A Two Page Spread in a Magazine

Napster ha the distinction of being the First Ever CAT featured in CottageDog magazine.

He figures it's about time. Why should Dogs get all the press?

His two page Cover-Cat spread in the most recent issue took him into 14,000 homes.

It involved a photo shoot with well-known portrait photographer Heather Douglas . She is better known for wedding and family portraits, but Napster "worked it" for her camera, with some encouragement from her two children who came along for the occasion.

He has also found himself mentioned in What's Up Huntsville; the Huntsville Forester, and other local magazines. And last Friday, he got a phone call from the Office of Tony Clement...

Who knows what is next?

Another International Sale

Chris was here last week, and having admired Napster's portfolio, and had a few words with the famous artist sitting on the chair beside him, he purchased one of Napster's 8X10 prints to send as a gift to his sister.

She owns a hotel in Grenada, and Chris thinks this cheerful interpretation of a dancer all decked out in her bright feathery costume at Carnivale would be just perfect on the wall there!

We couldn't agree more. It is the first of Napster's pieces to sell into the tropical islands of the Caribbean! He's excited.

He likes to maintain a bird-like theme in many of his pictures, and when we look at this photo of an actual Caribbean carnival dancer, with so many feathers she could be a Phoenix rising, we can certainly see where he found his inspiration!

Wind in the Garden

While we have been busy putting our gardens to bed, ready for winter, we realized we had not posted one of Napster's more recent works, Wind in the Garden.

He painted this after sitting on the couch with his good friend Susan, who had just won several awards for her Holland Landing garden. It was a breezy day, and I think the two of them were discussing horticulture...

Sue mixed up a palette for him, and Napster 'whipped' up this impression of the wind blowing the flowers... It has been quite popular. One of his young fans, Brooke, simply would not leave Bondi until she had a copy of this in her hands!

Like all Napster's work, it can be turned to change the view, and there are many images to be found in this colourful, cheerful impression!

Christmas Shopping

Napster would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that his cards and prints are available to be ordered through this blog site.

A pack of 6 assorted cards sells for $20. Unframed prints are $15.00. Framed prints are $40.00.

There is a small fee for postage and handling.

They make great Christmas gifts for the Cat Lovers on your list, and help out charities at the same time!

Contact Nancy, at ntapley@vianet.ca for ordering details!

Mall Sprawl

Recently featured in Cottage Dog Magazine, Napster was also asked to participate in the fund-raising efforts for the Animal Shelter for Huntsville.

That meant he had to show up, and greet his adoring public... in the Huntsville Place Mall.

Like the great artiste he is, he only grumbled a little about having to be in a cage, in a strange place, with strange people and strange cats. For the most part, he was tremendously gracious, spending his three hour appearance by purring and playing with everyone who stopped to say hello.

He had donated a framed print for the Silent Auction, and was also selling unframed prints and cards for the Shelter. He raised over $200 to help the animals, so that was a great result. We had to leave before the Silent Auction closed, but he raised even more money for the Shelter with the sale of that print, so he has 'done his bit' for the Shelter cats...

Which is a good thing, because this very worthwhile institution is chronically short of funds. Donations are always welcome, whether that be monetary or volunteer time to help with the animals. And of course, finding homes for these lovely cats (and dogs!) is the next step. So if you are considering turning your house into a home, get a cat...

Yes, Minister...

Napster is delighted to report that the print he donated to ME TO WE, at Dwight last weekend, was purchased by the Right Honourable Minister of Industry, Tony Clement.

This opens up such huge horizons... there's no limit, really, to where his artwork can now go.

Pity Tony didn't know about his artwork BEFORE the G8... after all, it was our guests at Bondi during the G8 that first bought out all his cards, and inspired him to launch his career.

So, if we can help you out with your Christmas shopping, Mr. Clement, just give us a call... We'll be happy to bring the Cat's portfolio in to your Huntsville office. Or, if you prefer, drop by, and meet Napster in person. Perhaps paint with with him...

