5ft x 4ft (1.5 x 1.2 meters) oil on canvas. A Welsh Cat in a French Landscape.
Painted during lock down, this symbolic image of Christeve the Cat overlooking the village of Mas Cabardes – SW France demonstrates why sketch books are so vital in the life of an artist.
I used two of the many rapid sketches I produced in Mas Cabardes eleven years ago as the foundation block for this image. 
Sketches are thoughts on paper…in this case very quick responses to what I was seeing. They can become excellent reference material.
Given that Christeve the Cat lived with me in Wales for several years, I have a zillion sketches of her:)
I have always loved the French landscape and particularly the villages of SW and Southern France with their orange roofs. I have many dear friends in France and have painted and exhibited there a great deal. For many years I have wanted to live there…and maybe one day I will, but not wishing to sound like a cliche – the lock down has reminded me that home is ‘within’.
Plus as we now must surely understand. ‘everything is interconnected’
Wishing one and all a beautiful and creative weekend.
Janet 🙂
Lovely journey Janet, thanks for sharing your thoughts and vibrant colours! XTessa
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Thank you very much Tessa. Have a wonderfully creative weekend. Janet XX
Beautiful. I love your paintings, Janet. But your kitty images always touch a place in my heart. Hummingbird hugs!
Thank you Teagan…and I hope that your little kitty is happy and well in the South West. Janet XXX
She’s a cute cat and the children’s book sounds lovely.
Truly lovely, Janet
Thank you dear Jet. Wishing you a a lovely and creative weekend. Janet :)X
A beautiful post, Janet. ❤
Thank you Carol. Wishing you a lovely weekend filled with creativity. Janet :)XXX
Reblogged this on Hutts Ultra Blogging World.
Thank you Peter XXX
Fantastic images Janet.
Thank you very much Peter. Have a beautiful weekend. Janet :)XX
I’m very interested in this children’s book, Janet.
Good morning Ka. It is a small book which can be ordered on the Products Page at http://www.janetweightreed.co.uk. It is based on a true story:). Thank you for your interest and hope you have a lovely and creative weekend. Janet
What an absolutely beautiful story and lesson. Sending hugs to you Janet. Xx
Good morning Dora…Thank you so much – I am thinking of you today in Olhao…and look forward to our next time together:)XX
Oh, I loved this, and how true, home is within!xxx
Thank you so much Dina…I always appreciate your comments. Sending lots of love on this beautiful day…I can imagine you in your garden:)XXX
Dear Janet, Happy Memorial Day. Your paintings here are so damned good they make me gasp.
Good morning David…Thank you for such a lovely comment. Very pleased you enjoyed this post….and I wish you and your family a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. It is another glorious day here – hope the same is true for you. Janet 🙂
I want to add to my comment above. My machine got stuck above and i couldn’t type more. I wanted to say I love the cat as I love all cats and they love me. Your writing craft is so good. Gentle, easy-going, succinct. What a pleasure to read. Best.
The story behind the art is always exciting. A Welsh Cat theme here is an entertaining concept, And, your sketches are brilliant. . I always love your color scheme too. Cats are so gravitated upon France Loving hugs to you! 🌺🌺🌺💕💕💕
Thank you very much….I always enjoy your comments…and smile when I read them:)XX
Hi there Janet. What a loving exchange, a smile for a smile! Your artistry of perfect, soft colors and shapes, truly stimulate my imagination. Big Hugs for rainbow matching my heart!🌈💕
XXX
I am late discovering this lovely post. Your work always inspires me and I could use a little about now. I hope you are well and your world is not tilting like a windmill. xx
Lovely to hear from you and thank you for the comment. I am well…basically in a painting/writing bubble and walking every day. Hope you are well. Janet :)XX