On Her Terms

Mixed Media — Water-Based Paint and Colored Pencil

Missy was one of my beloved cats, a beautiful girl with a personality entirely her own. Affection was always on her terms. If you wanted to pet her when she wasn't interested, she wanted nothing to do with you. But when Missy decided she wanted attention, you were expected to oblige—until she had enough, at which point she might turn around and give you a bite!

Working from a photograph I took of her, I was drawn to that wonderfully aloof expression and the sideways glance that seemed to capture her independent spirit. Using a combination of paint and colored pencil, I explored the soft textures of her fur through layers of muted greens, blues, and violets, contrasting them with the warmth of the golden background.

This portrait captures the unmistakable attitude of a cat who knew exactly what she wanted—and made certain everyone else knew it, too.