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Painting Cats: Curious, Mindful & Free-Spirited Watercolors
In this follow-up to her hit Painting Happiness, Instagram sensation Terry Runyan shows you how to play with watercolour to create quirky cat portraits--and let go of stress.
Perfect for cat lovers and watercolour artists of all skill levels, from absolute beginner to more experienced, Painting Cats teaches you how to go from blob of paint to a beautiful portrait of your fluffy friends. Drawing on art therapy techniques that emphasize fun and freedom in creativity over technical perfection, Runyan guides you step by step through the process of adding details to loosely painted shapes to create your own unique and distinct cats.
Perfect for cat lovers and watercolour artists of all skill levels, from absolute beginner to more experienced, Painting Cats teaches you how to go from blob of paint to a beautiful portrait of your fluffy friends. Drawing on art therapy techniques that emphasize fun and freedom in creativity over technical perfection, Runyan guides you step by step through the process of adding details to loosely painted shapes to create your own unique and distinct cats.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2024
50 people are currently reading
2455 people want to read
About the author
Terry Runyan
6 books9 followersTerry Runyan loves animals, particularly cats, and you'll usually find furry, feathery and fishy friends in her work. Working in many mediums such as watercolor, cut paper to digital, Terry enjoys mixing it up when it comes to creating art. She teaches art classes online and enjoys sharing her journey and insights on her highly popular social media platforms. Terry lives in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and you can find her at https://www.terryrunyan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 8, 2023
"Cats are the perfect example of how to live fully in the moment without caring about how things will turn out."
The inspiration behind Terry's art comes from her cats, Tucker and Rylee are brother and sister. In this book, she showcases her beautiful cat paintings and provides practical advice and techniques for watercolor painting. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can benefit from her explanations of tools and techniques. And Cat lovers, you're going to absolutely adore the stunning pictures in this book. I really need to get my hands on the actual book, The pictures are absolutely beautiful.
"There is no limit to what you can create with cats as inspiration and with watercolors at hand."
I searched for Terry Runyan's paintings online and look what I found! There are many and I hardly choose few!
Many thank Quarto Publishing Group –Leaping Hare for ARC via NetGalley, Pub Date 12 Sep
December 18, 2024
sain selle raamatu möödunud aastal jõulukingiks ja lugesin muidugi kohe läbi, aga mõtlesin, et peaks ta läbi... maalima ka. et kuna õpetatakse kasse maalima, siis võiks ju lihtsalt kõik need tehnikad ja nipid ja pildid järele proovida, enne kui raamatu lõpetatuks loen.
maalisin aasta jooksul siiski vähem kasse kui Terry siia raamatusse pannud on... aga mõned ikka. ja kassipildid ongi ju terveks eluks, mitte ainult jõuluks, nii et eks ma jõudumööda jätkan.
ja tõsiselt rääkides, õpetused on head ja päriselt ka on kassi joonistada palju lihtsam, kui arvata võiks.
maalisin aasta jooksul siiski vähem kasse kui Terry siia raamatusse pannud on... aga mõned ikka. ja kassipildid ongi ju terveks eluks, mitte ainult jõuluks, nii et eks ma jõudumööda jätkan.
ja tõsiselt rääkides, õpetused on head ja päriselt ka on kassi joonistada palju lihtsam, kui arvata võiks.
July 10, 2023
As someone who has had cats since they were small and who engages in creative pursuits to relax, I was instantly drawn to ‘Painting Cats’ as it ticked a lot of my boxes.
The introduction and beginning chapters are written in a really personable manner, the author touches on her own experiences and introduces us to her own cats in her writing. All throughout, she cleverly intertwines her subjects (cats) with her medium (watercolour) cleverly weaving in the unpredictable nature of cat ownership with the creative process.
The instructions are easy to follow and very beginner friendly, they are encouraging in embracing mistakes. The book is all inclusive, not just providing instructions for painting, both in step-by-step format and with reference images, but also provides a list of the different equipment, styles and colours that will be needed in your artwork.
