Tag's Cats Art

Tag's Cats 3rd Annual Bronte Memorial Valentine's Day Art Giveaway (99)

2011-02-12T16:53:00.000-06:00

Tag's Cats 3rd Annual Bronte Memorial Valentine's Day Art Giveaway (99)

ocean original acrylic painting by tagscats on Etsy

2011-02-05T22:16:00.001-06:00

ocean original acrylic painting by tagscats on Etsy

green eggs oil painting original by tagscats on Etsy

2011-02-05T16:14:00.001-06:00

green eggs oil painting original by tagscats on Etsy

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment : Artists : Painting/Drawing : Tracey Allyn Greene

2010-12-18T21:14:00.000-06:00

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment : Artists : Painting/Drawing : Tracey Allyn Greene

My profile on the Lowe Mill site where my new studio is...woot!

Chilled Elegance by winjimir on Etsy

2010-12-13T11:11:00.000-06:00

Chilled Elegance by winjimir on Etsy

really nice collection....honored to be included....lots of gift ideas here!

Art of the Day - Art: "Clean Feet" by Artist Tracey Allyn Greene

2010-09-30T09:20:00.000-05:00

Art of the Day - Art: "Clean Feet" by Artist Tracey Allyn Greene: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Asian Dragon Tattoo, session 7, DONE!!

2010-04-28T19:04:00.001-05:00

dragontattoo session 7
Originally uploaded by tagscats

dragon tattoo session 6

2010-04-18T21:20:00.001-05:00

dragon tat session 6
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Cherry blossoms colored this session....about 2.5 hours....tough session, I was a bit dehydrated going in and did not feel good, but, toughed it out to complete the blossoms. Perhaps one more session, work to do on the head still and a few other bits....go in again week after next....but I am so amazingly pleased with it!!!!

"Alabama Landscape I" 16x20 oils

2010-04-03T16:03:00.001-05:00

"Alabama Landscape I" 16x20 oils
Originally uploaded by tagscats

new art!

dragon tattoo session 3

2010-02-19T22:42:00.001-06:00

dragon tattoo3a
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Session 3 of my asian dragon tattoo...added some color today...blue belly, yellow back scales, red flames....next session 3 weeks...boy, hard session, boy I am tired......hard sit....

Announcing the winner of the pet portrait give-away!

2010-02-14T20:47:00.002-06:00

The second annual Bronte Memorial Valentine's Day pet portrait give-away took place this afternoon, despite a tough start to the day losing my cat Oscar.

I started out by writing all the names of the entrants on slips of paper, and then crumpled each piece and place them in a bowl. My cat Jackson heard me crumpling paper, and was immediately interested....he loves to play with paper balls.....

He then had to get up on the table.....my black and white cat Deck soon followed....it was a struggle to keep them from running away with the entrants....

Then it was time to head into the studio.....and I had a following.....

Jackson was the most interested at first, and I thought he would get the winning paper ball...

But.....it was once again my little black cat Poe who grabbed the winner, as he did last year....

       And Poe says the winner of the 16x20 pet portrait is......Brenda Rion!!!

And because we had so much participation....I decided to do a draw for second place, that person to receive a custom pet rock portrait....



As my former Forgotten Felines black cat Charles looks on, it was my big boy and also former Forgotten Felines cat Deck who pulled it out this time, and the winner of the pet rock portrait is Kathryn Leber!!

Obviously, choosing the second place winner took a lot out of him....and he had to stretch out for a while....

There was still a lot of interest in the bowl of paper balls throughout the afternoon....I will be finding them all over my studio for weeks now...it does not take much to amuse my crew....



But finally....things got a little boring and it was time to take care of more pressing business....

So, the second annual Bronte Memorial Valentine's Day pet portrait give-away comes to a close.....congrats to the winners, and a big thank you to all who participated and helped out the cats of Forgotten Felines!!! You are ALL winners!!!    And stay tuned for pictures of the portraits when I finish them!

Oscar is gone...

2010-02-14T17:15:00.001-06:00

Oscar
Originally uploaded by tagscats

I adopted Oscar from a breeder friend back in 2001...he was the brother of the first oriental shorthair cat I got from them, dear Maya, and the father of my cat Pearl who I lost last spring. Such a fun big boy he was....I will miss him....it never gets easier losing them...

Custom pet portrait oil painting give-away!

2010-02-10T20:43:00.004-06:00

Yep, it's my annual Bronte Memorial Pet Portrait Give-Away! See my website for details on how to get in on it and help cats in need at the same time!!! Click on the link below...

Tag's Cats

pet portrait give-away!!

2010-02-06T18:43:00.002-06:00

Time for the second annual Bronte Memorial Valentine's Day Give-Away!! Dedicated to the memory of a rescue of my own, Bronte, a sweet tortie that passed away in 2009, I wanted to create something good in her memory, hence, the annual Bronte Memorial Valentine's Day Give-away. I can’t think of a better way to honor her than to help other cats in need. The Give-Away is a 16x20 custom pet portrait in oils, subject your choice, and the lucky winner is chosen at noon on Valentine's Day!

For more info on how to get in on the give-away and help cats in need, please email me at tracey@tagscats.com

Thanks!!!!

hummingbird

2009-10-12T19:46:00.001-05:00

hummingbird
Originally uploaded by tagscats

I just discovered a little hummingbird in torpor at my feeder on my front porch...how cool is that??

Tag's Cats next venue, Providence Artist Market!

2009-10-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

Due to the lousy weather, the HAL sponsored Providence Artist Market was re-scheduled for Sunday, October 11, from 11am-4pm. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day so come on out and enjoy some fabulous fine art! Providence is located in northwest Huntsville off US 72. We will be in the beautiful green field next to the Mellow Mushroom.

Along with the artists, there will also be a tent for the Forgotten Felines cat rescue, a local rescue that does fantastic work helping to find home for cats in need. They will have information on their adoptable cats, as well as some fun goodies to sell, the proceeds going toward their needy cats. I have several of their cats and can tell you from purrsonal experience that they do a great job with the kitties in their care. Please consider helping support their cause.

Hope to see you there!

new art for auction!

2009-10-05T16:36:00.002-05:00

Blue Sky, Red Clay
Originally uploaded by tagscats

A new encaustic piece, up for auction now on ArtByUs!

Click HERE to view auction!

new landscape painting for auction!

2009-09-26T22:10:00.002-05:00

Trees, Big Spring Park
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Up for auction on ArtByUs!

See auction HERE

new on Ebay!

