Topaz – Angles, Gold and a Little Attitude

Oriental cats are basically geometry with personality. Triangular ears. Fine, sculpted faces. Long lines and strong opinions. Topaz is all of that… but wrapped in warmth.

I painted him in layered browns and earthy tones, letting hints of green, blue and soft orange melt into the handmade paper. When you work wet into wet on this kind of paper, the pigment sinks into the fibres and softens naturally, which feels perfect for a coat that’s sleek but still alive with movement.

He’s finished with gold whiskers. I always love this stage. Those final lines catch the light as you walk past, and suddenly the painting shifts slightly. It feels more present. More alert. Very Oriental. :-) The paper itself has four natural deckle edges, formed during the papermaking process.
Visit him in the gallery.