This is a rare glimpse of Napster at work. Last week, he painted, by commission, a work for the Zyba family. Emily chose the colours, and all the kids helped to prepare the palette (on Napster's favourite Windsor Derby plate with gilt edging. He is very fond of that plate)
Alison then held the plate within easy reach of the famous tail.
Kyle got the job of holding Napster on his shoulder. In which chapter he learned that sometimes it is the tormented artist who produces the very best work. With so many kids petting him, and laughing around him, there were moments when the claws came out -- but then so did the best brush strokes.
Nicholas held the paper at a convenient angle, to allow for the free flow of the tail strokes. Napster added some details onto the painting smock that Kyle was wearing, with a flurry of activity. The cat paints swiftly -- we think he already has the vision clear in his mind before he dips his tail in the paints, but it is hard to be sure.
Within a matter of a few minutes, abetted by cheering from Samantha and Brooke, much entertainment for the adults, and a great experience for his enchanted assistants, Napster produced Zyba the Peacock, a glorious work that catches the sudden snap of the upflung peacock's tail, along with delightful detail in the face and beak, and careful attention to the golden crown feathers.While his assistants prepare the palette, and help hold the paint and canvas in easy reach, no-one EVER touches the tail. And Napster himself decides when the work is complete.
We'll be getting this one into print and cards as soon as we can. We're sure it will be a popular piece!
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