2009-09-20T20:20:00.002-05:00

Bee and Rose of Sharon
Originally uploaded by tagscats

For the September Nibblefest Art Contest on Ebay, this original oil painting up for auction now starting at only $0.99!! So go check it out!

Click HERE to go to the auction!

Unique Views of Huntsville art reception tonight!

2009-09-17T08:07:00.001-05:00

Hey come join me and the artists of the Huntsville Art League at the reception for the Unique Views of Huntsville exhibit at the Huntsville Museum of Art! Reception runs from 6-8pm, tickets $25 per person and can be purchased through the Huntsville Art League Gallery or at the door. Food and wine provided by the Chef's Table, and wow can they put out a spread! But be sure to feast your eyes upon the art as well!! Be there!!

The Fisherman

2009-09-04T20:23:00.001-05:00

The Fisherman
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Been playing a lot lately with my palette knife. I really enjoyed painting this great blue heron. I first did an underpainting using my oil bars, then went over top of that using just a palette knife. Had lots of fun doing this large piece!

Lemons, still life

2009-09-04T20:19:00.001-05:00

Lemons
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This oil painting was one I had started a few years ago in an oil class, and just never got around to finishing it. I decided to take out my palette knife and finally finished it late last night, yay!

Sharing my studio....

2009-08-25T11:15:00.001-05:00

Dashiel behind my easel
Originally uploaded by tagscats

....with the cats, ever my muses!

Vinny, gone too soon

2009-07-28T20:36:00.001-05:00

Vinny, gone too soon
Originally uploaded by tagscats

I just don't know what to say, as I'm still in shock. I lost my sweet Vinny last Friday. He was only 5 years old. FIP. Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Incurable, deadly, cruel. A strange disease process that still so many don't understand. And it affects young kittens and young cats. No one knows why it only affects certain cats, for some reason it mutates and that is it. High fever, and a yellow fibrous fluid infiltrates lungs or the chest cavity or the abdominal cavity. There is no mistaking that fluid, and after I discovered Vinny not feeling well last Thursday evening and he had a high fever (105), I took him to the vet Friday and an x-ray showed the fluid, and a tap showed just what kind of fluid it was. He was already having issues breathing, and we let him go.

You know, after I lost Theo to the same disease process before I got Vinny, you would think that the odds would be low that Vinny would come down with it, especially so long after the fact. Theo was a snowshoe that I got as a kitten and payment for my first commissioned painting. He came down with FIP a couple of months after I got him. His breeder then gave me Vinny, different parents I believe, I don't quite remember. But FIP is still relatively rare, you don't see it often. I have had the strange luck to have been hit by it now 3 times (my siamese cat Dashiel's brother died of it back in 2000, no relation at all to Theo and Vinny). And, Dashiel is fine, he's now 9 years old. Why it takes one brother and leaves the other...why that mutates in some cats and leaves others unscathed, no one knows. It's not contagious, it is thought to be a mutation of a virus that just activates for some reason in some cats.

Anyway, Vinny came to me as a 12 week old kitten, so sweet, so laid back, delightful kink at the base of his tail. Loved everyone, and they him. Nothing phased him. Quiet meow, typical of snowshoes, and BIG purr. Often slept on my head at night. Was one of my regular crew that hangs with me in my studio. Loved to play with and tease the dogs. I miss him so.

Just not fair.

Is My Cat Right- or Left-Handed?

2009-07-27T16:45:00.000-05:00

Is My Cat Right- or Left-Handed?

New pear painting on Etsy!

2009-07-17T16:57:00.002-05:00

Pears in black and grey
Originally uploaded by tagscats

See details HERE!

Pablo...it's all hair...

2009-07-17T15:28:00.001-05:00

Pablo
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Bil's new name for our biggest rescue cat, Pablo, is Bluto...now that isn't very nice! He's just big-boned...

Red-eyed Tree Frog rock portrait

2009-07-14T18:59:00.002-05:00

Red-eyed Tree Frog rock portrait
Originally uploaded by tagscats

My first entry into the EBSQ 2009 Ripped Off Show!

See the show HERE

Member's Choice winner!

2009-07-08T16:18:00.002-05:00

Self-Portrait with Tattoo Sleeves - Member's Choice winner!
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Pretty cool! My piece in EBSQ's Tattoo show got the Member's Choice award! See all the fabulous entries HERE!

Gratuitous Cat Picture...

2009-07-08T09:48:00.001-05:00

Pablo & his rock portrait
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Pablo cuddling with a rock portrait I did of he and his buddy Cassady...

New pear painting on Etsy!

2009-07-05T15:41:00.002-05:00

"Giant Pear Pair" 30x40 oil bars on canvas
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Finished this one up the other day, used my Sennelier oil bars, so much fun!! Love being big and expressive, this one is a 30x40! woo hoo! See it on Etsy here:

Giant Pear Pair on Etsy

Featured Friday artist on the EBSQ blog!

2009-06-20T14:27:00.003-05:00

That would be me! yay! Honored to have been chosen to have my art and Etsy store profiled on the EBSQ blog! Please be sure to search tag "EBSQ" on Etsy to find many great artists! EBSQ artists rock!

Check out the blog post here: EBSQ Art Meets Blog Featured Friday

Of art and big bad roofers.....

2009-06-09T10:37:00.002-05:00

Cats hiding under bed
Originally uploaded by tagscats

What's been going on? Well, today the roofers arrived as we are finally getting our new roof. Not a great day for the furry crew. The dogs were upset at first but have finally settled down and are used to the noise, except for Tofu who runs about killing all the stuffed toys. As if to say "hey, this is what I'd do to those roofers given the opportunity! Oh yeah, I'm bad!"

The cats? have pretty much disappeared under the bed except for a few. Life is terrible, the roofers are trying to kill us, nothing will ever be the same again. Oh the humanity....

In other news, I have officially become the president of the Huntsville Art League. It is a talented artists' community and hoping to help things there in my own way to get these artists recognized. In that vein, I have started a Huntsville Art League Blog and have been posting on a regular basis on events and such, please feel free to comment and follow!

I have also started a Twitter account for HAL, so feel free to follow those twitters as well!
Huntsville Art League Twitter

And, HAL has a Flickr account too, yes! I've been busy!

HAL on Flickr

Will be doing up a Facebook page too, heck, why not? I want to make HAL accessable to as many people as I can!

Otherwise, I've started doing a few outdoor events and gearing up for the big shows in the fall. Life has kept me quite busy of late but I have lots of ideas for new paintings and can't wait to get back to the studio....

