Watch our Competitions page for the 6th Annual Best in Show | Pets Art Competition!
TOP CAT WINNER
“Sibling rescues as witnessed at a Northeast Ohio animal shelter were the inspiration for Blue by You. I loved how differently they presented here. One looks rather forlorn; the other is occupied with grooming.
“My intention was to capture what I saw, based on reference photos taken at the shelter and my memory, and try to accentuate the differences between the cats. I had a vague notion to play up opposing colors: blue and orange. I cooled down the background colors and then spent a lot of time fine-tuning the fur texture and patterns.
“Nearing the end, I decided the piece needed more oomph. I tried a band of saturated turquoise in place of the shelter-issued white identification collar, and it was the finishing touch that brought the composition together. It’s a good reminder that, sometimes, it’s those last strokes that can really make a painting.”
—Diane Hoeptner
Why it Stands Out
“This one hit me straight in the heart at the very first glance! Aside from the confident brushwork and daring composition, this pose packs an emotional punch. The softly harmonious colors enhance the sweetness between these two cats, and their connection transcends mere felinity, attaching deeply to the viewers’ humanity.”
—Rita Kirkman, Juror
Honorable Mentions
Meet the Artist
Ohio-based artist Diane Hoeptner is known for her small oil paintings of cats. Drawing inspiration from rescue shelters, cat shows and rural farms, she creates evocative narratives that resonate with collectors worldwide. In addition, small animals, vintage patterns, drifting leaves, and butterflies offer enchanting components to her compositions. Notable books featuring her art include Cats in Art, The Book of the Cat and Daily Painting. She holds a B.A. in studio arts from California State University, Northridge.
From Our Shop
Source: Artists Network
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