Saturday, February 17, 2007

IF : Gravity


Murphy ran to the window after hearing a loud "thud" outside. Even though he was safely inside his new home, he was still jumpy after living on the streets for so long. It seems he was left behind when his previous family moved away. Some people think pets are disposable, I guess.

But one sunny September day, just the right person came along. She sat on the curb with him for a very long time, almost as if she stayed to hear his whole story. She was pulling one of those two-wheeled carts to lug her groceries. She stood up from the curb, took off her sweater and laid it on the bags before gently placing Murphy on top. He looked up at her and sighed the deepest sigh. He knew he was going home.

As he looks out the window he sees it was only an apple released by gravity. There was nothing to fear. Not ever again.

He gave a big, lazy stretch and went back to curl up on his comfortable, familiar sweater.



This is a very old illustration done in acrylic and prismacolor pencils on bristol board. Please click to enlarge.

48 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. The look on Murphy's face at the advent of reaffirming that he has a safe home is captured magically as only Lolo can do. Precious and moving. What an artist. Love all her stuff.

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  3. Very cute and the perfect cat look.

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  4. Very pretty, love all the patterns.

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  5. this is beautiful and so serene looking, a moment in time. p.s. -hope you're feeling better =)

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  6. I always love the soulful stories that goes with your nice illustrations! This one is special for me because it's a bit the story of me and my Merlin... :) Merlin is an orange cat too! :)

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  7. very dreamy piece, beautiful tones!

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  8. i love the story that goes along with the piece...love the attention to detail!

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  9. Wow Laurel! This is so beautiful!

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  10. If I were to describe this with one word....
    Incredible, but I can't stop there. The tone, the colors, the composition and the subtle expression of puzzlement on the cat's face are a delight!

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  11. It is so sad when pets are abandonned. They grow up without learning how to feed themselves and to care enough of them. I think a pet is a big responsability, they give us so much love without any condition.

    I love your illo, it's very touching, Laurel. Now I'm going to hug Fito, my sweet cat ;)

    Have a nice week!

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  12. gorgeous, love the colours, love the story, love Murphy, love the Isaac Newton ref. love your work.

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  13. The story and that beautiful sweet cat, add the wonderful design of this piece, what a treat!

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  14. What a lovely illo, I love the cat, there's one in my neighborhood that looks just like Murphy. :-)
    Like you I love all animals...thanks for stopping by!

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  15. Aaw, it looks so cute and peaceful...brings back memories too, I had a ginger cat who looked a lot like that...and we also met under similar circumstances that are mentioned in the post.

    I really like it.

    (Thanks for stopping by my blog ^^)

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  16. Lovely image and story.

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  17. very pretty. the apple on the sill was the last thing I noticed. Very subtle.

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  18. What a sweet story and illustration!

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  19. Thanks for digging back into the archives to share this! What a lucky kitty.

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  20. You've captured our Tiger cat perfectly. 'Cept he's not allowed inside. He's our outside cat. Great story to go with the wonderful art.

    Stopped by Studio Lolo again this Saturday, but it was before noon. My biz partner's gallery will be at 210 Forest. We were putting up track lighting. We'll see you one of these trips over there.

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  21. Beautiful! Such a peaceful palette

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  22. The cat seems serene and comfortable in his new home, yet gazes out the window, never quite shaking the memories of where he came from.

    II love your illustration. The cat seems enveloped by his window and curtains, and very dignified in his new home. You gave this painting such an uplifting feel to it.

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  23. Murphy eyes lok so peaceful and sweet. We took our kitty in from outdoors, I'll have to tell her story one day. Beautiful art!

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  24. Pets are definitely not disposable in my world. I have them from beginning to end. This is a very heartfelt story, with a lovely illustration! Wonderful combination!

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

    Peace and giggles

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  25. Oh...this is so beautiful! I love the story, and I love the look on Murphy's face. He looks so happy... and he reminds me of an orange kitty I had.

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  26. wow the cat looks amazing! thanks for your comment, i'm now starting...

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  27. I really like how this is composed. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

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  28. Awwwww, what a beautiful story! I'm so glad you and Murphy found each other.

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  29. like the detail pattern on the curtain and the fur on the cat nicely done

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  30. Laurel- I adore how you connect your paintings to the weekly challenge in ways that surprise and inspire, beyond the visual beauty fo each piece. This is such a warm story and just perfect for my blue mood. I think we all have that safe haven, we just have to remember it is there. Thanks again!

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  31. A very content looking cat. Such a releif. Very nice colors. I like your idea, beautiful work.

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  32. What a wonderful image! Very nice.

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  33. Very nice cat and like the contrast with the blue...says one who is not a super big fan of the feline clan...

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  34. Great illustration! Fun storytelling as well!! Thanks for commenting on my piece.. and for the warm welcome to IF!!

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  35. Sweet story and beautiful and thoughtful cat - fine colours, composition - lovely image

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  36. So cute! I love the cat's expression...so thoughtful. :) keep up the great work!

    Cheers,
    Theresa

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  37. since when are cats bothered by anything?

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  38. again, such gentleness and really beautiful colours. I like the patterns in thw picture too. Lovely.

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  39. wow! I just love this cat!!!! great illo!!:)

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  40. This is such a lovely and serene illustration. I love the soothing colors and the story that accompanies it.

    Wonderful!

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  41. sweet cat...beautifully rendered!
    and the curiousity factor lends an added interest! hope to see more of your drawings! :-)

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