the right level of comfort!
Crochet
After finishing the outline and making good progress with this drawing, I spend some time at the end of the day doing one of my favourite hobbies - crochet! At the moment I’m making a jumper. Titus has a play with his crochet mouse before settling down for another sleep on my bed.
So that was our day. Mine seemed slightly busier than my cat’s but maybe his is only just beginning. Perhaps I should get him a GPS collar to find out what he gets up to at night!
I’ve written previously about other artists and their pets, but I hope you have enjoyed finding out a little bit more about me and Titus. It’s been fun to document my day and has reminded me of how grateful I am to be doing something I love so much. If you would like me to create a beautiful portrait of your pet, or would like to commission one for a friend, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.