Drawing Boots the Kitten

by Sue Bledsoe
(Tennessee)

Boots was a tiny kitten when I got her. She was the same age as my Annie, but Annie outgrew her about 2 to 1.

Boots still only weighs 6 pounds at 3 yrs old.

She has very unusual markings and her fur is like velvet. Her sweet face masks her mischievous nature.

I am sending the reference photo I used along with the drawing. You can use it or not.

I used a #2 mechanical pencil for outlining and charcoal pencils # 4 and #6.

Then I tried watercolor on her head for more texture but I did not like the way it turned out.

I used an exacto knife to scrap some of the paint off and it helped some. I think I piddled this one too much. It would have been better with just the pencil and charcoal.

I also used white paint to bring out the glossy fur. That came out better. The fur around her face is so black that I found it hard to make her eyes stand out.

Any suggestions?



Note from Kerry:
Hello Sue!
Well, I can honestly say I am impressed with your drawing of Boots the kitten.

I think it's a brave move to mix mediums and because I haven't tried that, I can't advise you in that area. (is it on watercolor paper?)

The only thing that might help you is to be aware of the texture of your paper when you use charcoal because it's difficult to get full color if your paper has a lot of texture. Textured paper is meant to add effect, not detract from it.

The eyes stand out because they have that little white ring underneath them and I think you portrayed that quite well.

If I had done this drawing, I know I would be completely happy with it - oh, and also quite proud of it! You are doing very well, keep up the good work my friend!

By the way, thanks for a wonderful story - I really appreciate you taking the time to write all that and helping to make this an interesting page for everyone to read and enjoy. xx