We recently became aware of a British (London based) animal artist (and cat lady) named Denise Laurent who creates these amazing contemporary animal paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolors. OK, she had us at cat lady! >^..^<
Her contemporary feline art is truly enchanting and magical, and we just love how she captures each cat’s unique personality and essence so purrfectly! The painting below is one she did of Charlie and Ming (2 of her former cats).
We had the opportunity to speak with Denise and asked her how she began her painting journey. Here’s what she told us…
I’ve always drawn and painted animals but started selling paintings about 15 years ago when somebody asked me if they could buy one of my finished pieces. It snowballed from there and I became a full time artist, painting animals, especially cats and working on commissions, painting for exhibitions and making prints, cards and now the brooches too (another accident).
Cats have such quirky personalities and they never fail to surprise me or make me laugh. I’ve always been owned by cats, especially Siamese, and of course they have always been my models and my inspiration. I love painting the crazy things they do. One of my favourite quotes is “For the artist a cat is a still life in motion” by Gloria Stook and that really sums it up very well.
I just love painting them, especially those private moments that you only see when you live with a cat. For example my Bengal cat Ming who would steal my paint brushes (complete with paint!) Or Charlie who loved to curl up in the sink.
One moment a cat is an inscrutable feline model of elegance and the next a racing whirlwind chasing an imaginary mouse and having a wonderful time. Charlie and Ming have left us now but they appear in the 2018 calendar in February. I love the painting of the two of them washing each other.
I paint in oils, acrylics and watercolour and my paintings are always colourful. I love colour and I’m always trying new ideas in paint and other materials to get luscious, fabulous colour into my work. Colour brings us joy and makes the world an nicer place.
Denise and was kind enough to donate 3 of her 2018 Painted Cat Calendars for us to ho a contest for three lucky Purrington Post readers to win. Her new calendar is made up of a selection of her cat paintings, 10 domestic cats, a mix of siamese, burmese, bengal, and maine coon cats, tuxedo, ginger, tortoiseshell, tabby and black cats, long-haired and short-haired cats, and two big cats, a snow leopard mother and cub and a bathing tiger.
The paintings in her 2018 Painted Cat calendar are: Mother and Cub, King Of Hearts, Mutual Grooming, Sleeping Siamese, Mesi, Tree Hugger, Mr Stripes, Siamese Blue, Bathing Tiger, Harry, Haruni and We Three Kings.
What a beautiful addition to any cat lover’s wall this would make!
Contest is Now CLOSED*
This contest ended on October 19th, 2017 and was available to residents of the United States, Canada and the UK. To enter you simply needed to submit a comment in our “Leave a Reply” section at the bottom of this page saying:
My cats name is [insert your cat’s name]. He/she thinks that Denise should consider him/her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … [your cat’s reason]
The 3 winners were selected by Denise from all the correct entries and contacted by email.
Artist Background
We had to ask Denise a few more questions to get a better understanding of her inner cat lady. Turns out she’s owned by three cats at the moment. Muffin is their elderly Somali. She’s 20 years old and loves watching nature programs on TV.
Harry is 10 and is a rescue cat. Denise found him one winter in the snow and after canvasing their neighbours and the rescue organisations it was clear nobody knew who he was. Denise continues, “so he came to live with us. He is a massive black cat with a tiny squeaky voice. In his younger days he inspired the painting “Black and Proud” because black cats are often left in rescue centres as people adopt more colourful cats. But they don’t know what they’re missing. Everyone should have a domestic panther in their lives. Harry is in the calendar in October. That’s the month Cat’s Protection have their Black Cat Day here in the UK.”
Her third cat is a foster cat, Salt {photo below: Harry on left, Salt on right}.
Denise says, “We volunteered to look after Salt when his previous people couldn’t do it. That was two years ago and I guess he’s staying forever now. He’s a very high speed cat and he loves to chase his Cat Dancer toy. He insists on a game every day. It keeps both of us fit!”
Credit: All images courtesy of Denise Laurent
For more information on Denise please check out: www.deniselaurent.co.uk
My cats names are Poirot and Miss Marple. They thinks that Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar because they he has eyes that are incredibly expressive, and her eyes look like a dragon’s eyes. They are 2yo tuxedos.
My cats name is Derp. He thinks that Denise should consider him/her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he’s got a uniquely derpy looking face while still being super beautiful and hypoallergenic!
My cat’s name is Saffy (short for Sapphire). She thinks Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because she is a very pretty Russian Blue cat that thinks she is a human. She was a rescue cat that only has know humans so she does not realize she is a cat. Shhh, don’t tell her she is not mama’s baby girl.