The illustrations throughout are stunning, the watercolour medium presents the cats in a lovely, whimsical and relaxed fashion that makes it a real joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
The introduction and beginning chapters are written in a really personable manner, the author touches on her own experiences and introduces us to her own cats in her writing. All throughout, she cleverly intertwines her subjects (cats) with her medium (watercolour) cleverly weaving in the unpredictable nature of cat ownership with the creative process.
The instructions are easy to follow and very beginner friendly, they are encouraging in embracing mistakes. The book is all inclusive, not just providing instructions for painting, both in step-by-step format and with reference images, but also provides a list of the different equipment, styles and colours that will be needed in your artwork.
The illustrations throughout are stunning, the watercolour medium presents the cats in a lovely, whimsical and relaxed fashion that makes it a real joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
Read
October 4, 2023This is such an adorable book!
I am a dog-person, and so I had no idea that cats were adorable, living life really the way it should be lived, and so pretty!
The author has done a fabulous job of sharing life lessons from living with cats - which we can all learn from, without getting serious or melodramatic. and the artwork, done with watercolors (my favorite medium) are just really paintings of cutie-patootie cats and so much fun.
Many, many times I paused while reading to show the painting or read out loud to the nearest family member, even if that was my dog to tell him how to live it up like a cat!!!
This was a feel-good, fun read. On my list of books to be read again, and gifted to my cat-loving friends.
I am a dog-person, and so I had no idea that cats were adorable, living life really the way it should be lived, and so pretty!
The author has done a fabulous job of sharing life lessons from living with cats - which we can all learn from, without getting serious or melodramatic. and the artwork, done with watercolors (my favorite medium) are just really paintings of cutie-patootie cats and so much fun.
Many, many times I paused while reading to show the painting or read out loud to the nearest family member, even if that was my dog to tell him how to live it up like a cat!!!
This was a feel-good, fun read. On my list of books to be read again, and gifted to my cat-loving friends.
March 8, 2024
Painting Cats is a fun artistic and freeing book on self expression and just giving into your inner child and creating. It was much funnier then I expected and I definitely recommend it.
October 30, 2023
My thanks to The Quarto Group and Leaping Hare Press for their over-the-top generosity. When I won a Goodreads Giveaway copy of Painting Cats, I didn't expect to receive a total of three painting books (Painting Cats, Painting Calm, Painting Happiness) AND a Farber-Castell box of twelve tubes of watercolors! What a generous way of encouraging me to try my hand at painting. I will add this thank you to the beginning of my reviews of all three books.
If you're a cat person, you know what it's like to be wearing cat hair. So when I noticed a painting of a woman with literal cat hair, I knew I was in the right place! And, as the author says in her introduction, "Cats are the perfect example of how to live fully in the moment without caring how things will turn out." Being a pre-novice (fancy talk for total noob) artist, that was reassuring. A few pages later, I was advised to 'embrace unpredictability'. I've been doing that my entire adult life, so this was also reassuring. Maybe I could paint cats after all!
As I paged through the book, I noticed that Terry Runyan's cats are very simple in shape, with expressions that seemed like something I could master. She'd bent and curved those simple shapes into poses every cat lover will instantly recognize. You know the one where they lift their back leg up in the air, and then forget it's up there? She painted that. The way they roll over on their backs and let all four paws dangle limply over their bellies? She's nailed it. And it's all expressed in just a couple of strokes of a paintbrush.
As the book progresses, we not only learn about color, techniques, how to work with watercolors, and what supplies we should have, we're reminded to stay in the moment, take risks, be playful, make blob cats! Chives, my own Russian Blue, just so happens to be a blob cat. I'll be creating lots of little paintings of him as my journey progresses.
If you've ever thought about learning to paint but have felt intimidated and confused about where to begin, you would be doing yourself a favor by starting with Painting Cats.
If you're a cat person, you know what it's like to be wearing cat hair. So when I noticed a painting of a woman with literal cat hair, I knew I was in the right place! And, as the author says in her introduction, "Cats are the perfect example of how to live fully in the moment without caring how things will turn out." Being a pre-novice (fancy talk for total noob) artist, that was reassuring. A few pages later, I was advised to 'embrace unpredictability'. I've been doing that my entire adult life, so this was also reassuring. Maybe I could paint cats after all!
