Cats In Ukiyo-e + I Can't Stop Drawing Cats

Hello! Well the weather here has gotten even colder, but today is sunny and cold and beautiful - AND I have the day off! It couldn't be better! Last week and the weekend was really busy with work, so I'm really glad to have a day off to relax (and finally write a blog post!).

Recently I've been enjoying looking at this book called Cats In Ukiyo-e. My Mum bought it for my birthday a couple of years ago, but I recently re-discovered it. Since I've been drawing cats a lot, I've been really enjoying looking through this one again. I adore the way the cats are drawn, the style, and how much character each cat has. Just like a real cat, they're all full of mischief and attitude! :P And the fact they are from the 1800s is even cooler.

The dust cover is cute, but this kraft colour patterned inside cover is really amazing too. So many cats!

The cloth in the background of these photos is actually a scarf which came with the book! It's so lovely. 

As well as the artwork in it, I really love the design, colour and layout of this book. It's really nicely put together. I especially love this little cat bookmark which is attached to the book! Super cute.

Like it says here in my sketchbook, I can't stop drawing cats. :P I'm still playing around with my fountain pen and different drawing styles, trying to capture the attitude and nature of a cat. My two cats, Finn and Stella, are so different not just in looks but their personalities and habits too! It makes me want to draw all different types of cats.

Well, another busy week ahead after my one day off this week, but I'm feeling ready. ;) 

Little Pink Cactus xo

Sketches

Just a quick post to say hello! Here are a couple of sketches from yesterday. Can you see the little trees on top of the snow-capped ice-cream mountain? :P My cat cup with the lid is from Daiso! It's so super cute. I've been drinking a lot of hot tea and coffee since the weather is becoming colder. I've been working a lot recently, but I hope to be able to post more frequently soon. :) I have a couple of fun things coming up to show you guys!

Til next time, Little Pink Cactus xo

Art and Outgoing Mail

Here are a couple of recent sketches in my sketch book! I've been working on a different style, and I've been really enjoying playing with my Sailor fountain pen from Japan. I haven't done much drawing with it before now! What do you guys think of this style?

I've had a couple of splotchy problems with the fountain pen :P. I wish I hadn't blobbed ink on this poor kitty! I had a lot of fun painting him and inking the lines. I'd like to do a bigger painting like this! What do you think?

I love gouache paints! And I had a lot of fun mixing this pastel palette.

Here's some outgoing mail to a pen pal in Japan. She kindly asked me to draw her some fruits and vegetables. She likes a simple style of art. :) I think it goes nicely with the herb themed letter set!

I love writing cute letters on San-X stationery. And my clipboard is so handy for writing a letter out in the garden, or the lounge room, etc.! ;) 

I hope everyone's had a fantastic week!

Little Pink Cactus xo