Sebastian & Sylvester/Two Cats Play Amid Roses and Cardinals

A pure-hearted cat lover's two feline companions playfully interact with a crimson red cardinal in a summer garden of soft-hued roses, while Mrs. Cardinal watches from the bush.

The Final Illustration:



The Stars:

....introducing Sylvester!



....introducing Sebastian (aka Junior)!



A few thumbnails...trying to figure out the composition:



The Sketch:



The Challenge:

I must say, I was a bit intimidated with figuring out how to build depth in the fur of a black cat. Some lavendars and blues did the trick!

Believe it or not, I started this illustration about a year ago. Amid painting, drawing, and photography classes, painting a chair for CHAIRity, a violin for a symphony's Painted Violin project (post to come!), and wonderfully fun children's magazine illustrations....this cat illustration has taken a back seat. It feels great to have it on paper smiling back at me! ;)

If you enjoyed this post, please check out:
* Illustrating a Dog-Gone Cute Christmas Card
* Sparkle Magazine/Hiking in the Dark
* Black and White - You Remember Film?

Thanks for stopping by!

Hot Diggity Dogs and More...at Rehoboth Beach, DE

Hubby and I savored a few last dog days of summer at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware....thanks to the generosity of friends.



Hot diggity dog, this beautiful girl, Daisy, (below!) was more than happy to pose for her portrait.



A jellyfish glistens.



An endless game of fetch. The owner told me I'd have at least 258 opportunities just that day to take a picture!

The Endless Dog Game at Rehoboth Beach, DE from Cheryl Kugler on Vimeo.

Peacefulness amid the warm, soft sand dunes.



Some fun with shells and surf-smoothed stones. Meow!



A sweetie-pie named Sadie trolling along the beach just lookin' to give someone a great big smooch.



We found ourselves strolling through this flower shop during a rainy afternoon.




Delightful, bright red cardinals were on sale there, and benefitted wildbird sanctuaries along the shore. A perfect addition to our flower gardens.



And, Jasper, the resident flower shop dog, soaked in all of the attention, then wasted no time showing us where his treats were located!

I bumped into this honey of a hot dog along the boardwalk! That's my hubby for those who don't know ;)



Out to sea.

Feather Here....Then Out To Sea... from Cheryl Kugler on Vimeo.

And, last but not least, this fella, who we called Ted, just wouldn't leave us alone. We'll save that story for my next blog post!

If you liked this beach post, be sure to check out my July posts:

• Rejuvenating the Artist's Soul at North Myrtle Beach
• Sketches from N. Myrtle Beach