I've been working on pussycats.
I have a very difficult time capturing the essence of the feline and practiced by forming 11 heads. I knew that if I kept experimenting with techniques, I may eventually get it right. Unfortunately, kitties are not my forte, but I will keep trying and trying until I have it down.
The faces are slightly odd, with each one being completely different from the next, much to my dismay.
I think they will be much improved when they have bodies, millinery, baskets and frocks.
I have to admit my strength is in forming rabbits, not kitties.
But I digress...
Speaking of Kitties. I recently learned, from a British Publication called the "Teddy Bear Times", the following:
Three handwritten manuscripts from 1914 were recently discovered in the Beatrix Potter Archives, along with a rough watercolor illustration of a black "Kitty-In Boots." The tale was unfinished due the circumstances of the time, such as the "Great War", and the manuscript was left, as is.
Below you see the little colored sketch done by Beatrix.
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With such an exciting discovery as this, it was no wonder that Warne and Co., (Miss Potters publishers from the very beginning) decided to bring this new tale to life.
Those of us who have always loved the work of Beatrix Potter should be thrilled at the prospect, but who could do the artwork that would be compatible with Miss Potters lovely, delicate and sensitive painting style?
The story-telling and the artwork of Beatrix Potter are like a fine fitting glove. Without one, the other seems rather null and void, to me anyway. The graceful and soft paintings are one of the main reasons we love her work.
What a task it would be to find the perfect artist, one who would compliment the story of the little black pussycat, to Miss Potters satisfaction.
First, I think the artist should be British, and second, the artist should be someone who feels a kinship with Beatrix, and third, the artist should have the light, airy touch and talent displayed by Potter herself. I can think of at least a dozen British artists equal to the task.
Therefore, I must tell you that I am completely bewildered by the choice of artist.
A well-known cartoonist.
'
Personally, this is not the style I see in my imagination when thinking
BEATRIX POTTER. Do you?
I think this is an odd decision by the publisher.
Meaning no disrespect to the above artist, but as an admirer of Beatrix Potter's work for over 30 years, I protest the choice.
I am sure the artist does great work in his chosen genre, but I, personally, would
have picked a Fine artist to illustrate Potters long lost story; One who could imitate her style more precisely.
Tell me,what your thoughts are on this matter, fellow Potter Fans?
Jeri, I read about this a few weeks ago and thought the same as you! Not Beatrix Potter's style at all. It will be quite interesting to see what he does with this story! Each artist does have their own style, but I don't see a hint of Beatrix Potter in his work. I don't understand...Have a lovely weekend. ♥
ReplyDeleteMartha, If the artist uses this cartoonish style, I don't see the book having the success if would have if a fine artist had been hired to take on the honor of illustrating for Miss Potter
DeletePerhaps he is like Picasso. He can do it all. The cat heads are perfect, you just can only see the tiny things that are bothering you. I love them and each of their different features. Those are going to fly off the shelves due to all the cat lovers out there. Just keep tweaking, but I'm telling you no one will notice but you. So cute. Good luck at the shows.
ReplyDeleteDonna, Nope, he is not like Picasso, I visited his website and his style never changes. I think the cats with the funniest faces will be the first to sell, those are the ones I am always drawn to. But I am still tweaking, as you say, and made yet another head last night!
DeleteSo interesting about the "new" story. She made them in a fashion to reach readers (children.) With you, no disrespect to the artist chosen, but why this choice was made is a mystery. Why not have it illustrated by children if not going with her own 'style' of art.
ReplyDeleteGood point! That would have been a brilliant idea, if not using the art of a great British illustrator, let children do the paintings>
DeleteMy brain could not wrap around the new illustrations! How excited I was at the news of the B.P. story finding, but it sure is surprising the choice they made! Let's hope that another release will come along...BY INGA MOORE!!!!
ReplyDeleteLinnie, Inga Moore is one of my choices for sure, she has the delicate touch, the muted colors and the talent to pull it off.