My cats names are”Milo,Bud,and Oliver.They think Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar.They would be a lucky trio to have such a talented artist paint them.
My cats names are Cheese.Pickle.Paw.Bigears.McCall And Tabby.We are all one big happy family
We bring pressies for our mummy who cares for us so much. She feeds.cares and pets us all the time.We are a big part of her life and we love her xxxx
Hello Denise, our names are pepe le pew. Fudge, Stanley-moo-bag, Spook and Cos, we were hoping you might consider us for your 2019 calendar because we think you’re very talented and seeing our gorgeous faces painted by you would make our mommy very happy 😸
Very eye catching, beautiful vision!
So lovely that I want to bring them all to my home, but my Siberian Bear would be too jealous.
Hi
My cat’s name is Scampurr.
You should pick him to be in your 2019 Cat calendar because he’s one sexy cat.
He’s charming & loveable.
One look at him and your in love. 🐾
My cat’s name is Angel. He thinks Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar, he thinks it would be a great honor to be painted by such a great artist and cat lover!
And also , since he is a rescue from the street with the most gorgeous “ angel” eyes , which look deep into your soul( that’s what my mommy says) and made my mommy’s life worth living again after she lost her husband! You can say, I am her guardian Angel sent by him! By the way I am a Siamese.
My cat’s name is Marshall the Mean! Mean, not because he is evil ,but because I rescued him, and he prefers my husband! He is a sweet tuxedo whose markings are symmetrical. That is why he thinks Denise should honor him in her next calendar. Thank you, M the M!
My cats names are Willow and Grayson. Grayson feels that Denise should include him in her 2019 calendar because he’s such a laid-back boy and sleeps on his back with his legs totally spread. Willow feels that she should be included because she’s the queen of the house and we should all bow to her commands. Seriously, though, they are both wonderful cats, and would be honored to be included in Denise’s calendar.
My cat’s name is Cosette. She thinks she should be considered by Denise for her 2019 calendar because she is such a “Nana!” Like the dog in Peter Pan, Cosette maintains guard duty over her girls, my mother, my daughter, and me. She waits just inside the door for us if we are away, and when we are home she statins herself equidistant we free m us keeping us happy m her vision in the event that her special care is needed by one of us. As a Meezer, this comes as part of the cat. As Cosette, it is part of her devotion to maintaining the safety of her moms. She is a dedicated guard cat, only leaving her post when snuggles are at hand!
“Stations”
My cats name is Tomcat. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he wondered onto our property in subzero temperatures, disappearing for days at a time. He soon won us over, only to be hit shortly thereafter by a car. The vet recommended amputation of his front leg, but I just couldn’t bear to do it. He now races me up the stairs, leg intact, but with a permanent limp. His recovery was miraculous, and he is now our dedicated little foot warmer, even when you’re gardening! This little trooper would be thrilled to grace your calendar, and shine like the star he is…in spite of his rough beginnings.
My cats name is Teddy. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … he’s such a purrfect meowdel and loves his picture taken.
My cats name is Indie. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he sees how amazingly talented she is and knows that seeing his face so beautifully portrayed would warm his Mommy’s heart and make her incredibly happy and I know it would do the same for many others too!
I was a rescue kitty who was found behind a dumpster when I was just 5 weeks old. My rescue mom was a busy college student who, after a couple years, could no longer give me the care and attention I needed and had to move out of state. I hate moving and do not do well with long trips so my Mom decided to put an ad out and re-home me so I could have a loving, stable environment.
This is when I met my new Mom and Dad! My Mom has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and she says that adopting me has been one of the best things that could have happened to her. Apparently, I am their first pet together which I love because I get all the attention! My Mom often lays her head on me and just listens to me purr, she tells me it helps calm her down. I have to admit, I enjoy it too. I’ve been in my new home for five months now, and I just love it! I love being brushed, having my belly rubbed, cuddling with my parents, watching the squirrels from the window, watching basketball games on TV, and playing fetch!
I hope you will consider me for your calendar, I think it would be a very special gift to be able to share it with my Mommy, Daddy, and all my Instagram followers too!
My cats’ name’s are Mama B, Monkey, Raine, Bertie, Willie Jean, Jacob, Frankie, Squeee, Thelma, Louise, Thomas, Lil’ Pea, Tater, Tori & Bailey, who range from 8 years old to 16 weeks old. They think that Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar because they are a rescue clowder of 15, and are so grateful to have been rescued, saved & adopted from the rough & tumble streets of Baltimore. Whether Denise were to choose them as a family, or if she were to choose only one of them, they would be honored to be in Denise’s Fine Arts Calendar. Thank you. Love #donnathecrazycatlady
MY BOYS ARE ODIE AND REGGIE. THEY YHINK DENISE SHOULD CONSIDER THEM FOR HER 2019 CALENDAR, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE CATS PAJAMAS. THEY PUT THE PURR IN PURRFECT.
