6 Art Tricks Cats Taught Me

by Victoria Primicias March 26, 2018

Siamese cat wearing a beret like an artist

Painting can be fun. It can also be a real challenge. There are days when my hand fails to translate onto canvas the vision in my mind's eye. Even the simple act of blending colors can sometimes prove vexing, and I end up wasting gobs of paint in the process.

Through this, I've learned some valuable tips by observing cat behavior. Cats are, after all, the coolest dudes on the planet, and have quietly handled their masters for centuries.

Here are 6 tricks I learned from cats.

1. Pounce

When I get a bright idea or see an interesting texture that might be the basis of a new painting, I pounce on it.
Or make a note for future use. In this way, I won't be wasting time staring at a blank canvas, although the act of staring –
as you'll later see – has a rightful place in the creative process.

...

2. Scratch

My paintings contain many layers, each one scratched with various sharp tools. Scratching reveals underlying colors,
adds texture, and overall, enriches the surface. To scratch, I use a variety of objects whose primary intended purpose is for anything other than painting. These include wooden barbecue sticks, corn whisks, and a seamstress's tracing tool!

Closeup of cat staring from behind a pillow

3. Stare

When I'm painting and the canvas is "fighting me", like it usually does, I like to stand back and stare at it from a distance. Often, the problem – such as a lack of contrast or not having a strong focal point – becomes immediately apparent. But if the solution isn't clear, I turn the painting upside down to get a different perspective. And stare some more.

4. Think Inside the Box

Inspiration can be coaxed not only from outside stimuli but also from quiet thoughts within. This is especially true for my abstract paintings, which are intuitive. Color selection and placement are applied quickly and at random. After several layers, a form begins to emerge, grow, and evolve. And then, the painting is on its way. If this sounds easy, it's not, because there are always multiple forks on the road. This leads me to the next lesson.

Cat and dog going for a walk along grass

5. Go for a Walk

It's time to clear the head and go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood or in the woods.
Creative contemplation happens when the mind is relaxed. It becomes more receptive, allowing for new thoughts
and ideas to flow. Aha! But when all else fails….

6. Nap

While I'm not a napper, I'm a big fan of a solid night's sleep. Sometimes, you just gotta leave the painting alone
and save fun for the next day.