Inspirations from Ivy

Our little kitten, Ivy, is maturing. She eats solid food and drinks from a saucer. Life is so much easier for us now that she is thriving out of doors with adoptive mother cat, Baby, and her kittens. Ivy is very comfortable with being held and playing with someone. She is always looking for a handout when it comes to feeding time.

My niece caught this picture of Ivy being sociable.

The photo reminded me of how much I enjoy drawing. So I attempted to capture Ivy’s likeness in a pencil drawing. As I considered doing such a drawing, I thought of how cute a kitten such as Ivy could be in a Christmas stocking on December 25.

I did some tracing to get the proper proportions for her body. Next, I started drawing her eyes, nose and mouth. They are the most expressive part of her, so I wanted to work on that when I was still fresh at the task. When fatigued, it is harder to spend the time needed to get the desired effect. Once the eyes, nose and mouth were complete, the markings and her soft feline shape came together quickly. I chose to quit outlining her form at her paw.

It was then that my imagination had to carry the project to completion. I drew a Christmas stocking beneath her. I created a “fireplace” as a backdrop. From this endearing little photo, I got a fun Christmas card to share with you. I did it with pencil only, however we have a colored version you may enjoy. Consider them both for your Christmas greetings this year.