My cats’ names are Tarifa, Suha, and Elvis. They think that Denise should consider him/her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … they are gorgeous, handsome, funny, silly, playful, and very expressive. Oh yeah, and all were rescued.
My cats name is Benjamin Wallace Bunnybutt. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he loves to sleep on his back and no one can resist his fuzzy belly!
My cats names are Beardsley, Icarus, Chrysanthemum, Miss Minnie, Zinnia, Creamsicle, and Lily. They think that Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar because they are cute and would look great in the next calendar.
My cats name is Kit Kat. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he is very handsome
My cats name is Baby Reese and she thinks that Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because she is often said by strangers to be the prettiest black cat they’ve ever seen and black cats are so often misunderstood and underappreciated. She would love to show the world how beautiful black cats are and what a gift they are to have in your household.
My cats name is Salem. He/she thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he has had a rough first few years and has grown into a mini panther look. He was a stray and was paired up with a special kitty who was blind and my mom adopted both of us. My new sister at the age of 3 passed away of kidney disease. Shortly after that, I too was diagnosed with kidney disease. Fortunately for me there was a new medicine out that wasn’t available for my sister at the time. I am now in remission for it, however have an allergy to all foods except the vet food and mega colon. I am still a very active happy kitty and has overcome a lot. I hope you choose me😸
My cat’s name is Sherlock. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he is a very handsome fellow with a mottled nose, white boots, and nicely striped gray tiger body. Plus, I live alone so not many people get to see him and appreciate his fine appearance.
My kitties are Loki (Russian Blue/Mix) and Keri (long-hair calico). Wish I could post a photo of my furkids.
My cats names are Inky & Toots. They think that Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar because they are a beautiful duo. Inky is an all black beauty with an long floofy tail. Toots is a long haired Siamese look-alike that is floofy all over.
My cats name are Aspen, Coco & Mercy-Mercy. They think that Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar because they are very special cats. They are a shining light for their mom. She has battled depression for many years and they always give her unconditional love and lots of head buts & kisses. Even if they aren’t chosen, their mom believes they are the best companions a person could have.
My cats names are Munchkin, Precious and Jojo. They think that Denise should consider Precious to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … she’s a rare female marmalade beauty and an absolute diva.Of course if it is a group painting-Munch and Jojo would be happy to volunteer.
My cats name is [Hemingway but I call him Munchkin]. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … [I’m a rescue that came to live in my home just a year ago this month. Thanks to the Persian Rescue Groups’ diligence in posting my dire situation when I was dumped at a kill shelter with a horrible respiratory infection and matted to the bone. Thanks to her hard work, I now live a life of leisure where I’m warm, loved and fed regularly, along with my 7 other brothers and sister felines and two funny sounding siblings who talk in something mom says “stop that barkin’ ” voices. I’ve learned that mom wakes up and spreads her love to all of us and makes sure we’re all loved and accounted for ever day. She sings out “babies” and we all come running, if we’re not already sleeping in our own soft beds right there in her room. We’re never tossed outside and kicked at when we try to get back in cause were cold, wet or hungry because we’re warm, dry and dreaming about the moment when mom gets out the toys and plays with us. I hit the jackpot when this crazy lady scooped me up and said something I’d need heard before. She said, “hi baby, you’ll never be scared or alone again.” She was right, I’m not scared or alone anymore.
y cats name are Katie, Rita, Mickey & Minne, Purr-cival, Miranda, and Finnegan. They all think that Denise should consider Finnegan to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he is the newest member of the family and he likes to play with everyone and everything. He is also very curious and before coming home, he somehow broke his jaw and it healed on its own so he has a special facial expression which always makes us smile.
My cats name is Lancelot. He thinks that Denise should feature him in her 2018 calendar beacuase he is a beautiful rescued Flame point Siamese, who is beyond photogenic, he is a masterpiece that should be painted. His eyes are so baby blue that the sky is often sometimes jealous. Thank you for this opportunity, and thank you for considering Lancelot.😻❤️
My cat’s name is Jeffrey Todd aka JT. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he looks like Puu n Boots from the movie. He ihaa the most beautiful expressive eyes.