DeleteIf you have a copy of Leslie Linder's "The History of the Writings of Beatrix Potter", published 1971, you can read "The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots." Beatrix wrote it in 1914 but her father died in May and she was unable to get the pictures drawn in that year. When she did get the time later she never went back to it because she felt Warne & Co. was not particularly interested in the story. It seems now they are! This is what she wrote about the story: "It is about a well-behaved prime black Kitty cat, who leads rather a double life, and goes out hunting with a little gun on moonlight nights, dressed up like puss in boots. As the gun is only a pop gun (which continually goes off), the bag is neither large nor painful. Miss Kitty ends in a trap, loses one of her boots and a claw, which cures her of poaching." She'd married the year before and was more focused on farming now--hence, the story about poaching. Some of her earlier characters appear in the story (Mr. Tod, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Ribby, and Tabitha Twitchit)--for that reason alone it would seem Warne (who was acquired by Penguin Books in 1983) should have gotten an artist that could draw them to look like Beatrix's characters. It is quite long (5 pages of text in Linder's book).
ReplyDeleteCathy, How funny and cunning is the story! Just like B.P. Yes, the article mentioned that the story had been "discovered" in the 1970's, but they had just gotten around to the decision of publishing it. What a treat it would be if the art matched the story. I will buy a copy regardless, just to have her final tale.
DeleteThose kitties are a delight and my very favorite is the one with green eyes, top right first picture, bottom middle in the second picture of them. Looks like a sweet little tabby to me. I just want to hold/kiss, him/her. I can hardly wait to see them all finished in their finery that you will adorn them with.
ReplyDeleteThat artist does NOT go with Beatrix Potter's stories at all. Too rough and crude, whipped out looking to me.
Happy Spring dear Jeri ~ Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady
Lorraine, that little tabby is one of the good kitties, I was rather pleased with him. I will give him a kiss for you! Rough and crude is exactly what I see, sort of scribbled and messy.
DeleteOH JERI! First of all, GOOD MORNING! And kitties are TOUGH to capture in more ways than one! HAHAHHAHAHA - I think in all my childhood illustration days, I only attempted a cat ONCE, then that was it. Their faces are way too difficult, beautiful mind you, but too hard to draw. BUT YOU have made many heads! I don't know how you do it, but your determination will win. I am no expert at all on sculpting or drawing, but I can see already where you can revise: the ears. Otherwise, you are like 99% there!
ReplyDeleteOK, on to Beatrix Potter and her legacy. To know that another charming painting and beginning of a story were found is thrilling. You know I am a fan, and I totally agree with you. I have seen this artist's work, and on its own, I love his style. HOWEVER, HOWEVER! It is NOT on the same level of style as Potter's and I agree that if this story is to make it to the hands of adoring fans, Potter's soft and realistic style must be continued. It makes you wonder, "WHO is making the decisions?" You know me; I love simple lines, but his work does not blend into where Beatrix Potter left off. His work would give a totally different tone to her work. ARGH!
Well dear friend, keep on with your kitties. You are doing SUCH a phenomenal job!
Anita,Yes, the ears on some of them are wrong, easily remedied. They look very much improved with little hats on!
DeleteI know you like simple lines, and I admire the simple lines of some artists, but I dislike Messy work... and that is what I see with the cartoonist.It boggles my mind, with so many fabulous English artists,that this would be the choice.
Oh dear-the artist does not match Potter's work at all-very sad! But I wanted to tell you that I think your cat heads :) are really cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, I am doing rabbits today, thank goodness.
DeleteI kept waiting for "April Fools" in regard to your telling us about the artist chosen to portray Beatrix Potter's story, but I see it's not a joke! I completely agree with you and the rest of the folks commenting that although the man chosen is fine in his own style, he simply will not be able to capture Beatrix's pussycat. Such a shame! I don't know British artists well enough to comment on who might be a better choice. Maybe it would be better if nothing more was done with this story and just let it be what it is...unfinished.
ReplyDeleteKitties! I love kitties! I wonder if the reason you're not completely happy with what you've done thus far is that a cat's expression is constantly changing, making it almost impossible to capture. I just know this: you won't quit until you get the kitties done just the way they should be...that's the beauty of your work and it's why you have so many folks loving your work.