Art on Main tomorrow!

2009-06-05T12:15:00.001-05:00

Art on Main, sponsored by the Madison Arts Council, is an outdoor art show filling the streets of historic downtown Madison, Alabama for a monthly showcase of our region's finest artists, all carefully chosen for their outstanding work. Patrons will stroll the historic street to view and buy art, dine in the local restaurants, and visit the city's museum and shops.

I'll be participating in this one, with original works, prints, and cards. It runs from 10am-2pm. Stop by and say hi!

Orange kitty pet rock portrait

2009-05-29T15:04:00.002-05:00

Orange kitty pet rock portrait
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Available now in my Etsy shop!

Orange cat rock portrait listing HERE

JRT pet portrait rock donation

2009-04-05T20:41:00.004-05:00

JRT pet portrait rock donation
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This piece I just completed as a donation for a jack russell terrier rescue fundraiser, Carolinas Jack Russell Terrier Club, in South Carolina. I have a JRT mix, my dog Gumbo, and I love those little terriers.

I'm happy to help out animal rescues when I can. :-)

Click here to find out more about the JRT rescue and see their dogs for adoption.

Susu heats up!

2009-03-30T21:01:00.002-05:00

Susu heats up!
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Bought a new space heater for my studio yesterday as my old one had crapped out. Hadn't needed it of late as it's been warm and spring-like here, however, yesterday all the stormy weather brought some cool temps back to North Alabama. So, I brought out the new heater and turned it on to see how well it would work.

I no sooner turned back around and there was Susu, my little oriental shorthair girl, right up against it. I mean, if I had started to smell burnt cat hair I wouldn't have been surprised!!

Global warming?? My cats say bring it on!

foo dog tattoo sleeve, FINISHED!

2009-03-25T16:57:00.003-05:00

foodogwip5
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Uploaded pictures from the last two touchup sessions on my foo dog tattoo sleeve. 2 weeks ago, we had a 3 hour touchup session, that basically went over nearly everything....the blues of the peonies, the darks of the mane and tail and background, did some whites of the spots on the foo dog body as well as highlights of white on the swirls of the mane and tail.

Last night, did one last little session, just went into the whites again, and a bit of the light blue over my wrist bone (ow!). But, it's finished!!

I will so miss Shayna...I have been working with her for nearly 2 years, first on my tiger sleeve on my right arm, then the foo dog on my left. Lots of hours spent together, and we have become quite good friends. She leaves Huntsville next week to open a tattoo shop with her boyfriend in North Carolina. I wish her the very best, but will miss her. I hope we can stay in touch. The whole thing just leaves a lump in my throat.

Click HERE to see all the new pics in the set...

Another Nibblefest cat painting for auction

2009-03-23T21:28:00.002-05:00

Cat Groom
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Here's my last entry for auction for the Nibblefest Ebay art contest, theme this month, "asian inspired". I love doing chinese brushwork ink paintings of cats, and this is definitely asian-inspired, with a twist!

A portrait of a cat doing the groom....based on my rescue cat Kesey. This would be a good pairing with my other cat ink painting for auction on Ebay right now, check them out!

But, you have to get in there quick for this one, as it's only a 3 DAY AUCTION!

Cat Groom Ebay Auction

sleeping cat ink painting, on Ebay now!

2009-03-22T20:14:00.002-05:00

sleeping cat ink painting
Originally uploaded by tagscats

One of my entries in the Ebay Nibblefest art contest. This is a themed contest that runs each month starting on the 20th and ending on the 27th, each piece of art starting at a no reserve price of $.99! Now how great is that?? This month's theme is Asian Inspired.

I have 2 pieces running right now, may have a third to list later tonight...

This piece is a chinese brushwork painting of a favorite subject of mine, a sleeping cat. This one based on my cat Alice. This is hand-ground chinese ink 9x12 Arches 300# watercolor paper.

Sleeping Cat Ebay Auction

Lotus painting Ebay auction

2009-03-22T19:58:00.002-05:00

Lotus
Originally uploaded by tagscats

One of my entries in the Ebay Nibblefest art contest. This is a themed contest that runs each month starting on the 20th and ending on the 27th, each piece of art starting at a no reserve price of $.99! Now how great is that?? This month's theme is Asian Inspired.

I have 2 pieces running right now, may have a third to list later tonight...

This first piece is a chinese brushwork painting of lotus flowers, watercolors on 8x10 Arches 300# watercolor paper.

Lotus Ebay Auction

raffle piece, second place

2009-03-17T19:37:00.002-05:00

Minnie's Seinfeld cats
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This is the finished piece for my second place winner in my Valentine's Day raffle that benefited a local feline rescue. This second place winner won a rock portrait and I painted 3 of her cats on this large rock! She calls them her Seinfeld cats, and this is Kramer, Jerry and George! Such cute cats and such fun subjects! Enjoy them Minnie!!

I have a beautiful black cat to paint in oils on canvas for the first place winner, that will be arriving here soon, so stay tuned!

Dashiel under cover

2009-03-17T19:28:00.002-05:00

Dashiel under cover
Originally uploaded by tagscats

My rescue siamese Dashiel likes to burrow under the covers and sleep, I caught this shot of just his paw sticking out last night, lol.

Silly head.

new storage!

2009-03-17T19:09:00.002-05:00

new storage!
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Yesterday Bil hung some shelving in the garage to house some of my larger canvases, 30x40's and whatnot...so glad to get these up and out of the way! And, now that they aren't languishing in packing boxes behind and under things, I can get at them a bit easier and know what I have as well.

yay!

foo dog tattoo sleeve, more progress shots...

2009-02-27T17:01:00.002-06:00

foo dog eyes
Originally uploaded by tagscats

So, I posted last night that I went in and we worked the sleeve AGAIN, lol....I can't believe I'm doing this every week. It's SO much fun having a sore arm all the time. And, it was sore last night, feels a bit better today.

Anyway, check out the progess shots of the peony flowers that have been finished, and the foo dog eyes and a bit of white added here and there...only touchups mostly to do now....perhaps 2 more sessions??

Going in again next Wednesday....

See all progess shots here...

foo dog tattoo sleeve, work in progress...

2009-02-25T14:15:00.003-06:00

inside arm, wind bars & smoke
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Last Thursday we did more work on my tattoo sleeve. Seems strange to be going in so often for these sessions, but with Shayna leaving in April, time is of the essence. The nice thing is that we are able to work different portions of my arm in each session.

