an excellent duck

image copyright and by kindest permission of sue gerber artwork

Ducks are marvelous creatures. I cannot believe anyone cannot be swayed by the sheer likeability of a duck. That's why you're looking at this one: I meant to post one of Sue Gerber's dog portraits, but I could not pass up this excellent fellow. Besides, it's in charcoal, a medium I truly appreciate for its warm and velvety qualities. You could almost imagine you see him (her? I'm not up on my duck gender specifics) breathing or shaking out a feather here and there.  So I was delighted to be borne out in that observation when Sue wrote me:  "I don't usually use photos for portraits, I prefer live drawing which is fresh and full of vitality."
She also creates pet portraiture, and that requires a different sort of seeing: "With someone's pet though, you have to be very accurate and photos are the best way. The more I looked, the more I saw in the photos and I became quite intrigued with the process."  She executes these portraits in watercolor.  You should drop by Etsy and have a look at them.
"I studied textile design in art school," Sue wrote, "but I taught myself to paint in watercolours. That started off with me painting a dog portrait as a present for a friend so I was very, very careful to get it right...I love watercolours. There are so many happy accidents with that medium that you can take credit for!"  Longtime readers of the Museum know that's also one of the things I truly love about that medium.  A splendid motherlode of pet portraits is ready to delight you at her website.  There's a certain ginger tabby...I could just reach out and run my fingers through its cheek fur.  Time and love, captured.

a boston terrier wants you to come hither

image copyright and by kindest permission of heidi shaulis

New Jersey artist Heidi Shaulis paints a world where cats and other creatures live out their fantasies, even if it's just simple luxuriating on a sunny floor.  But they might pop up in a daring boat rescue, on a road trip, or eating fishy ice cream. All their little snapshots of being are created in rich, delicious color and sure brushwork. That's what made me stop and exclaim over this seductive Boston.
Ahh, that red up against the crisp Boston black'n'white.  Mmm, those eyes.  You can see more at her Etsy shop.  There's even more at her website.

go get 'em

courtesy wikipaintings.org; public domain

The year is 1783, the menswear is frankly awesome if you dig Adam Ant and I do, and dogs are amped and rarin' to go as they always are, no matter the century.  This is the great American/British portraitist John Singleton Copley, best known for pieces like his Paul Revere and Watson and the Shark.  Here he's brought us The Western Brothers - Charles and Shirley (yes, that's right) and their unnamed dog.  This is a tasteful portrait of two upperclass boys - Charles would become Baron Western of Rivenhall - but yet it's likeable, even jolly, thanks to the inclusion of their high-spirited pet.  

Copley is interesting to read about and will win your sympathy.  Read the Wikipedia page for him here.  There's a bit more on this painting here.

cats and their kids in the london slums

Today's post comes to you courtesy of my good blogfriend John of It's All Good. Wait till you see what's he's found.  In an online article featuring "The Children of London's Spitalfields Slums in Photographs 100 Years Ago," he spotted two photos that speak with particular eloquence:

a young barefoot girl holds her kitty close with a smile;

a boy holds up his hand in a commanding gesture, with his equally-to-be-reckoned-with cat at his side

These images struck me to the heart.  I think you'll find the same.  And here's the link to the main story for good measure.

vintage photo time

thanks again ampersand

"Whitey, 1928."  Obviously whomever took this photo was flat out on the grass trying to get Whitey's attention, but nooo, perhaps Whitey was more interested in the sounds of banging coming from that big house being built a block away.  I'm including this photo in my upcoming Pet Museum eBook on cats, working title "Puss in Print."  (Shortly to be followed by "Pup in Print."  Whee!)

tender words on mice

From Our home pets: how to keep them well and happy, Olive Thorne Miller (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1894), pps. 250-253.
* * *
A winsome pet is the common brown mouse; and now I fancy I hear the most vigorous protests from my readers, who, though they do not shriek and take refuge on chairs and tables like Howells's feminine characters, still have a strong feeling of distaste to him. Nothing can be imagined more dainty, graceful, and altogether captivating than the tricks and manners of this humble resident within our walls. Once allay the poor little creature's fears of his big, clumsy, human proprietors, and his delightsome qualities are apparent. Frisky in movement, droll in conceits, and eccentric of action, he is a never-ending source of entertainment. Moreover, he is as teachable as the rat, absolutely neat in his ways, and most loving to his friends.
A singing mouse — which is not so great a rarity as one would suppose from the newspaper fuss that is sometimes made over one—has an added attraction as a pet. The singing is no doubt similar to that of the marmoset, and resembles the canary song a good deal smothered.

* * *

(Curator here) Twenty years ago I had a black pet mouse. Sadly enough, I can't remember her name, but I loved her.  She was a merry, friendly thing, and liked to show off for me on her wheel. . . .I can't resist adding the bit said about squirrels:

* * *

Some of the most pleasing pets are found among the rodents, the little fellows whose teeth are so troublesome and require so much looking after. There are the squirrels, to begin with. Every one is frolicsome, neat, easy to take care of, and altogether bewitching. A squirrel of any sort likes a warm bed, out of the reach of meddlesome children, plenty of nuts to eat, and liberty—for, like everybody else, he hates a cage. The gray squirrel is the most elegant of the tribe (unless we except the black, who is not so often seen), and he is intelligent and affectionate. The red squirrel is one of the most lively of a wonderfully active family, and is exceedingly inventive in pranks. The chipmonk [sp], though frisky enough, is said to be the least interesting of his race (what? No way - Curator), and the flying-squirrel is rather quiet for one of his kind, and entertaining only at night.

matouenpeluche brings you a delectable bunny

copyright and by kindest permission of the artist s. battersby

We have enjoyed matouenpeluche's work before here at the Museum.  I can't believe I waited this long to feature her again when her Etsy shop is full of such delights as this chubby "Bunny."  Look at the delicate pink of those ears!  Look at that compact body - you could pick it up and snuggle it like a 19th century Japanese ceramic handwarmer.
You can still find matouenpeluche's shop here.  Her blog is fun, too.

washing cats...don't try this at home!

copyright and by kindest permission of the artist

In a tiny paper universe Senorita Cara Carmina and her four cats have many adventures.  They go to the fish market, play hide and seek, and go on a hot air balloon ride.  So after all that excitement sometimes they need a wash.  Here's "Washing Cats," by Norma Andreu (the grown-up, real-life Cara Carmina), a Mexican artist now living in Montreal.  These dioramas are funny, inventive fantasies that make me laugh out loud and dream a bit about getting in there with them.  Look, here's some more at Norma's blog.  I adore how she makes these simple linear figures so rich in presence.  But this isn't all she does, so be sure and visit her website for a cheerful look around.  Would you like a photoprint or even your very own diorama?  Check out her Etsy shop.  I'm so delighted to close out my Friday night by spotting the fish in every cat scene!