You'd be in great company.

Portrait Painting

Fred was here this week with the Ancient Mariners' Canoe Club.

An artist in his own right, he's been following Napster's career through the Blogs, and very kindly took the time to paint the famous Cat's portrait.

Obviously, it was posed in the studio, before Napster had time to clean off his tail.

We are simply delighted with this. Napster is tickled ginger, and Achmed, well, he's gone off in a sulk...

Thanks so much Fred. The Napster Adventure continues, and this just adds lustre to it!

VOTE

Napster has kindly assisted Nancy's campaign for Re-Election for Franklin Ward, Lake of Bays, by painting an X for her brochure signage.

The hope is it will encourage people to get out there and VOTE...

Which is, of course, the entire point.

Anglican Church Regatta... Turn About is Fair Play

Napster was delighted to support the Stewart Memorial United Church in Dwight at their Silent Auction last month. His original piece, "Ascending" sold for $95.00, helping the Church raise the necessary money to replace the historic fence around the churchyard (originally needed to keep out the cows from the neighbouring farm at the top of Buttermilk Hill).

Wednesday was the Rain Date for the Anglican Church 87th Annual Regatta, held at Port Cunnington.

Well, you can hardly support one and not the other, so Napster offered one of his framed prints, "Flight", to their Silent Auction.

It's one of his most popular pieces, and can be hung on the wall in several different ways -- one suggesting dragons and firebirds;

one suggesting a large bird;

and one that often brings to mind skaters, but which also contains a small, cleverly drafted portrait of a howling wolf's head.

It sold for $60, and will now grace a cottage on historic Bigwin Island. We hope they enjoy it, whichever way they hang it on the wall!

Most importantly, it raised money for the Anglican Churches at St. James (Port Cunnington) and St. John in the Woods (Fox Point); and its presence at the Silent Auction caused a lot of folk to wander up to take a look -- and then take a look at all the other wonderful and generous items on offer, and that's the kind of teamwork that makes these event such a success.

First Auctioned Sale

Napster's artwork did very well for the Stewart Memorial Church fundraiser. It sold for $95.00, which has the Cat all flustered.

Yes, the Bateman print outshone him, selling for $220.00, but that's as it should be. This, after all, was Napster's first public auction. Peggy, the librarian, reported that a lot of people came in just to see his work -- then stayed and bid on other items in the sale. That's good.

Over all, about $4000.00 were raised for the heritage Church in Dwight. We're honoured that Napster got to be a part of that.

Thank you to all the people who bid on his piece of art.

And, if you missed it, you can still order a fine, framed print... The piece sold in the auction was titled "Ascending", because of the wonderful lifting feel in the work, and the dove rising on the right hand side.

Look closer, however, and see what else you can find in Paradise!

Meeting the Fans

Napster spent a little quality time this afternoon with Amelia and Josephine, two of his young fans.

The girls are interested in him only as a cat, never mind his ever increasing fame. And that is just the way Napster likes it.

Although he can't help being a little excited about the Silent Auction that closes tomorrow at the Dwight Library. At the last report, his original painting, Ascending, was leading the Robert Bateman print of a sketched moose head.

We have warned him that the Bateman may make a late stretch run to get in the lead (and so it should, being by a far more established artist and, if we do admit it, vastly superior art! We are in awe of Robert Bateman) but even so, the 15 minutes of fame it has offered are like 15 years for a cat!

Tomorrow is the last day for the silent auction. There are great deals to be had -- including the Bateman print, which would look great on any wall. As would Napster's original...

And there are many other items on offer. If you've got any time at all tomorrow morning, you should go...

Carnival Dancer

Napster has several new works this summer.



Carnival Dancer takes its inspiration from the brightness and laughter of his five young friends at Bondi Village who helped him select the colour palate, then tosses in a little Caribana flavour. Fond as he is of feathers, you can sense the feathery head-dress and costume on this bright little dancer, shaking to the Steel Drums of Carabana!