We did background this session, traditional japanese windbars and colored the smoke. The smoke looks reddish in these photos, but, as it heals is turning a light grey. The windbars will stay darkish.

Tomorrow, we will be doing more work, hoping to finish the blue peony flowers and perhaps do some more highlights of white and some touchup. Almost finished....

More photos of my foo dog sleeve here

Rusty

2009-02-23T21:49:00.002-06:00

Rusty
Originally uploaded by tagscats

I was commissioned to paint a lovely german shepherd, and while I was working on this rock portrait, Rusty suddenly and tragically passed away. So bittersweet. I am so hoping his owner finds comfort in this portrait. Rusty was such a beautiful dog.

Frida wins EBSQ Simon Sez challenge!

2009-02-23T21:30:00.002-06:00

Frida
Originally uploaded by tagscats

There is a weekly challenge on EBSQ called Simon Sez. The winner of the challenge each week picks the theme. Now how could I resist the "fur" theme?? lol! This photograph I took of my rescue cat Frida won last week, woo hoo!

See the EBSQ Blog for details...

On Ebay right now!

2009-02-21T14:00:00.002-06:00

Dashiel Sleeps with the Beanies
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This is my entry for the Ebay Nibblefest art contest this month, theme Vintage Cats. My cat Dashiel loves to sleep on top of my Beanie Babies, and I have painted him as such. This is an original 16x20 oil painting with a no reserve starting price of $.99, so, don't miss out on this auction! Search NFAC on Ebay this week from Feb. 20-27 for all the great Nibblefest entries!

Click HERE to see the auction!

Cat Charity Winner Announcement!

2009-02-14T15:51:00.001-06:00

Just announced the winner of my cat charity raffle, details in my LiveJournal blog...

Cats Decide the Winner!

This was so much fun to do, I think it will be an annual event. Thanks so much to all those who participated in the 2009 inaugural Tag's Cats Valentine's Day Raffle!

Raffle Reminder!!!

2009-02-12T16:38:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm posting about this again because, well, it's important! Time is running out to enter my charity raffle to benefit the cats of Forgotten Felines and get your chance to win a custom pet portrait! It's been tough times for everyone these days, and animal rescues especially have been hard hit. These rescue folk work so hard for the cats in their care, and remember that every little bit helps.

You only have until noon on Valentine's Day to enter, that is when one of my cats will be picking the winner!

RAFFLE INFO HERE

I've gotten a great response so far, thank you SO much to those who have opened their hearts to help these cats and those who so unselfishly care for them

Charity raffle - win a custom pet portrait!

2009-02-01T14:02:00.004-06:00

So, it's no secret it's been a pretty crappy few months around here in the house of many furries. I have lost 3 cats and a dog since just before Christmas. The latest, and really no surprise, was my sweet Bronte just this past Thursday. It was time, though no less heart-breaking, Bronte had been with me for nearly 17 years. She came to me a skinny flea-ridden kitten from the local humane society, and grew into a beautiful long-haired tortoiseshell cat, and kept her loving disposition throughout her life. She loved to be carried around and would rest her paws on my shoulder and purr into my ear.

I decided to honor her memory by helping other cats in need. I am running a raffle, the winner of which will receive a custom 16x20 pet portrait oil painting. The drawing will be held on Valentine's Day. All the proceeds will benefit a local feline rescue from whom I have adopted several cats, Forgotten Felines. Full details regarding the raffle can be found HERE

I'm happy to say since posting about it for the first time yesterday, I have some entrants already. Hoping for lots more!

Gentle journey, Bronte, my baby girl. I will always hear you purring in my ear.

Cat Pillow

2009-01-28T19:55:00.002-06:00

Cat Pillow
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Who says greyhounds and cats don't get along? That's Stella my greyhound using Dickens as a pillow....Dickens doesn't seem to mind too much.

Cat bed

2009-01-14T21:21:00.002-06:00

Cat bed
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Sunshine hits the bed in the afternoon, and so do the cats...

Stella & toys

2009-01-14T21:08:00.002-06:00

Stella & toys
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Stella, my greyhound, sleeping with her toys, is this just too cute? She obviously can't pick a favorite...

2 Pears II

2009-01-06T22:05:00.002-06:00

2 Pears II
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Just listed on Etsy, this is acrylic on 6x6 ampersand artist panel.

Dawn's Lucy - Lost and Found

2009-01-06T21:40:00.002-06:00

Dawn's Lucy - Lost and Found
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This is a portrait I did for a fellow artist Dawn Thompson. We were swap partners in the 2008 EBSQ pet portrait swap, and I was late getting her portrait finished and entered it into the EBSQ Better Late Than Never Show.

This is an oil portrait of her sweet rescued dog Lucy. I loved the photo ref of her snuggled on some beautifully patterned cushions and decided to paint her as such. This dog has blossomed under Dawn's care, I'm so glad she found her way to Dawn, for she is truly home now.

This is 16x20 oils on stretched canvas. There's still time to vote for your favorite piece in the EBSQ Late Show, a few days left, so get out there and see the great entries! It's free to become a patron!

Heather's Gumbo

2009-01-06T21:20:00.002-06:00

Heather's Gumbo
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This piece I finished on Christmas day. It's a portrait for a fellow EBSQ artist, Heather Sims. We meant to swap dog portraits for the 2008 EBSQ Pet Portrait swap, and both got overwhelmed, so ended up finishing our portraits in time for the EBSQ Better Late Than Never Show.

So, this is my entry and my portrait of Heather's beautiful collie pup, Gumbo. We decided to swap as we both have dogs named Gumbo, though mine is a JRT. It was so much fun painting her Gumbo, he's so lanky! I decided to put him on a fun size of canvas, this is an 8"x24" stretched canvas. He's done in oils, with a very limited palette, only titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, and a bit of cinnabar.

Feel free to visit the Better Late Than Never Show, and vote for your favorite piece, it's free to become a patron of EBSQ! Only 2 more days to vote on this show!

Stella - relaxed

2009-01-06T20:53:00.002-06:00

Stella - relaxed
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Oh to sleep like a greyhound.....though I have to say, I did wake up the other morning with my head hanging off the side of the bed, upside down. Now, how I got that way, I have no idea, except to think that I'm hanging around my dogs too much, lol!

Rock Hen portrait

2008-12-21T11:44:00.002-06:00

Rock Hen portrait
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Got this one finished, just in time for the Nibblefest contest this month on Ebay! In case you don't know, Nibblefest is a monthly challenge contest, starting on the 20th and ending on the 27th. Each artist comes up with a piece to fit the theme, this month's theme is chickens! All pieces start at $.99, no reserve. Search for NFAC on Ebay to find lots of great art by fabulous artists!

