The love of a ginger tabby is special, indeed! There’s something about orange tabby cats that is utterly charming, standing out in a good way. Even the "bulldog" British politician Winston Churchill was known for his relationship with Tango, the orange tabby. Gingers have a reputation for being super friendly with a laid-back “cattitude.” This sweet boy was inspired by a friend's therapy cat. He always knew when she needed extra love after a bad day, a good laugh from watching him destroy a piece of crumpled paper, or quiet together time. They had the kind of bond that transcends time and lasts forever in the heart. I, too, have loved ginger cats: Marbles was my constant companion as a teen after I rescued her from the street. I didn't know at the time how rare she was -- 80% of orange tabbies are male.
This portrait is made from hand-painted ephemera such as local maps, old book pages, sheet music and shopping lists. I tried to capture the look of love in his eyes and the smile that only cats can give.