As I paged through the book, I noticed that Terry Runyan's cats are very simple in shape, with expressions that seemed like something I could master. She'd bent and curved those simple shapes into poses every cat lover will instantly recognize. You know the one where they lift their back leg up in the air, and then forget it's up there? She painted that. The way they roll over on their backs and let all four paws dangle limply over their bellies? She's nailed it. And it's all expressed in just a couple of strokes of a paintbrush.
As the book progresses, we not only learn about color, techniques, how to work with watercolors, and what supplies we should have, we're reminded to stay in the moment, take risks, be playful, make blob cats! Chives, my own Russian Blue, just so happens to be a blob cat. I'll be creating lots of little paintings of him as my journey progresses.
If you've ever thought about learning to paint but have felt intimidated and confused about where to begin, you would be doing yourself a favor by starting with Painting Cats.
July 6, 2023
This is an "INSTANT REVIEW" as I had read a friend's copy!
Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************
In this follow-up to her hit Painting Happiness, Instagram sensation Terry Runyan shows you how to play with watercolour to create quirky cat portraits – and let go of stress.
Perfect for cat lovers and watercolour artists of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to more experienced, Painting Cats teaches you how to go from a blob of paint to a beautiful portrait of your fluffy friends. Drawing on art therapy techniques that emphasize fun and freedom in creativity over technical perfection, Runyan guides you step by step through the process of adding details to loosely painted shapes to create your own unique and distinct cats!
This joyful book brimming with inspiring watercolour artwork and you can easily embrace techniques and lessons in creative mindfulness whilst having lots of feline fun and letting your creative instincts go free.
A blob of paint can go a long way --- not that watercolours use blobs of paint! I loved the ideas in here and as I personally paint in acrylics, I could also use the techniques to make creations in that medium... not that I need more paintings. I have about 250 completed ones split between three closets at the moment that are going to go away to the Mission Charity Store very soon as I need the room and don't even remember 99.9% of the ones that I painted. (let's just say that there are a lot of different versions of cats, trees, lakes and planets in my home!)
Great instructions and cute ideas abound - if you are NOT an artist, Terry does an annual calendar that you can hang on your wall so you can enjoy happiness and cats without you creating them. #shortbutsweetreviews
Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************
In this follow-up to her hit Painting Happiness, Instagram sensation Terry Runyan shows you how to play with watercolour to create quirky cat portraits – and let go of stress.
Perfect for cat lovers and watercolour artists of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to more experienced, Painting Cats teaches you how to go from a blob of paint to a beautiful portrait of your fluffy friends. Drawing on art therapy techniques that emphasize fun and freedom in creativity over technical perfection, Runyan guides you step by step through the process of adding details to loosely painted shapes to create your own unique and distinct cats!
This joyful book brimming with inspiring watercolour artwork and you can easily embrace techniques and lessons in creative mindfulness whilst having lots of feline fun and letting your creative instincts go free.
A blob of paint can go a long way --- not that watercolours use blobs of paint! I loved the ideas in here and as I personally paint in acrylics, I could also use the techniques to make creations in that medium... not that I need more paintings. I have about 250 completed ones split between three closets at the moment that are going to go away to the Mission Charity Store very soon as I need the room and don't even remember 99.9% of the ones that I painted. (let's just say that there are a lot of different versions of cats, trees, lakes and planets in my home!)
Great instructions and cute ideas abound - if you are NOT an artist, Terry does an annual calendar that you can hang on your wall so you can enjoy happiness and cats without you creating them. #shortbutsweetreviews
October 1, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Painting Cats is an appealingly quirky and accessible technique and tutorial guide by Terry Runyan. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Quarto on their Leaping Hare Press imprint, it's 144 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
The author writes in such a fun way that will inspire readers to grab supplies and paint along. There are numerous lessons highlighting spontaneity and fun as well as usable techniques to increase expertise. She spends a fair amount of content explaining why she enjoys painting cats, introducing some of her own cats, and showing readers how to use watercolors (her preferred medium) to give similar results or to adapt them to other media.
The chapters are arranged thematically: why cats, why watercolor, supplies, let's paint cats, color, techniques, storytelling (LOTS of good tutorial info here), and further exploration. The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated resources/links list for readers in the back of the book. The style is naive and folksy. It's very colorful and very appealing.
