I have to admit that after years of painting pet portraits always with same classical backgrounds I crave for variety. So I decided to put together a series of paintings in different styles to show my clients what can be done with a pet portrait.
Here is an example of a very boring looking photo. I tried to move the cat around in Photoshop to see if the layout would look better. The cat is somewhere outdoors, the photo is dark and there is really nothing interesting about it. The background could be painted painterly in tones of green and the fur of the cat could be made to look more expressive turning into a more classical rendition. I did not spend much time on this but I think you get the idea.
So I started to play around with different ideas. I wanted to find a way to represent the cat in a more contemporary looking style and thought about illustrations. This is what I came up with ...
The Yin and Yang philosophy, rooted in ancient Chinese thought, embodies the concept of duality and balance in the universe. Represented by the interplay of opposite forces, Yin symbolizes darkness, passivity, and the feminine, while Yang embodies light, activity, and the masculine. Together, they form a harmonious unity, each containing an aspect of the other within itself. This philosophy teaches that balance is essential for harmony and that seemingly opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent. It reminds us that within darkness, there is light, and within chaos, there is order, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence.
In this painting, the Yin and Yang philosophy is vividly applied, showcasing the delicate balance between contrasting elements. The floral scene, with its light and airy petals, represents the Yang aspect—bright, active, and expansive. Set against the dark fur of the cat, symbolizing the Yin aspect—deep, passive, and contained—the painting exemplifies the harmonious interplay of opposites. Just as the flowers thrive against the backdrop of darkness, the cat's presence enhances the beauty of the scene, creating a sense of unity and balance. It serves as a poignant reminder that within every contrasting element lies the potential for complementarity and harmony.
By applying some painterly tricks of enhancing and exaggerating certain aspects and by adding texture and softness throughout the work a visual interest is created. The result is a painting that exudes harmony, balance and a sense of tranquility and has turned a portrait of an ordinary black cat into a beautiful decorative piece of art.