My cats name is Sir Fancy Pants Wayne. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because …Sir Fancy Pants Wayne is a ham when it comes to having his picture taken & he also like to be a “cat”anova, to. And, he is also my hero, he saved my life 10 years ago, he knew when i was having a heart attack. So, I hope that Denise, choose SIr Fancy Pants Wayne for her calendar.
My cat’s name is Simon. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he thinks he is a true work of art and reminds you daily of his greatness which should be immortalized for all to admire.
My cats name is Pipsqueak. She thinks that Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because she would make a lively addition. Pip loves to chase leaves and that would make a great action painting. Pip came to me as a stray (as all my cats except one did). She remained small–about half the size of my other cats. But she is full of spunk and recently saved my life by comforting me during my recovery from agonizing surgery.
Two of my other cats are named Eclipse and Max–both totally black. There is about 15 years age difference but they like to snuggle together. They think Denise should consider them to be featured in her 2019 calendar because they have a cute habit of curling up with each other in the laundry basket so that they look like the yin/yang symbol. So cute!!!
My cat’s name is Mushi. She thinks that Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because I am just the cutest cat ever. I would be perfect for December because I am mostly white so I am a little snowflake. Thanks for the consideration.
My cats name is Whiskers. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he loves to pose for pictures.
My cat’s name is Rosie. She thinks Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because her mommy loves her so much and thinks she is absolutely beautiful. Hi, Rosie here, my mommy saves kitties and doggies at a local rescue GRASP. I was in a kill shelter with my babies and we were going to be put down, my mommy came and saved us all. My babies are all in good, loving home and mommy fell in love with me. You should pick me because my mommy is pawsome and a purrfect mommy. If not for her, I would not be here, Purrlease. Love and thank you Denise, Calli Rose
Gorgeous paintings
Love the pics in this calendar! I currently have four cats, all rescues, ranging in age from 11 to 17. Each has their own unique personality and all are loving and affectionate.
My cats name is Yoda. He/she thinks that Denise should consider him/her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … he is a very handsome mancat, full of purrsonality and charm, as well being a bit of a mischievous devil. He makes me laugh everyday and for that reason alone, he deserves to be a calendar pinup.
My cats name is Willow, she thinks that Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … she is super cute!
My cats name is Joe Magellan Speckletoes. He thinks that Denise should consider him/her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because … him iz most hansum in Wurl cuz him haz soul patch. And cuz him Mamaz sed so.
My cats name is Cassie, and Cassie thinks that Denise should consider her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because she is a senior kitty. And even though i am disabled girl i would love my boyfriend Chomp to see me all dolled up for your calendar.
My cat’s name is Frodo. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he sees that Denise’s paintings are stunning and he would be honoured to be a part of her meownificent art. He says his long shiny black fur and big golden eyes are a majestic sight in any month of the year. His feline instincts are keen when it comes to humans and he just wants to bring a smile to everyone. While he knows that every cat is meowtastic in their own way, he is pawsitive you will think he is purrfect.
My Name is Oakley and My Brothers name is Rossi and although I’m a handsome cat I think Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he would make a purrfect edition to it.
He is a big 17 pound beautiful grey/silver Cat, he has a huge mane and very expressive eyes, he has the longest white whiskers I have ever seen and a small patch of white on his chest when Mom first rescued him he was stinky and only weighed one pound, it would be nice for others to see what a beautiful cat he is ( even I’m a little envious of him)
Thankyou for your consideration
My cats name is Princess. she thinks that Denise should consider him/her to be featured in her 2019 calendar because the most beautiful calico kitty in the world. Her momma cat blackened her one eye and nose it looks so cute one her. She has the prettiest green eyes that anyone will ever see and she is the one of the smallest full grown cats I have ever seen. We cannot give her sh… because she is so adorable and pretty, she gets away with everything
My cat’s name is Liam. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he wants to prove to his feline siblings that he really is an eloquent and handsome fellow.
My cat’s name is Romeo. Although he ‘Romes’ thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he has some dreamy green eyes to match his grey fur as some people has mistaken him in the past to be a Russian blue this dreamy boy is just a domestic short hair beautiful foster rescue he and I have purromised each other its okay if the artist Denise paints a more generic picture of the senior cats where Romes volunteers at a shelter for people to remember how important these felines are.
My cat’s name is Whispurr. He thinks that Denise should consider him to be featured in her 2019 calendar because he’s a gorgeous and affectionate furry beast and as his Person, I feel so blessed to have him with us.
My name is Lisbeth and I should be on Denise’s calendar because I am a really good-looking lady. It would please people to view me. I have long hair which shows my tortoiseshell makeup and beautiful dreamy eyes.