Research and Conceptual Sketches of Cats

This week I decided to study some cats from secondary sources to get a better understanding of behaviour and anatomy.

I started with some loose one line drawing to nail down the basic shape and form and later did some charcoal and graphite sketches.

Cat sketches

Meet my main muse: Natsuki

Natsuki is a ginger Norwegian forest cat who is X years old and has a cheeky personality. Like any other cat he requests food and treats at any given opportunity.

His fur is quite long and has something akin to a mane starting from below his face.

I decided to paint a portrait of him to get a better understanding of his facial anatomy.

After doing so many studies I now have a better understanding of the anatomy and behavior of a cat. Cats have a basic circular face with triangular ears. With the behavioral studies I have decided the animations to create as follows: Walk, run, jump, eat, lick (2 variations), sitting idle position (in loaf), playing with toy, and hiss.