Then, give it a twist, and you can find her partner, running to catch up with her, hands thrown over his head and legs pumping!





This print will be available for sale next week. It's currently in set up at Color Crazy. That's good news for the several folks who have already put their name in for a print of Carnival Dancer!

There's lots more to find in this work, as in all his interpretive paintings. We love the colour and sense of fun in this piece, the dynamic movement of the strokes, the vitality... you can almost hear the laughter of a Festival!

Going Once, Going Twice....

It's almost more excitement than a Cat can handle... One of his is original art works, Ascending, is currently on sale at the Stewart Memorial Church Fundraiser at the Dwight Library.

Cathy emailed to let us know that the bidding is up to $75.00 so far, with a week to go.

That's a lot of cash for a cat to raise for the benefit of church mice. We're all impressed. Napster has his paws crossed that it will reach three figures before the sale is over -- it is such a worthy cause.

His success doesn't seem to have gone to his head, however. He's still humble, grateful for his kibble and a comfy lap.

Different Visions

One of Napster's collectors recently remarked that she didn't feel it possible to ever tire of his work -- by simply turning the piece, an entire new world is revealed.

We're having a lot of fun with the kids at the resort, whose wonderful imaginations see the Cat's Vision clearly.

This is Flight, one of his most popular prints, turned 90 degrees. Some folks see ice skaters in this, with scarves in the wind.... and we would never interfere with anyone's interpretation of a Napster. But we do draw your attention to the very finely sketched head of a howling wolf found in this picture, perhaps in the middle of the Northern Lights...

Can you find it? The attention to detail, and delicate brush strokes demonstrate Napster at the very top of his game.

Give it a Twist

Napster goes from strength to strength. His first original piece is currently up for auction at the Stewart Memorial Church fundraiser at the Dwight Library. A few days back, it was up to $65.00. He is hoping it gets to three figures for the Church, which is a very worthy cause.

His new note cards are in stock now, and can be ordered through this Blog, just contact his agent.

One of the most wonderful things about his paintings is that they can be viewed on so many levels. People see so many wonderful things within the works, that imaginations soar. And we have yet to find anyone who doesn't smile when they are introduced to his works.

A reminder, then, that the works Should be seen from many angles.

Take for example, Rider by Moonlight. Viewed one way, it can be interpreted as a horse and rider galloping across the page, a swirl of energy and movement. Napster knows horses. He spent several years living as the stable cat, and still visits his equine friends every day. From a cat's perspective, the horse is mostly legs and motion, and that's what he's captured.

But... turn that picture 90 degrees, and you can see how well the Cat knows the Horse. It becomes a lovely portrait of a horse's head.

Clever cat.

CataPawLooza

The thing about cats is that they know a good thing when they see it. That's why Napster is always willing to contribute to a good cause. So, when he was asked on Sunday to donate one of his prints to the Catapawlooza in Stratford, he was more than happy to oblige. After all, Napster knows very well what it's like to live as a wild, hungry cat... although he has come a long way since those early days.



Catapawlooza is a tent-event celebrating cats. It takes place Sunday, August 29, 2010, outdoors on the grounds of OSPCA-Perth, 345 Douro St., Stratford. 10am to 4pm. For anyone thinking of adopting a cat, come on out and meet some of our wonderful cats and kittens! A bbq, 50-50 draw, vendors, face-painting and vets / vet techs are all on hand to answer your questions.





Dolphins Chase the Moon was the selected print, and he hopes it helps draw a big crowd. He also hopes that crowd will adopt some of the wonderful cats just waiting to turn houses into homes... not only in Stratford, but at Shelters around the country.

A Rare Glimpse

Here's a rare look at Napster, at work at his easel. While comfortably cuddled in Michelle's arms, he was carefully crafting his next great opus.

Brooke held the palate for him, within easy reach. It is astonishing how, given a wide variety of colours to choose from, he so delicately selects the perfect blend to create his vision.

He has one unbendable rule, however. NOBODY touches the TAIL.