Five stars. Lots of good info and just a really fun book. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, more formal class/workshop use, makers' groups, or for the home artist's studio.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Painting Cats is an appealingly quirky and accessible technique and tutorial guide by Terry Runyan. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Quarto on their Leaping Hare Press imprint, it's 144 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
The author writes in such a fun way that will inspire readers to grab supplies and paint along. There are numerous lessons highlighting spontaneity and fun as well as usable techniques to increase expertise. She spends a fair amount of content explaining why she enjoys painting cats, introducing some of her own cats, and showing readers how to use watercolors (her preferred medium) to give similar results or to adapt them to other media.
The chapters are arranged thematically: why cats, why watercolor, supplies, let's paint cats, color, techniques, storytelling (LOTS of good tutorial info here), and further exploration. The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated resources/links list for readers in the back of the book. The style is naive and folksy. It's very colorful and very appealing.
Five stars. Lots of good info and just a really fun book. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, more formal class/workshop use, makers' groups, or for the home artist's studio.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 27, 2023
Some time ago, I reviewed Terry Runyan's previous book "Painting Happiness", and as with her original book, this one is a joy.
Filled with the slinking, sinuous shapes of cats, "Painting Cats" is a guide to free you mind from the human confines and embrace mindful creativity the way a cat would embrace life - with curiosity, a care-free attitude and the ability to let the watercolours flow without overthinking.
As with other craft books, this one includes a short section on the artist's preferred tools - the paints, brushes, pens and papers - but this is only a brief initial section, with a more comprehensive guide at the back of the book.
Then we explore the creation of watercolour cats in all their blobular glory, from a simple mindful splodge to the emergence of the full feline. It's all about being playful and spontaneous. There is a nice section on colour theory and some good watercolour and other art techniques to explore before diving into the fun personalisations you can do with your painted kitties. From storytelling to still life, personalities and poses, crowds, cat-hats and anims friends, if there is a place for a cat, it's in here!
The illustrations in this book are all highly stylised in the artist's style, however the tips, techniques and prompts are all easily transferable to one's own style.
All in all, this book is a fun journey into playful painting, and unpredictable minfdulness. A must for cat-loving artists. Or artistic cat people.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
Filled with the slinking, sinuous shapes of cats, "Painting Cats" is a guide to free you mind from the human confines and embrace mindful creativity the way a cat would embrace life - with curiosity, a care-free attitude and the ability to let the watercolours flow without overthinking.
As with other craft books, this one includes a short section on the artist's preferred tools - the paints, brushes, pens and papers - but this is only a brief initial section, with a more comprehensive guide at the back of the book.
Then we explore the creation of watercolour cats in all their blobular glory, from a simple mindful splodge to the emergence of the full feline. It's all about being playful and spontaneous. There is a nice section on colour theory and some good watercolour and other art techniques to explore before diving into the fun personalisations you can do with your painted kitties. From storytelling to still life, personalities and poses, crowds, cat-hats and anims friends, if there is a place for a cat, it's in here!
The illustrations in this book are all highly stylised in the artist's style, however the tips, techniques and prompts are all easily transferable to one's own style.
All in all, this book is a fun journey into playful painting, and unpredictable minfdulness. A must for cat-loving artists. Or artistic cat people.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
July 31, 2023
This book is a guide to loose and fun watercolor paintings of cats. The introduction to this work was fun, discussing different and common personalities/characteristics of cats and how to incorporate those into your creative process. This includes a brief foray into the practice of mindfulness and using your art to relax and unwind. There was also some basic color theory included, which is helpful when mixing paints or deciding what colors would look best together in a painting. It also included some basic watercolor techniques, making this read quite approachable for those who have minimal experience.
My favorite portion was probably the bit about painting cats in clothes. This included painting the clothes on separate paper, cutting it out, then painting the cat and placing the clothes on them. It resulted in whimsical, cute paintings that were reminiscent of illustrations in children’s books. I quite like the author’s illustration style, and the clarity of the instructions makes it easy to take the ideas in the book and incorporate your own art style.
