Saturday, June 18, 2011

The Fighter

The Fighter
8" x 16", acrylic


Tripod is a fighter in more ways than one.

First, he has a tenacious hold on life and has likely used up most of his nine lives by now through various incidents unknown to me, the most serious being loss of a front leg.  His feral ways show through from time to time and more so when he is asleep and dreaming.  He growls, hisses and spits in his sleep.  Scary, ferocious sounds that make the hair on the back of my neck go up.

As an intact male (The Other One takes it as a personal affront when I mention vet and neutering) territorial fights occur.  There are few cats around as I'm a good distance from any neighbours, but one does keep turning up and he and Tripod have disagreements.  Usually instigated by Tripod I might add.

Tripod is territorial to the nth degree, despises all other animals, especially dogs and occasionally a human who doesn't take his fancy.  I'm presuming it was something to do with his wild years in the woods.  Its extreme to the point that I would not bring another animal in the house.  A grown dog he would stalk and attack.  A puppy or kitten, I have no doubt he would kill.  So it seems he'll be an only cat.

This painting shows him at his finest after a night outside in the summer.  The sun was streaming through the window.  Tripod was exhausted and very cranky, sleeping on a throw on the sofa, wrapping himself into contortions to get comfortable.  He was sporting various superficial war wounds, his fur looked like he'd been through a bog backwards and did I mention how cranky he was?

Needless to say, I let him sleep.

The painting is 8 x 16 on canvas board in acrylic.

11 comments:

"JeanneG" said...

Wonderful job with a wonderful pose.

Jennifer Rose said...

cranky, but he looks content :p

Nancy Van Blaricom said...

I always am thrilled when I see you have posted a story and painting about Tripod. His life is so intriguing ... his loss of leg and his affection for you and your home. More, more, more......

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Jeanne, he does sleep soundly.

Jennifer, he can have the personality of a rattlesnake some days, but is generally a happy boy.

Oh Nancy...life with Tripod is never dull, that's for sure. He's...let's just say 'unique' :)

irinapictures said...

Amazing painting. Speaks so much about Tripod by itself, about your love to this cat, about his strong character.
Though the story is so wonderful, too.

Lydie said...

It's the well-earned rest of the warrior! beautiful cat and nice tribute to your Tripod

Billie Crain said...

I adore this painting. Cats always look so angelic when they sleep no matter what their temperament. It still amazes me to think that as feral as he was he adopted you. He must have seen something very special in you.

vivien said...

beautiful painting and a lovely word portrait too :>)

Jeanette Jobson said...

Irine, thank you. He really is a very different animal.

Lydie, merci. He slept well that day.

Billie, its like small children, they're always at their sweetest when asleep! :)

I think he saw a soft sofa and a can opener in me... Seriously he still has the 'startle' reflex of a wild cat when surprised and is scarily fierce at times, mostly to other animals.

Thanks Vivien. I should make a little video of him to show his wild side sometime.

A Brush with Color said...

I always smile and think Tripod is the best name for a cat. LOVE this!

Hedera said...

A beautifully captured moment Jeanette. I really do enjoy your "Tales of Tripod"!