What an Honour

Four of Napster's Notes were selected to be framed and presented to Norm, on the occasion of his 75th birthday. He was delighted with the gift.

Napster was deeply honoured to be included in the celebrations

.

We don't think his tail has stopped twitching since.

His artwork is suitable for all occasions, and can be viewed on so many levels.

Tail Paintings for Tail Fins?

Could it be? One of Napster's prints, Dancer, was selected by a guest last week. The plan is to take it to London, England, where their son is living, and show it to a mutual friend, a member of the Branson family, from the Virgin Consortium...

She is an art connisseur, and a cat-lover...

So it is possible... just possible... (Cat's love to dream, that's why they nap) that one day we'll see Napster art on the tails of the Virgin Airlines planes.

It could happen...

First International Sale!

When Mary-Kae dropped by and purchased one of Napster's framed prints to take as a gift to her neighbour in Arizona, Napster almost fell of the couch.

It was his first International Sale, and that IS a landmark! For any artist!

He sold two prints today -- Emilie scooped up an unframed copy of Flight as a gift for a cat-loving friend as well.

The next edition of Napster Notes should be here later this week. With three complete sets already spoken for, they look like they will sell out quickly as well!

There has even been some interest from a local gallery -- stay tuned! Napster could go global!!!

Wind in the Garden

Sue is one of Napster's dear friends (she lets him sleep on the foot of the bed when she is here, something that always slants his attitude towards a person) When she was here recently, she and Napster got their heads together, selected some bold colours, and set to work.

Titled, Wind in the Garden, we think it is inspired by the number of awards Sue won from her Horticultural Society's Spring Flower Show, combined with the amount of work she did (while Napster watched) in the garden here.

The movement of the wind sets the flowers and leaves into a delightful swirl of colour and life.

Worthy of its own award.

Limited edition prints are available by request.

Fan Club Letters! -- the excitement builds!

Anne dropped by to visit in the spring, and while here she was invited by Napster to join him in creating a work of art. "Tail Painting with the Stars," he calls it, when he invites those he considers Napster Note-worthy to hold the colour palate, and keep the art-paper conveniently in reach of his tail.

The work created was titled Rider By Moonlight -- Anne was convinced she could see a Voltige rider, arms outstretched, under one of Napster's signature blobs of white. The horse is wonderfully alive, abstract, galloping in both directions across the page. Napster sent a framed print to Anne, who received it where she keeps her horse, near Port Perry.

She writes:
I was so touched to receive such a lovely and original work of Napster's art. It will always bring very special memories of a visit to an amazing place and its amazing owner. Napster has a rare genius, as does his owner! I could have sold that painting ten times over just today -- but will settle for promoting the heck out of Napster cards. You have started yet another phenomena.

Love and best wishes always,

Anne

Napster advises that he can accept (through his management team) requests for framed prints, and suggests that Anne go ahead and take orders. He also suggests that she should come back soon to visit him. He thinks she has a particularly lovely lap, ideal for cat-napping.

Reprints will be available soon!

Napster has sold out of the complete sets of Napster Notes (8 cards, with envelopes, for $20)

He still has individual cards for sale. $3.00 each. ($4.00 at the Dwight Library, because all their cards sell for $4.00 and because the proceeds go to such good causes.)

There are a very limited number of 8X10 prints also available: $40/framed; $15 unframed, and let us just say that they look incredibly striking hanging on the wall. We have one in the entryway and everyone who walks through the door comments on it favourably. Napster Art is a great addition and talking point to your classroom, office, home or executive suite.

Proceeds from his art go to his current charity, A Wing and a Prayer Bird Rescue.

Art may be ordered through this blog, and we will ship direct (postage added) or you can drop by the Bondi office, where it is always on display.

And, we would simply like to add, if Napster Art does not bring a smile to your face and make you chuckle, you need more help than we can provide. Sit down somewhere cool, and try stroking a cat... it will do you a world of good.

