Hunter by Hoeptner 101/exhibit Cat Art Show LA

The Hunter  Oil on wood  16" x 20"  Available at Cat Art Show LA

It's a big show!  ...and I am excited to be included!  "The Hunter" will be on exhibit at 101/exhibit during Cat Art Show LA from Jan 25- Feb 2nd.  Exhibit hours are as follows:  Sat, Jan 25th:7-10pm, Sun, Jan 26th:12-5pm,  Sat, Feb 1st:12-5pm Sunday, Feb 2nd: 12-5pm.  
The exhibit is getting phenomenal press:

•CBS  •Time Magazine  •Conde Nast Traveler

Previews of select available paintings were released on the popular blog, "I Have Cat."  I will have two paintings at Cat Art Show LA, the one above and "King" which was included in the "I Have Cat" preview, see that here.  

Deco Layla

Deco Layla  Oil on wood  10" x 10" SOLD

Despite the appalling lack of new art here, I am in fact painting every day.  Today's post/painting "Deco Layla" is one of my favorites, it was a judge's pick for November on Daily Paintworks.  (Thanks to judge Belinda Del Pesco!)  I will be posting a bigger version of "Deco Layla" (working on it now) and more soon!

R.I.P. Layla

Layla liked to lay on her belly with her front paws delicately crossed.  She was a fearless hunter of houseflies, mice and
one time, a chipmunk.   She had a fierce temper and was known to swat at her humans, though she never came close to  scratching and she never held a grudge.  She spent many hours lounging on her back in hallways and high traffic areas. She had perfect faith that her humans wouldn't step on her (and they never did.)  She loved to go outdoors.   She loved to eat grass and roll around on hot, dusty concrete.  She was also a cuddle bug (since she was a kitten) and she never missed an opportunity to enjoy pets and praise.  
I'm sad to report our Layla-loo-loo passed away this morning.  I feel out-of-sorts sharing this news.  If I hadn't painted her a dozen times (and written about her snarky ways here) I might have kept it to myself...      We were hopeful she would recover, but after emergency measures last night it was her heart that finally gave out.   She is missed.   

Deco Layla striped cat on art deco pattern

Deco Layla  Oil on cradled wood  10" x 10"  SOLD

It's another cat painting!  Snarky Layla on an art deco background. She's more difficult to paint than gray Coco cat.  But I think I did justice to her stripes and white chin this time around.  I'm hesitant to say my art block is over for fear of jinxing myself, but your comments on yesterday's post were greatly appreciated, thank you.

Hungry Layla kitty wants noms feed now

Hungry Layla  Oil on cradled wood  8" x 8"  SOLD

Despite lacking the ability to outright beg, Layla does a fairly good job communicating her needs.

Cool Blue striped cat on floral pattern

Cool Blue  Oil on cradled wood  8" x 10"  SOLD

Happy with this one, although I'm partial to this particular cat.  
If you'd like to read more about my inspiration, work history and habits, please see a recent interview I did with Jennifer Newcomb Marine on the Daily Paintworks site, here.  Hard to believe I did two interviews in less than a week?!  What the H?!

Stripes striped cat on art nouveau background

Stripes  Oil on cradled wood  12" x 12"  NFS

I painted this once before, here.  I was happy with that one but wanted to see if I could put a different spin on it this time.

Full Stretch striped cat in mid stretch on floral

Full Stretch  Oil on cradled wood  6" x 6"  NFS

Looks like an invitation, right?  Proceed with caution, petting this spotted belly can elicit a sleepy snuggle or a bloody brawl.  She's unpredictable like that.

Green Eyes striped cat on yellow floral background

Green Eyes  Oil on cradled wood  6" x 6"  SOLD

Here's a painting of Layla the cat, striking a sphinx-like pose.  She's good at that.  I spent a few days last week doing business stuff.  Whenever I don't have actual paintings to "account" for my time, it always feels like nothing got accomplished.   So, it was good to get in the studio this morning! 
In other news, Lori McNee has published one of my Mull it Over Monday posts, "Top Five Tips for Daily Painters."  Lori's site is a great resource for artists, please have a look at my tips, here.

Back in Time striped cat on art nouveau pattern

Back in Time  Oil on cradled wood  12" x 12"  NFS

Last week I took a hard look at the calendar and realized time was a flyin'.  I have some exhibit opportunities fast approaching and the biggest painting I've created this year measures just 6" x 8".  Not so good.  Good for blogging  ...but not so good for juried competitions and galleries.   So, here's my attempt at a large(r) painting.  I totally love it and I remember why painting bigger is so much fun and oh-so challenging.  More soon, hopefully.

Alter Ego kitty dreams of tiger chasing mouse

Alter Ego  Oil on wood  6" x 6"  SOLD

One time we brought home a treadmill that had been stored in my Mother's barn.  The treadmill carried a passenger...a mouse who made a mad dash across the kitchen floor upon arrival.  Layla the cat who had only a vague interest in the treadmill -saw the mouse and pounced.  There was no thought and no befuddled consideration.  She went from sassy pants to predator in a split second.  It was pure animal instinct at its finest.  My husband snatched up Layla and tossed them outside. I'm afraid it wasn't a happy ending for the mouse.

Among the Acorns brown striped cat

Among the Acorns  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  SOLD

Saint Layla brown striped tabby cat painting

Saint Layla  Oil on wood  6" x 6"  SOLD

Don't let that doe eyed look or the title of this painting fool you, rub this kitty the wrong way and she will cut you.

Hungry Cat oil painting of brown striped feline

Hungry Cat  Oil on wood  6" x 6"  SOLD

Happy Holidays!

Two Cats a small original oil painting

Two Cats  Oil on wood  6" x 6"  SOLD

Layla, the striped cat has a few nicknames:  Sassy Pants, Sweetpea, Stinkerbell.  She pretty much does what she pleases.  Coco can usually be found hovering nearby.

Cats at Play small original oil painting

Cats at Play  Oil on wood  6" x 6"  SOLD

Look!  I finally got Layla in on the action!  The "design" of this painting relies on the silhouettes being accurate--but I was pleasantly surprised at how much detail I was able to pull out of the photo reference.  Very happy with this one. (:

Monday's Muse oil painting cat cleveland ohio

Monday's Muse   Oil on wood   SOLD
Click image to see bigger. Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Something different today...  my Layla kitty.

A little birdie told me my paintings will be featured on emptyeasel.com this week...  Perhaps that will bring new blog visitors which is always fun.  Yay!

Green Eyes cat painting & a little story

Green Eyes Oil on Wood 8" x 10"
Click image to see bigger.

Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

The "favorite cat" loves to pose in the sunshine. She is very relaxed at all times, she trusts you to never sit or step on her. She has stripes that are very, very hard to paint. The End.

Coco & Layla Photo

"In ancient egypt, cats were worshipped as gods.
Cats have never forgotten this." --Unknown

Layla Sitting

Layla Sitting 6" x 6" Oil on Canvas Panel SOLDFor purchase information: diane@dianehoeptner.com