Friday, March 30, 2012

Inspiration Avenue: Stormy weather (raining cats and dogs)

It really DID rain cats and dogs Thursday night. My dear friend Kathy didn't want me to drive home in the bad weather, but, although it was approaching midnight, I wanted to get home to my own feline. And uncharacteristically, I had nothing planned for this week's Inspiration Avenue challenge, which ironically was "stormy weather." So here it was Friday and I had not even started the challenge that Maggie laid out for us at the beginning of the week. Too much "partying" and sleepless nights this week had kept me from creating art.


While I visited my friend's art studio, I kept the idea of raining cats and dogs ever present in my mind. My friend even helped me by finding several dies I could use to cut out the cats and dogs. Those die cutting machines sure come in handy when your back is against the wall and your time is limited.

For this piece, I began with a piece of light green card stock, to which I stenciled punchinella (sequin waste) at an angle (depicting wind swept rain) in grey paint I made from black acrylic and white gesso. I glued tumbling cats and dogs to the page, then added the "weird" cat and dog at the bottom who I allowed to hide under the umbrella.

That is one bright umbrella! I cut it freehand from a used envelope that was still sitting on my table. I was looking for high contrast and feel I got it! There was practically no contrast between the cats/dogs and background, so I outlined each one and felt they looked better afterward.

So today I give to you a windswept and water soaked kitty and pooch who were caught in a windy Cat and Dog rainstorm! Thanks for the challenge Maggie. And since I've been awake for more hours than I can (or care to) remember, I now really MUST get some sleep!!

17 thoughtful remarks:

Corrine said...

Sweet sleep surrounded by Bluebeard. I am sure there are no pups allowed there! xox Corrine

Lynn Cohen said...

so cute...love raining cats and dogs!

peggy gatto said...

delightful!!!!!!!

Healing Woman said...

Loved your rainy day tale. Also, in scrolling down, I see that once again you are treating your friend Sally to a lovely birthday. What a good friend you are. Your sweet little kittens are so cute but I know the one you think of most..your precious Bluebeard. He is a beautiful cat I might add.

Unknown said...

I love the red of the umbrella .... I really like this :)

I wonder if that was our rain that drifted over to you .... if so, there is more coming - believe me!

Darla said...

Red umbrella's rule!!! Love the piece, love how you created it.

Darla

Dianne said...

hah! cute idea...and the cats & dogs, I mean rain, arrived in Ohio on Friday!

voodoo vixen said...

This is so cute and that red brollie stands out in contrast beautifully!!

VonnyK said...

That is so cute, love the umbrella. We have had that kind of weather for a few weeks, sun is back now though.
I have tagged you in my last post, if you wish to play, you can go over to my blog. If you are busy don't worry about it.
Von :)

Halle said...

Like the tongue in cheek interpretation. Glad you had a nice time at Kathy's!

Lisa H said...

...it's true, I tried to send you an email this morning and it was shot RIGHT back to me, so here's a copy:

What a lovely Blog you have!
I ADORE your personal touch on the comment button:
as "10 thoughtful comments"

Love the stamp?
come back and check out the details. Let us make one for YOU!
(no pressure, sometimes readers don't get that we really make stuff for other people!)

Thank you again and I hope to see you on my Blog often!

Warm Regards,
Lisa
p.s. you're in the drawing now, like it or not!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Adorable take on raining cats & dogs! They die cuts look great outlined, and I especially like the splash of color on the two "weird" ones. Happy weekend!

Maggie said...

Oh, this is so cute! I love the expression "raining cats and dogs"...it seems to be somewhat of a mystery where it came from. I've read a few explanations, but none seem that good and no one seems quite certain.

Unknown said...

This is such a cute image - it's amazing what you can do when your back is to the wall. I hope you've gotten some sleep now. x

WrightStuff said...

I'm not sure I would want to be out in it if it rained cats & dogs...imagine the yowling! At least the cats would land on their feet!

This is a fun piece :)

Claire said...

it just had to be done :) a great entry! and i hope you get some rest xx

craftydvl said...

OMG, YES! Raining cats and dogs, the cutest thing ever! If it ever did I'd try to catch and snuggle with them all (-: Super cute fun amazing work!