Andy The Mainecoon

This painting began as an experiment. I wanted to try a new watercolour paper, one with a bit of character and texture. The sort of paper that lets the paint move, soften and breathe.

Beautiful Andy, a Maine Coon with the most gorgeous face, stepped forward as my model — entirely of her own accord, obviously.

The washes flowed beautifully across the surface, creating soft colour and texture while still allowing me to keep the detail in her eyes and fur. Then came the gold whiskers, and that was the moment she really came to life.

There’s always a lovely point in a painting when the cat suddenly seems to wake up and look back at me. Andy definitely had that moment. She is sold.