Saturday, January 24, 2009

The look

The Look
9 x 12 watercolour

"After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference."- Charlotte Gray

Anyone who's ever owned a cat knows this look. Its that mix of anger, disdain and extreme disappointment in the human race when they have once again failed to anticipate a feline's wishes.

This sketch in watercolour let me try to capture it.

14 comments:

"JeanneG" said...

They say a cat never forgets anything.

Laure Ferlita said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laure Ferlita said...

Living with 3 of the furry creatures, I'd say you've nailed it. It's that look that makes you wonder if you should go to sleep that evening!

Very expressive portrait - it has a monochromatic feel to it, yet includes a vibrancy from all the additional colors one does not expect to find in a cat.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I don't doubt that for a moment Jeanne.

Laure, the look is priceless isn't it? This may turn into a full blown painting. I like to test the water first to see if I can pull it off first.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Perfect! Not what you'd call a poker face. Very nice fur too.

Carol Feldman said...

Perfect!

Dermott said...

Well, I don't know. Every time I look into a cat's face I just see calories and weight going onto my hips.

Anita said...

My cat used to sulk when I went away - at least she would sulk when I got back. She would sit with her back to me and heave deep sighs.
Super look - I think I recognise that one as well!

Jo Castillo said...

Nicely done.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I've seen this look a lot from Tripod Robyn. Fur is difficult in watercolour!

Thanks Carol.

Dermott, Tripod would like to invite you to supper. He says you're supper. And recalling how he has to be peeled off dogs, it may be wise to politely decline the invitation.

That's funny Anita. They do have moods I know. We're in the process of laying wood floors in the living and dining room. The cat is definitely NOT impressed. With either the disruption or the new texture. This look is a constant now.

Thanks Jo.

annie said...

You nailed it, all right. And when I enlarged the painting I could see an expressive mouth full of disdain.
I was raised by a lot of cats whose faces continually revealed how low they had sunk to put up with my family and with me, especially.
annie

Billie Crain said...

omg..this is the best. LOL! you captured 'the look' perfectly. i see it almost everyday now. they seem to become grumpier and less tolerant of me with old age. just like some people, i suppose. the other 'look' is pure disgust. they are very similar.

Jan said...

Although I haven't had a cat in several years, I know that look very well! Good capture!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Oh yes Annie, how they put up with is is thinly veiled under that look of disdain.

I take that as a compliment from the 'cat expert' :) I find they get more demanding over time and less tolerant.

Thanks Jan. It seems to be a universal look, doesn't it?