I decided to do a portrait of a rock hen, on a river rock of course! So, check it out and bid! You know you want to!

Rock Hen rockin portrait auction

1 Tomato 2 Tomato

2008-12-19T14:36:00.002-06:00

1 Tomato
Originally uploaded by tagscats

New art, a couple of still life studies of tomatoes. Acrylics on 5x5 artist panel. Getting ready for an exhibit in a few weeks. More in this series of still lifes to come, so, stay tuned!

See both in this series here

Foo dog, upper half shading 3

2008-12-14T16:22:00.002-06:00

Foo dog, upper half shading 3
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Friday afternoon I spent getting the body and tail of my foo dog shaded, I so love the swirls in his tail! Not a bad sit, except that poor Shayna had a cold and was wearing a mask. But she said the highlight of her day was getting to work more on my sleeve. It's coming along!

Foo Dog Tattoo Sleeve work in progress

2008-12-09T14:53:00.002-06:00

foodogwip5
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Session two of the work on my left arm foo dog sleeve. Did some shading of the foo dog, and some of the coloring on the peony over my wrist. These photos were taken the next morning. It's healing now, and I lost a bit of the blue over the wrist/hand, that is a tough spot to tattoo and keep ink, it will take some touchup. But, no worries, still lots to do. And touchup is a part of getting tattoos, especially large ones.

The shading on the foo dog looks really amazing, I can't wait to finish the rest of her. There will be white highlights eventually on this one as well.

Artists of Etsy Exposed treasury!

2008-12-07T07:55:00.001-06:00

Artists of Etsy Exposed treasury!
Originally uploaded by tagscats

How great is this?? I'm in THE hottest treasury on Etsy, RIGHT NOW!

So get your buns over there and see it, before it's gone!

Woo hoo!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=25085

new art on Etsy!

2008-11-25T00:44:00.003-06:00

Just added a ton of stuff to my Etsy store, originals, prints, tile prints, framed prints, cards....among them this elephant painting. It's HUGE, 30x40, oils, oil bars, and graphite. It was oh so fun to paint!

elephant listing

Also, I'm running big sale on my tile prints, buy 2 get the 3rd 50% off! That's 3 tile prints for $20! Affordable and fun for gift-giving for the animal and art lover on your list!

tagscats.etsy.com

Tag has been tagged!

2008-11-23T17:01:00.003-06:00

So there's this "tag you're it" thing going on here amongst the art bloggers. And right now I'm the "it" girl, according to Kari Tirrell, who tagged me. The rules?

1. Place a link to the person that tagged you

2. List seven unusual things about yourself

3. Tag (and link to) seven other artists at the end of your post, and post on their blogs to let them know they’ve been tagged.

So, here's some stuff about me that may or may not be unusual, that's always a matter of perspective, now, isn't it?? lol

Well, at the moment I'm drinking out of a mug with no handle. It was broken off a few weeks ago as one of the cats knocked it off the counter. Why am I still drinking out of it? Not because I have a mug shortage, there are mugs in my cabinet that probably haven't seen the light of day in years. But, it's my favorite mug and I can't seem to part with it. There is a picture of a dog taking a poo on it, underneath that it says "This Coffee Tastes Like Crap". I mean, how great is that?? Ok, so, I drink tea, but, why be picky? BTW, this mug comes from a site still around, and it amuses me to this day, Dogdoo.com, and yeah, I have and wear, out in public, their t-shirt. Did I mention I like toilet humor?

I have several cats. More than 10. I have dogs too (the definite count of them is 6.), though I seem to have a special connection with felines. And yes, the cats, all of them, do know their names and answer to them, my cat sitter was even amazed at that fact. But, why not? I talk to them all day long. I wasn't allowed pets as a kid, I'm sure there's probably some psychological meaning to that (um, yeah, I'm nuts), but, so what? I've always had a connection to animals, the reason I was a vet tech for so many years, and good at it. And, the reason I paint them today. Most days, I'd much rather spend time with them than hang with my human counterparts, they are always there for me. I consider that a good thing. Nothing better, in fact, than painting in my studio, and looking around at all my furry companions hanging out here and there. It's a very zen feeling for me, a peaceable kingdom, if you will.

I'm uncomfortable being watched by people. But, for some strange reason, I have always been involved in activities that at times involve just that! I grew up playing the piano, but would not practice unless everyone left the room. Recitals were the pits, and because I played well, I often had to go last or nearly last, and it was torture to sit there waiting my turn. I loved the challenge of bodybuilding during my 20's and 30's, but it was very tough to stand on stage and be judged. If my husband hangs around watching me in my studio, I stop painting until he leaves, lol, and yet I have put my art out for the world to see. Maybe it's because I am stubborn to a fault. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, though my husband would probably (no, most definitely) disagree on that point. But, it's a trait that has helped me in many ways. In fact, stubborn is probably the wrong term. Determined, willful, I like those terms better. It helped me get through stage fright during my piano recitals, helped when I was a national level natural (no drugs) bodybuilder, helped me to become a good vet tech, helps me to be a better painter, helps me to get up and go running most mornings because it's good for me, and it helps me to deal with long tattoo sits. :-)

Oh, and on that subject, I have several tattoos. I have some smaller ones, but I really have a thing for sleeving my arms, my right arm is finished and just completed the outline on my left arm. Traditional japanese tattoo art, and all with meaning to me. The right arm is dedicated to my muse, the left, to my mom. And no, just because my arms will be filled, doesn't mean I'm going to get a face tattoo. So stop worrying about it. ;-) And not that there's anything wrong with face tattoos, I know people with them and they are nice folk.

I do tend to hoard art supplies. Canvas, brushes, paper. Hey, you never know when Jerry's Artarama or Dick Blick might suddenly be swallowed up by a black hole. And, I'll use all of this stuff one day. Really. Hey, fellow artists and hoarders, you know EXACTLY what I'm saying here, please explain it to my husband too while you are at it.

I'm sort of a vegetarian, but, not quite. My husband became a vegetarian 4 years ago and for the most part, for ease of shopping and cooking, I am too. However, I haven't been able to give up a few favorite things....chicken fajita quesadillas at my favorite Mexican restaurant, or turkey/coleslaw/provolone deli sandwiches. And sometimes I really crave a great big thick hamburger, or, a fat little mouse (oops, sorry, that was me channeling one of my cat's thoughts... ) Anyway, I spend a lot of time with my obligate-carnivore cats, so it's difficult to go without meat entirely.

