Tarsier vs The Cats. Illustration Friday Challenge.
This was way too easy so I wanted to be sure not to do the obvious. So I did a Tarsier facing a mean posse of cats. Mostly because the Tarsier could pose with the surprised look I needed for the effect. Did you know that the Tarsier has the largest eyes of any mammal? They are so large that they do not move in their sockets. Instead they can turn their heads 180 degrees!
The topic this week also reminded me of a song we actually learned in elementary school music class...let's see...what was the music teacher's name? Oh yes, Mrs. Vanderhoff- she was awesome! OMG! I can't believe I remembered that, it was eons ago! Anyway here are the lyrics...
The Cat Came Back
(Version 1)
Written By: Harry S. Miller (with later folk additions)
Copyright Unknown
Old Mister Johnson had troubles of his own
He had a yellow cat which wouldn't leave its home;
He tried and he tried to give the cat away,
He gave it to a man goin' far, far away.
But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn't stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea
The man around the corner swore he'd kill the cat on sight,
He loaded up his shotgun with nails and dynamite;
He waited and he waited for the cat to come around,
Ninety seven pieces of the man is all they found.
But the cat came back the very next day,
The cat came back, we thought he was a goner
But the cat came back; it just couldn't stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea
He gave it to a little boy with a dollar note,
Told him for to take it up the river in a boat;
They tied a rope around its neck, it must have weighed a pound
Now they drag the river for a little boy that's drowned.
But the cat came back the very next day,
OK....you get the idea!!!
39 comments:
the eyes are very expresiveee i like it a lottttttttt
WOW!!! whadda song!! I laughed and then felt really baaad. But I loved that the cat was okay. What a funny song you sang...and I'm guessin' this was in the U.S.? I could picture the teacher "acting it all out' prancing about, arms flailing. Nice drawing (!) and great story. Thanks for sharing it!!
What an unusual illustration, as wonderful as cats can be they can sometimes have a menacing presence, which is what I feel by only seeing the cat's shadow sort of towering over the defencless Tarsier.
my only comment, if I was to be a little critical was maybe the negative space could have been worked out a little better.
You obviously have skill in drawing and a sence of humor which all works y only comment, if I was to be a little critical was maybe the negative space could have been worked out a little better.
I Heart This.
wanted to stop by and say THANKS! for your kind post. i truly know others must feel frustrated from time to time; it's nice to know that people understand! i like your idea of an 'inspiration file'; i've been really into lisbeth zwerger's art lately, and i just started to buy books she's illustrated, but i will definitely have to check into the workbook and the planet sark link.
love your sketch for this week – both the sketch itself and the information (i did not know that about the tarsier)!
ps2 - i love your 'flavor' illo too – no wonder everything 'tastes like chicken'!!
It's the new and improved piece. Those of you who never saw the one previously you didn't miss anything!
Thank You for your comments!!
I'll come back!!!!
};-}
Great expression on the tarsier. I like the concept of the cats shadow
Wow - what a great way to extend the theme!
And that song brought back memories of a kitten who came back to us when I was a child...
I really love the tarsier's fingers and toes!!
Great lines! He looks how I've felt at work if I've made a costly mistake for the company.
The corporate "fat cats" are watching......
That's great!
Very original.
What a great idea! I like the shadows of the predators.
We used to teach our first graders the Cat Came Back in song and read a wonderful story book about the same. Cats are remarkable. One of our cats went missing for six weeks and then wandered silently into the yard on my sisters birthday. I always figured she had been off making commercials for Meow Mix.
Lots of great cats out there, but I really like your drawing.
BTW, it is a zoo out there...that Anon & Unknown have gone mad....love your comments!
Stop by anytime!
Smooch,
The Tart
my vote goes to the Tarsier! woeha!
Great illustration, and refreshing not to see a CAT! love the song, never heard it before and thought it was a little gruesome for school kids, but, then again.....they hear so much worse. Like the woman who swallowed a fly, then she died. I think I need to grow up!!!!!
you have succeeded with what you wanted with your illustration. and thanks for the info about the Tarsler's eyes...
Poor little rodent. I know how he feels. But those cats just want to nibble on his cute little toes.
Wow! This an excellent drawing and neat little song to go along with it.
This is great! I love all your fine detail. particularly the feet and the fur. Nice!
Wonderful art-work-adorable! Thank you for coming by!
Great illustration. I like the expression and the impending doom shown by the shadows!!
I am admiring your technique and your patience
cool tarsier
he will stare down those cats for sure and make them think twice
Those eyes are so expressive I had to laugh out loud!!!! Love the drawing!
What as fantastical critter!
What a spooky creature the Tarsier is. I wonder why nature gave him such huge eyes. Is it to hypnotize everyone? I think it´s having that effect on me... or is that just your cool drawing?
Wow, lots of comments! Deservedly so, your pen & ink drawings are amazing.
This is really original, Ellen! Your crosshatch work is impressive....you must be infinitely patient.
Lovely illo! :-)
Nice job! Love the crosshatch on the cats!
This is so great! Love the song with the illustration's topic. :0)
That's a great pic, portrays a very sinister feeling towards cats, which I share completely. I love the cross hatching work, gives a real sense of texture and the shadowing works completely.
lol I remember that song too! And now I know that the name of that crazy looking animal with the big eyes is called a Tarsier thanks to you. :) hehe Good thinking on not going the obvious route with this week's theme.
Great twist on the subject, nice illo and good job!
Shadows of cats looks wicked, but cat is a gooood animal ;). Very careful and accurate illustration!
Poor little guy... Lovely art, Ellen.
I just love inkwork! You did a lovely job.
You drawings are spectacular..come on, you know a lot..also very talented. What you wrote to me was a compliment(funny though), thank you..but..wow..you also create such interesting a detailed drawings....great for admiration.
-Marjorie Ann
Great song! I just love how you worked your way around the topic...and with such extraordinary results! Woonderful work:>
Oboy, I sang that song solo (with band) before a large audience when I was a kid - I can't imagine doing that now! :)
Tarsiers are a much under-appreciated animal, and yes, cats would find them tasty. I've seen a picture of a tarsier skull and they are indeed bizarre, but most animals from around there are. Lovely picture!
Post a Comment