Behind the painting carolyn 'ginger' grant

Behind the painting of Julian Quaye’s

Carolyn ‘Ginger’ Grant

by Auntie G

An Auntie

G publication

Copyright of paintings by Julian Quaye December 2015 - all rights to works remain with the artist.

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Contents The Painting of Carolyn ‘Ginger’ Grant by Julian Quaye Ginger and Mr Quaye The Real Ginger - the early years - her favourite things Other Cats - by Julian Quaye

The painting of

Carolyn ‘Ginger’ Grant

Reference material

Background and initial blocking

For more about the process of creating of Carolyn ‘Ginger’ Grant click here

Ginger and Mr Quaye

In August 2015 Julian invited friends and followers to send pictures of their cats to be included in the motley crew for his latest work ‘The Mognificent Seven’. Ginger’s photo was an early entry.

The Mognificent Seven by Julian Quaye

Of Ginger Julian says ‘She was far too pretty a cat for my motley mob of moggies. However, I kept her picture as I knew that I wanted to paint her.’ It wasn’t long before he had the opportunity for his next joint show ‘Ivory Towers’ in Bristol in December 2015.

Julian added ‘Work in progress shots of Ginger were really well received on social media and I really enjoyed painting her. Some people say she is my best cat yet.’

Annie (Ginger’s owner) is also an avid collector of Julian’s work and has commissioned a portrait of Ginger which he will be working on next year. ‘I know Annie wanted the first painting I did of Ginger, but I had painted in on box canvas, which can be tricky to post. Also I will work on the size of the painting to fit in with her other works.’

All Quaye’s paintings are characters in a more elaborate story which he is writing as he paints.

Here is Ginger’s story so far.................

Carolyn ‘Ginger’ Grant Cat burglar and jewel thief. Compromised by Albert Hitchcock of Albion Yard; to carry out the odd occasionally 'dubious' task. Aided by her trusty 'Tweeters' and cohorts the Magpies Kym and Novak.

Julian Quaye’s pencil study for Carolyn ‘Ginger’ Grant which now resides with Annie and Ginger in Florida

The Real Ginger - The Early Years

Ginger’s first days

Her breeder lives in New York City and Annie (her mum) drove there from New Jersey to pick her up. Here they are on her first day home.

Ginger started her modeling career early. Here she is with actor/comedian Andy Samberg in the magazine ‘Wired’.

Ginger is centre stage on his waist!!

Annie says: ‘When she was two she moved down to Ormond Beach, Florida. She had to fly down on a plane it was her first flying experience and she was terrified.

She absolutely loves living in Florida because she can be out on the lanai or out on the screened in front porch all year around!! ‘

Ginger - a few of her favourite things

Annie says of Ginger: ‘She is, and always will be, young at heart!! All American Curls are this way!! She is just like a kitten!! She turns 5 on December 9th this year. She has tight curled ears which are "show" quality!

Ginger loves to lay on my lap and sleep while she watching tv. She does not like to be held or cuddled but she can be affectionate when there is food involved!

One of her favorite past time is chasing her kitty sister Chloee (right).’

When asked about what else Ginger likes Annie Says: ‘One of her favourite things to do is lizard watching. The lizards seem to love her just as much because they both can sit and stare at each other for hours!’

‘Her absolute favourite toy since she was a kitten is her stick with feathers attached at one end.

Her other favorite toy is her red chili pepper.’

Like all cats Ginger has a penchant for the occasional box.

Other Cats - by Julian Quaye Owl and Pussycat Owl and Pussycat II Sexy Selina

Julian Quaye ‘Eventually, I would love my work to become an animated film. In the meantime, I am working towards it becoming a series of illustrated story books. The illustrations are a mixture of mixed-media paintings and pen & ink drawings. At the moment, it is a story that doesn't have a beginning or end but it is emerging as I work on the pieces and the characters develop and form the story.

It always starts with the painting.‘

Julian Alexander Quaye’s current works illustrate his love of ironic juxtaposition, and his interest in Victorian and Edwardian colours, with his series of human-form animal portraits.

Within three months of exhibiting for the first time he was picked up to be included in a contemporary urban auction alongside Damian Hirst and Banksy by Dreweatts in summer 2012.

www.julianquaye.co.uk

An Auntie

G publication