My husband has never called me Tracey, only Tag. I had a shirt on with my initials the day we met, and he's never called me anything but Tag since that day. I know most of his side of the family, 25 years later, still thinks my name IS Tag.

So, that's a little about me, and now I'm about to tag 7 of my artist friends, and, hopefully, they will play along, and you will learn some fascinating things about them....Noelle Hunt, Manon Doyle, Carol Cooper, Valerie Jeanne, Lauren Cole Abrams, Griselda Tello, and Windi Rosson.

Cat Clump

2008-11-21T10:02:00.001-06:00

Cat Clump
Originally uploaded by tagscats

Not happy with the chilly day here, so, it's time to use Vinny on the bottom as a heating pad.

Bee & Rose of Sharon

2008-11-15T15:34:00.002-06:00

Bee & Rose of Sharon
Originally uploaded by tagscats

A new 10x10 oil painting on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=17367539

5x7 sleeping ink cat

2008-11-15T15:02:00.002-06:00

5x7 sleeping ink cat
Originally uploaded by tagscats

A new ink cat painting just listed on Etsy! This one based on my sweet Alma cat.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17365571

foo dog tattoo sleeve

2008-11-15T13:35:00.003-06:00

foo dog face
Originally uploaded by tagscats

This was a long tattoo sit. And, I had approved the design last week that Shayna had drawn up and we were going to start the outline. I was thinking it would be piece by piece, starting with the foo dog, but, Shayna was SO excited to do this piece, she had the entire arm pretty much mapped out. lol So, we started the stenciling. Amazingly, we got the foo dog stencil on in one try, which is so difficult to do wrapping something around one's arm. Then the peony under my arm, and the kanji tag, smoke, and the cherry blossoms.

Probably about 3.5 hours of continuous tattooing....but, we got the entire outline finished. I was pretty tired, and, Shayna had a blister on her thumb, lol.

So, it's a traditional foo dog, a symbol of protection. Closed mouth, which represents a female. Together with peonies, also symbols of protection. The red tag contains the kanji for "mother", as this entire sleeve is a memorial to my mom. And the cherry blossoms which also symbolize the beauty and frailty of life. The smoke curls are lighter as they will be perhaps greyish, or, we may color them. The foo dog will be black and grey shaded, with bluish eyes. The peonies will be bright blue (blue represents wisdom), cherry blossoms shades of pink. The background will be wind, also a traditional background for the foo dog, and, it fits in with the wind bars and hummingbird already on my shoulder. When you see foo dogs in pairs guarding temples, the male is typically on the right, and the female on the left. Also, foo dogs are actually depictions of lions, they are not dogs. So, I have a tiger on my right arm, a lion on my left. It's not entirely known the origin of foo dogs, some think it came from stories heard about the Buddhist temple lion guardians, others think it comes from an early Japanese Shinto religion that had a lion protector, and the early artists used dogs as models for they had no idea what lions looked like.

This feels so right, I feel like I've been waiting for this tattoo for a long time. It's for you mom.

See all the photos here...

http://flickr.com/photos/tagscats/

friend me!

2008-10-28T10:05:00.002-05:00

I'm on Facebook and Twitter now, so, feel free to friend me! You can see Twitter updates on this blog as well...

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1401564908&ref=profile

http://twitter.com/tagscats

Black Cats Etsy treasury!

2008-10-28T00:26:00.004-05:00

I managed to nab an Etsy treasury, and featured several fellow artists from EBSQ, Interior Design Team, Vast Team, and WWAO. Be sure to click on each piece of work and take a good look, you won't be disappointed! This one runs through Wednesday evening, so hurry up and check it out!

In honor of Halloween and my 5 black cats...

"Black Cats"

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=17621

another beautiful Etsy treasury to check out!

2008-10-26T13:05:00.002-05:00

Fellow EBSQ artist Torrie Smiley put this treasury together, and was nice enough to include my pumpkin. Stop in and check all the wonderful artists in this one!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=30316

I'm in this Etsy treasury, woo hoo!

2008-10-25T14:58:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm not in the treasury, but, my cat butt tile is! Check out all the fabulous EBSQ artists in this one!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=17030

featured in this Etsy treasury!

2008-10-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

My little pumpkin painting has been featured in this lovely fall treasury, lots of lovely artwork here, so, check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=30055

new little still...

2008-10-22T10:20:00.002-05:00

This is the little pumpkin study I painted while at the art show a few weeks ago. Lots of texture in this one and layered colors, I had fun with my palette knife! It's 6x6 acrylic on hardboard. For sale on Etsy now!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16477524

new painting on Etsy

2008-10-14T23:38:00.003-05:00

Just listed this on Etsy....it's oils on 10x10 gallery wrap canvas...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16232638

new commissions

2008-10-14T23:09:00.001-05:00

Finished up these two commissions last night. Portraits of two beautiful black standard poodles. Both are 8x10 oils on stretched canvas...

I'll be at this art market tomorrow!

2008-10-10T12:15:00.001-05:00

Harvest Art Market Oct. 11th at Living Art Water Gardens
Living Art Water Gardens Inc.
2nd Annual Harvest Art Market
Great Fall Family Event!

Shop Our Beautiful Grounds While Local Artisans Offer A Wide Variety Of Art Media!

Great Door Prizes at Every Booth!

Belgium Mums $6.00 or 3 For $15.00

Pumpkin Painting

Pumpkins, Cornstalks & Gourds Right From The Farm For Sale!

Free Cider & Doughnuts!

Great In-store Gallery Sales!

Aquatic Plants, Buy One, Get One 50% Off

Decorative Pond Fish, Buy One, Get One 50% Off

FREE EVENT!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11th, 9am to 6pm

Living Art Water Gardens Inc.
At Artisans Cove
220 Old Highway 431, Hampton Cove, Al 35763
Across From Hampton Cove Elementary School
256-288-0003 or info@livingartwatergardens.com
www.livingartwatergardens.com

Stop by and say hi!!

they like me, they really like me!

2008-10-08T20:44:00.004-05:00

I'm excited to share that I received a Member's Mention award in the Bi-annual Spam and Trout show on EBSQ! http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtShows/sh_182.htm The prospectus? Anything goes, as long as both Spam and trout are represented!

It's my first time entering this quirky show, and I'm so glad I did! Check out all the great artists and entries...my friend Vicky Knowles won Member's Choice! Her entry is fabulous, congrats Vicky!!

