Monday, February 01, 2010

Ol' blue eyes


I usually have sketchbooks all over the house, pretty much in every room in fact, just in case something inspires me.

While the crow is still in progress, this blue eyed cat caught my eye.  Blue eyes in cats is usually reserved for Siamese and similar breeds but sometimes finds its way into crossbreeds.



This cream/ginger cat has the most beautiful eyes and because I love to draw eyes, I started it just as an informal sketch.   I also wanted to use some coloured pencils again, as I haven't touched them for awhile.  Its always a pleasure for me to get back to drawing again.


These are the progression shots I took along the way going from bottom to top.  It was done on Dayler Rowey Earthbound sketchbook, recycled brown paper using Derwent Coloursoft pencils.

If I had a cat with eyes such a lovely blue as this I'd be doing a lot of portraits of it I think.

10 comments:

sue said...

Oh, fabulous! Those eyes are mesmerizing. What a jewel-like color you captured.

RH Carpenter said...

Oh, this is so lovely! You've done an outstanding job on the eyes and I might consider this finished, leaving the rest not as detailed so we just fall into those eyes. I was told in a veterinary office that white cats with blue eyes are often deaf. I had a white cat when I was younger and she had the most amazing blue eyes. I don't think she was deaf.

Teresa Mallen said...

Very striking! I don't think I have ever seen a cat with blue eyes. The eyes look like they were done in watercolour not cps. I imagine it is the paper giving it this effect. Very nice!

Marsha Robinett said...

What can I say, those eyes are striking. I agree with RH Carpenter, I hope you leave the head to fade into the background (a little unfinished) so the eyes are the focal point. Although, I have to admit, you could finish it in complete detail and the eyes would still stand out. Will be watching for the finished piece. Well done indeed.

Raspberry Doodles said...

Wow! I love this. I am enjoying the crow as well but this is amazing. Eyes are always what attract me and I would draw these lots as well.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Aren't the eyes an amazing colour Sue?

I'd heard about white cats being deaf too Rhonda. I guess some are, some not. This one has ginger in him/her and lots of cream. The paper works well as the background but the tooth of it isn't the greatest for cp.

Thanks Teresa. I love drawing eyes, I think I could do that all day. :)

The eyes do stand out against the cream Marsha. I'm not sure how finished this will be, its going to depend on the paper and how much cp it will hold. Sometimes sketchy pieces work well with just a strong focal point.

Thanks Pamela. I agree about drawing eyes, they are fascinating.

Jennifer Rose said...

these eyes are gorgeous! very lifelike :D

Unknown said...

Wow a very striking image

Gary said...

This is beautiful. I've always thought that if you nail the eyes in portraits or with animals you have it made with that particular piece. I agree - you could develop this in any way you want (or not) and it will be fantastic.

kslaughter said...

Stunning!