Falcon

We're very excited about this. The sophistication of technique in this unique artwork will catch the eye of art critics everywhere.

One of his recent works, this is currently not available in Note Card or Limited Print, but we're sure the demand will be there. It will be available through special order until the next run of cards can include it.

While Napster had chosen to work with a very "himself" coloured palate, perhaps considering a self-portrait, he was distracted by the flight of kestrel darting into one of the trees near the window in pursuit of a songbird.

Regretably, pursuit of songbirds is something Napster can relate to, and the vision of the artwork shifted, leaving us with this charming image of a falcon -- note the incredible detail in beak and eye! -- sitting on a branch, surrounded by a bower of branches, waiting.

Or, because the Cat's work is never static or one-dimensional, you may see the face of the fox, looking back at you, probably with designs on the chickens...

Fish in Red Coral

While we believe the inspiration for this came from watching Finnian the Beta Fighting Fish patrol in his big glass bowl, there is a lovely underwater flow to the piece.

You'd expect to see a mermaid popping up any time... as the fish glides by, trailing its soft greeny blue fins and tail.

Rider by Moonlight

Another very popular piece. Napster was assisted by his good friend Anne. Utilizing only the dry-tail brush strokes, he has captured a highly stylized vaulting rider, arms extended, on a galloping horse.

Along with colour and motion, he has employed minimal brushing to render a work that stays in the mind.

But wait... is the horse going to the left, or to the right? It is possible to see both directions in this fascinating work, Napster's way of reminding us all that there is always more than one way to see the world.

Dolphins Chase the Moon

This stunning painting is one of our favourites. You can easily see why. The detail in the dolphins, the motion in the waves around them, the glorious leaping activity... it's just a beautiful piece.

Napster's friend Sharon helped him prepare the palate for this work.

He had considered titling it 'where's the tuna'... but let us not dwell on that. Dolphins it is, definitely, joyously, freely, dolphins.

Which is quite fitting. On a trip to the Clearwater Aquarium in Florida, Nancy met Nicholas, a rescue dolphin who also enjoys painting. Although none of Nicholas' works depict a cat...

Dancer

Mike was honoured to assist in this creation, carefully blending the palate after spending some quality time with Napster on his lap communing about the colours.

While some people say they see a goose flying south -- which is fine with Mike, because he wages constant battle against the geese setting up housekeeping on our docks and lawns -- there is a rather elfin, Entwood feeling to the flow and action in the piece. The brush strokes -- again, a damp-tail technique -- flow as effortlessly as the dancer, creating visual poetry.

Ascending

This is the image selected by the Stewart Memorial Church group to be auctioned off at their fundraiser at the end of July in Dwight.

As is typical of Napster's work, there is a wonderful sense of lifting freedom in the brush strokes, a totally holistic interpretation of the unity of mind and body.

Charmian selected this image -- and yes, they are selling the original piece, not a print -- because it brought to mind the Dove of Peace, ascending.

Napster hopes that you too find enlightenment and joy in this image. He is proud to be supporting the fund-raising efforts for the Dwight church, and adds that he is in favour of Church Mice everywhere.

Flight

This is one of Napster's most popular images to date.

A wonderful sense of freedom, and lifting on wings permeates the image.

The vibrant colours add to the movement of the vision to create a memorable piece of art that will grace any wall.

This is the image Napster has chosen to donate to A Wing and Prayer along with his first cheque from his proceeds.

Muskoka Sunset

When Dave and Mike assist Napster at the easel, the tendency is to employ the 'wet tail' brushing technique. The resulting brush work is less detailed than with a 'dry tail' technique, but the sweep of the tail lends itself to large motifs.

Combined with the vivid palate, this piece evokes the shades of an autumn sunset reflected in the lake.

Some folks see an Archer, some -- turning the piece on its side -- picture an Anchor.

Like many of Napster's works, it can be many things to many people.

Spring Garden

Napster's first piece. Note the bold use of the tail strokes, vibrant colours, and rich accents.