BTW, do you have the book, "Beatrix Potter A Journal" published by Penguin in 2006? There's an excerpt from her journal entry of April 5, 1906 in which she says, "I have borrowed a very pretty kitten and I am working at the drawings for some new stories, about Tom Kitten and Samuel Whiskers the rat". This book is just such fun - it has a lot of wee papers and letters that you can open and read along with her journal entries. If you don't already have it, you should!
Diane in North Carolina
Diane, One of my biggest problems with "sculpting" cat heads is the flatness of the face, yet, with a distinct profile. Then there is the shape of the head, which seems nearly flat on top and yet, is a heart shape, tapering at the chin; the forehead is large. I keep hoping I will have an epiphany and suddenly say WALLAH! that's it, finally got it! Some things are just more difficult than others. i have no problem drawing cats, but THIS is a challenge.
ReplyDeleteYes, i have that book and it is one of my favorite B.P. Books, such fun with all the little envelopes and all the collage of illustrations and old photographs throughout.
Well what were they thinking? Maybe they thought that there wasn't anyone who could come close to duplicating her style and so thought to go with something totally different and let the story and her name carry all the weight?
ReplyDeleteVic, Heaven only knows. We live in bizarre times and you have to wonder who is making the decisions.
ReplyDeleteJeri,
ReplyDeleteI just knew I would find kitties full of personality! I think they are great.. Would love to see them completed.
I think it is exciting that Miss Potter's publishers want to bring her discovered tale to life.. Unfortunately (again, no disrespect to the artist) he has his own unique style, I feel they have done her an injustice with their choice. There is nothing I see that would tell me visually that this is a Beatrix Potter book. What a shame. Frankly, I am quite surprised at the choice when you take into consideration that they were her publisher throughout the years.
Penny, The cats do have personality....but what KIND of personality is the question?! I am struggling with them so much.. I finally just called it quits for now and decided to get back to rabbits.
DeleteExactly my sentiments on the choice. It's like I said in the post, the ART of Beatrix Potter IS Her books. Without HER art representing her tales, so much is lost.
Jeri,
DeleteI can only tell you what I see in you cats expressions.
Curiosity, longing, shy, gentleness, determination and an all around sweetness... I think they are precious, and I believe this makes them so endearing! I have several favorites..
Is that Ethel a kick or what! I cannot get upset with her, just wish she would find something else to do with her time.
My roses... They are 7 years old.. And stocks.. Don't you just love the scent?
Penny, I didn't even realize that Stocks Had a scent! I just liked the way they looked. Ethel needs her own little garden full of Rutabaga and cabbage, that little dickens!
ReplyDeleteJERI LANDERS! Salutations!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for coming over to my fantasy land on my blog. WE HAD SUCH FUN and Clara is a beauty. Her inner loveliness just came out so naturally and the light that day was perfect. Thank you for your kind words. I wish you and the barn folk a wonderful new week; I go back to school after a magical and perfect break. Anita
Jeri first I think you are doing a super job with those kitty faces. I am sure they will be adorable decked out in all their finery. As for Beatrix Potter I can't imagine any anyone being able to fill her shoes. Her special touch was just so her. Too bad she didn't get these manuscripts finished. It would certainly make them so much more appealing. Take care and have a beautiful week. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, that she had a unique touch. naturally she would be the best one to illustrate her own stories. Maybe they should have left well enough alone, and simply printed the stories without the illustrations, allowing the reader to imagine the art Beatrix would have done it.
DeleteI'm so glad someone else was upset by this news! I felt alone in my shock and dismay. I thought it would have been good to have gone with an unknown artist rather than someone with an established style.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure that thousands of her fans feel the same way we do. The publishers should have asked the public.
DeleteOh no! I wonder what they were thinking of when they chose him. They may get a lot of flack in the industry if it doesn't work out.
ReplyDeleteYour cats are fabulous. I can't wait to see them when they're finished:)
Thsnks Mary Ann, the cats got bodies today, now I only need to put them together.
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