Here is mine, a digital photograph.....I originally wanted to photograph a still life of spam and trout, with an old master's feel to it. The raw fish, sliced lemons, knife, as if someone is having a glass of wine at the end of the day and getting ready to prepare dinner. And just in case it doesn't turn out, one can always pop open a can of Spam, right? However, what often happens in my household, a cat has to get involved, and in this case, that cat is Nikki. Spam or trout for dinner? Well, I think it's quite clear what Nikki's choice is... Guess I'm having Spam tonight...

new nibblefest piece on Ebay!

2008-09-24T09:09:00.002-05:00

For the September Ebay nibblefest art contest, theme smiling black cats, here is my piece, a river rock portrait....it's based on my rescued cat Charles, who has a lot to smile about these days. After all, not all black cats are as lucky. He spent a year in foster care, mostly because lots of people don't give black cats a second look. I'm so glad I heard about this beautiful sweet boy.

Here's the auction link...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=270279327691

It's only a 5 day auction, so, don't miss it! And be sure to do a search on Ebay using "NFAC" to see lots of other great pieces for this theme!

fun Etsy treasury I'm in!

2008-09-22T08:48:00.002-05:00

An ACEO print from my Etsy store is featured in this fun Etsy treasury! Be sure to check out all the other great items in this one as well! This treasury is a great concept and took some coordination on the parts of those involved, I'm so flattered to be included!

"The Cats of Etsy"

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=26513&show_panel=true

new art and an art show...

2008-09-20T01:02:00.003-05:00

Later on today (ack! is it today already??) I'll be at the Monte Sano art show here in Huntsville www.montesanoartshow.org/

It's looking to be a really beautiful day, a great day in fact to stroll around the lovely park and look at some art! Bil and I went up this afternoon and set up my tent and display, so, all I need to do is hang my artwork in the morning. I did manage to finish a new painting today as well, and will be taking it to the show. Yeah, I know it's still wet, but, so what? lol I've done that before...nothing like being last minute. And besides, I still have some prints to package up and some cards as well...yes, I'm that last minute! Anyway....stop on by and say hi if you are in the area!

Here's a few views of the new painting...tough to photograph because it's wet, so there's some glare, but, you get the idea. It's big...24x36. I call him "The Lazy Sitter"

new pear study...

2008-09-10T16:58:00.001-05:00

Another pear study....having fun with these, playing with my acrylic paints and palette knife. This is on 8x10 hardboard. Taking it to the Monte Sano show end of next week....

new art!

2008-09-08T09:41:00.003-05:00

Finished these two pieces up last week just in time to take them to an art festival I did on Saturday in Athens, Alabama. The 3rd annual Athens Art on the Square, a very well-run festival and lots of fun. The weather seemed like it would be iffy at first, but, the rain held off and it turned out to be a pleasant day, not hot at all which is a nice change.The first piece is from a photo ref of a friend's cat, fellow EBSQ artist, Windi Rossen, (thanks Windi!) It's her cat Ziggy, he's so adorable!It's 9x12 oils on stretched canvas...I call it "The Yawn"

This next one is a portrait of a very cute bulldog who belongs to a fellow EBSQ artist, Deb Sprague, thanks for letting me use that fabulous reference photo, Deb! This is also 9x12, oils on stretched canvas....entitled "I love football"

I'll be taking these two paintings with me end of next week to another arts festival....they got a great reception at this last one in Athens, lots of smiles. That always makes me feel good. I'm happy people have a good reaction to my art.

my entries in the EBSQ Pet Portrait show...

2008-09-01T18:54:00.003-05:00

I had 5 (yes 5!) partners for the 2008 EBSQ Pet Portrait Show. I did manage to finish up 3 of those entries in time to make the deadline, 2 of those entries I have yet to finish will be entered in the EBSQ Better Late Than Never show in December (thank goodness for that one!)The Pet Portrait show is a swap show, we partner up and exchange photos of our pets and when the portraits of our pets are complete, and the pieces entered into the show, we send our portraits to each other. It is, of course, one of my favorite shows for obvious reasons.My first portrait was for my partner Heather Mathieson, and here is her lovely EBSQ portfolio link www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_15928_profile.htm. We exchanged pictures of ragdoll cats, and she did a fabulous pastel of my dearly departed Elizabeth. I had the privilege of painting her beautiful blue-eyed Isis and decided to do a rock portrait.

Next, I did a portrait of Deb Sprague's lovely new rescued kitty, Ruby. Deb is a wonderful animal artist as well, and does so much for animal rescue groups....www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_3414_profile.htm I enjoyed painting this beauty, in oils on 5x7 canvas...

Then, it was on to Vicky Knowles' Boston Terrier Mr. Wiggles, who is featured in many of Vicky's own amazing paintings, www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_7_profile.htm. He was a true joy to paint, I loved the reference she sent me of him holding a favorite toy, as if to say "yeah, I know you want it, but, you can't have it, ha!" This is oils on canvas as well, 5x7.

Be sure to check out the show, http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtShows/sh_179.htm, and, vote for your favorite piece of art! It's easy to do! If you aren't a patron of EBSQ, become one, it's free! www.ebsqart.com/info/fp_Become%20an%20EBSQ%20Patron_initRegister_Become%20an%20EBSQ%20Patron.htmIf you are already a member, then what are you waiting for?? Vote! All the art in this show is great!!

another new one....

2008-08-28T16:08:00.002-05:00

Well, this one isn't exactly brand new. In fact, I started it in a palette knife workshop back in March, and as such things usually go with me, I didn't finish it during the workshop, so, it languished in my garage until my husband started to make me feel guilty about it. And, he wants the painting for his office, so, there you go. Anyway, finished it up a few weeks ago and it's been drying since then, I just wired it and painted the sides last night so Bil can take it to work tomorrow. I had fun painting this, it's oils, and I used a new medium to mix with my oil paints, Sennelier Flow and Dry. It's different than Liquin, as far as how it dries...not as fast, but it does leave a nice gloss to the paint, almost like enamel. I'll be using it some more in future paintings....

"2 Apples" oils on 11x14 stretched canvas

new landscapes...

2008-08-27T20:11:00.002-05:00

Worked on these two paintings over the last day or so, a couple of small landscapes. I submitted them today for inclusion in the Unique Views of Huntsville exhibit at the Huntsville Museum of Art in mid-September. I'll find out next week if they get juried in. Unique Views showcases the work of local artists painting scenes around the Huntsville area. The sunflower field in my painting is on Redstone Arsenal, an army base here in town that also houses the NASA facility Marshall Space Flight Center, where my husband works. I love sunflowers and really enjoyed painting these scenes...hopefully more in this series to follow. Both are 8x10 and done in acrylics on gallery wrap canvas.

new art just listed on Etsy...

2008-08-21T21:52:00.004-05:00

A pear study, done in acrylics with palette knife, on 6x6 museum panel. I love working loose like this, so fun!! Just listed in my Etsy shop...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14493658

new art on Ebay, right now!

2008-08-21T10:44:00.001-05:00

Just listed my piece for the Nibblefest Contest on Ebay, this month's theme is "A Dog's Life". This original 8x10 oil painting, textured and loose and oh so fun to do, is a portrait of my dogs Mardi Gras and Gumbo, going on one of our walks that they so love. This auction is only a 5 day auction, so, don't miss it! And don't miss the other Nibblefest listings, lots of great works for this theme, all starting at a no reserve price of $.99! Search NFAC on Ebay to find these artworks!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NFAC-dog-oil-painting-original-art-EBSQ-NR-jack-russell_W0QQitemZ270267728976QQihZ017QQcategoryZ60437QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sidewalk Art Stroll tonight, downtown Huntsville!

2008-08-21T07:46:00.001-05:00

I'll be there! Stop by and say hi! I'm usually setup on the courthouse side, across from the Voodoo Lounge. This is the last one this summer, so don't miss it!!

Sidewalk Arts Stroll is Back!!!!
Thursday August 21, 2008
4:30 to 8:30 pm It's FREE !
Downtown on the Courthouse Square-Huntsville

Featured Artist: Johanna Littleton
Register to win her "Sidewalk" original artwork.
Proceeds to benefit the
The Aids Action Coalition

A great event for all ages. See you on the sidewalks!
www.sidewalkartsstroll.com

The River 100.3 fm ♦ Harrison Brothers Hardware
ColonialGraphics ♦ Public FA, Inc. ♦ Sugarbaker's
Big Spring Partners

new art on Etsy

2008-08-05T09:28:00.003-05:00

Just posted some new art in my Etsy store....this bonsai tree is an asian-inspired piece painted in watercolors and chinese ink on 6x6 matboard. Thanks for looking!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13986387

http://www.tagscats.etsy.com/

My treasury is HOT!!

2008-07-26T13:43:00.004-05:00

Hey, if you haven't been out to visit my new treasury on Etsy, then get your butt out there and see all the wonderful works by the artists of VAST and Interior Design Team (some EBSQ and WWAO folk there as well!) Really nice stuff! This list is climbing the hot Etsy treasury chart in a hurry, I'm so pleased these artists are getting some nice recognition, and hopefully some sales as well! So, stop by the treasury...there is no more room for comments, but, be sure to click on each item and take a good look. The comments and clicks help the list move up, and besides, you know you want to see all this wonderful work! Thanks for visiting!

Here's the link to the list of "Beautiful Things..."http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=58695

Oh, and if you haven't visited Etsy, why not?? It's a great place to find original art and handmade items. A fabulous community!

cats and ladders....

2008-07-26T07:58:00.007-05:00

A friend mentioned in a reply to a previous post about putting a blankie on a ladder for Cassady and it's a new cat tree...no kidding, lol! Whenever a ladder goes up in this house for anything, before I even get a chance to climb it, there's usually a cat who's beat me to the top. As promised for a cat photo a day (or perhaps two or three, lol), here's a picture of my neurotic siamese cat Basho. This was taken several years ago in our screened porch, I was probably hanging plants at the time. The cats liked the stepladder so much I think I left it in there for a while. This photograph of Basho won a top award in an online cat show put on by a feline group I'm part of. He's such a beautiful cat, but those brain cells of his never quite made the connection that people are ok. I got him along with another oriental cat, Susu, when both were 6 months old (different breeds though, different litters, he's siamese, she's a black oriental shorthair). The breeder gave Susu to me because she was very small for her age and had an eye problem. But, she is typical oriental and very social. Basho just never got it and has always been fearful. It's like having a feral cat in the house. He's gotten a bit better over the years (he's 11 now), but, he'd just rather be with the other cats. He's a sweet boy, just never made the people connection for whatever reason. In fact, he usually bonds with another cat, at first he bonded with Tennessee our Maine Coon. When Tennessee passed, he bonded with TS, my grey and white boy. Sadly, TS was elderly and he passed as well. Now I will find Basho hanging sometimes with Chaim, also a grey cat, I guess Basho feels an affinity now for big grey boys.

Here's a pic of Susu....this was taken before her small right eye was removed....she does fine though, with one eye, and is sitting on my lap purring as I type this...

Here's a picture of Basho's first buddy, Tennessee, a lovely Maine Coon boy who died too young from the ravages of a horrible mouth ailment. He was such a sweet boy.

we're here to help....

2008-07-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

I had taken some paintings to some shows recently, and was hanging them back up in my living room today. We have a high ceiling in there, and it takes our 9 foot ladder to hang those paintings above the mantel. Cassady apparently thought I needed some help. I think he really enjoyed the view from up there, the little poop.

stop by and say hi tonight!

2008-07-17T08:54:00.001-05:00

I'll be here at the stroll, so say hi if you are there! It's going to be a beautiful evening and lots of wonderful art to look at, don't miss out!

Sidewalk Arts Stroll is Back!!!!
Thursday July 17, 2008
4:30 to 8:30 pm It's FREE !
Downtown on the Courthouse Square-Huntsville

Featured Artist: Gina Percifull
Register to win her "Sidewalk" original artwork.
Proceeds to benefit the
Madison County Veterans Memorial Foundation

A great event for all ages. See you on the sidewalks!
http://www.sidewalkartsstroll.com/

The River 100.3 fm ♦ Harrison Brothers Hardware
Colonial Graphics ♦ Public FA, Inc. ♦ Sugarbaker's
Big Spring Partners ♦ GW Jones & Sons ♦ Meridian Arts

just created this....

2008-07-15T10:03:00.000-05:00

Just made this blog, if you are on LiveJournal, you may have seen me there http://tagscats.livejournal.com/. Figured I'd set one up here as well since I am part of the Blogger community through art groups such as VAST http://vastgallery.blogspot.com/ and Interior Design Team http://interiordesignteam.blogspot.com/on Etsy. Anyway, will be posting more of my artwork here soon! Peace!