If you like cats and are interested in watercolors, then you should check this one out. Shoutout to my GR friend Shirin for writing such a good review that I was convinced to read this! My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for allowing me to read this work, which will be published September 12, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
My favorite portion was probably the bit about painting cats in clothes. This included painting the clothes on separate paper, cutting it out, then painting the cat and placing the clothes on them. It resulted in whimsical, cute paintings that were reminiscent of illustrations in children’s books. I quite like the author’s illustration style, and the clarity of the instructions makes it easy to take the ideas in the book and incorporate your own art style.
If you like cats and are interested in watercolors, then you should check this one out. Shoutout to my GR friend Shirin for writing such a good review that I was convinced to read this! My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for allowing me to read this work, which will be published September 12, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 15, 2023
One simple painting takes me up to a week to complete. I research, sketch multiple times, paint, paint some more, then I add final details. I have never known how to put paintbrush to paper and just go for it. I think maybe my mind just doesn't work that way, requiring structure. When I saw this book, which teaches you to be "mindful & free-spirited", I knew it was a test I was ready for, one I perhaps needed.
Terry has packed this book full of so many different techniques, examples and ideas. I found the instructions easy to follow and perfect for beginners as well as people like me looking to create more freely. The actual painting process didn't feel so daunting with Terry's instructions by my side. As well as the basics, you are shown how you can add this 'freer' style of painting to other animals and to create backgrounds for your cats. I was mostly drawn to the page of all different cats and thought it would be brilliant as a beginner exercise. While it's so far from my usual painting process, I really enjoyed myself.
I will be using this book as a guide to help me to learn to love creating art again. As much as I love painting, how structured I am sometimes makes it feel like a chore.
Thank you to NetGalley, Terry Runyan and Leaping Hare Press for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Terry has packed this book full of so many different techniques, examples and ideas. I found the instructions easy to follow and perfect for beginners as well as people like me looking to create more freely. The actual painting process didn't feel so daunting with Terry's instructions by my side. As well as the basics, you are shown how you can add this 'freer' style of painting to other animals and to create backgrounds for your cats. I was mostly drawn to the page of all different cats and thought it would be brilliant as a beginner exercise. While it's so far from my usual painting process, I really enjoyed myself.
I will be using this book as a guide to help me to learn to love creating art again. As much as I love painting, how structured I am sometimes makes it feel like a chore.
Thank you to NetGalley, Terry Runyan and Leaping Hare Press for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2023
"Painting Cats" by Terry Runyan is a pleasant and uplifting watercolour adventure for cat and art lovers. As a cat owner and creator, I loved the book's personal touch and artistic direction.
Terry's introduction to her cats Tucker and Rylee captivated me with her kind writing style. She expertly blends cat ownership's unpredictability with watercolour painting's liberation throughout the book.
The simple, beginner-friendly step-by-step tutorials emphasise the delight of accepting errors in painting. Beyond directions, the book provides a complete list of equipment, styles, and colours for painters of all abilities.
Terry's watercolour paintings depict cats relaxing and lovely. The visual trip is delightful, and the book's focus on watercolour play and experimentation adds awareness and creative freedom.
"Painting Cats" touched me since I relax via art and love cats. Art is fun and good for your mental health, and the book offers tips and skills. To properly appreciate the wonderful photographs that reflect feline camaraderie and creative expression, I'm excited to purchase the book.
Terry's introduction to her cats Tucker and Rylee captivated me with her kind writing style. She expertly blends cat ownership's unpredictability with watercolour painting's liberation throughout the book.
The simple, beginner-friendly step-by-step tutorials emphasise the delight of accepting errors in painting. Beyond directions, the book provides a complete list of equipment, styles, and colours for painters of all abilities.
Terry's watercolour paintings depict cats relaxing and lovely. The visual trip is delightful, and the book's focus on watercolour play and experimentation adds awareness and creative freedom.
"Painting Cats" touched me since I relax via art and love cats. Art is fun and good for your mental health, and the book offers tips and skills. To properly appreciate the wonderful photographs that reflect feline camaraderie and creative expression, I'm excited to purchase the book.
July 24, 2023
What a beautiful book of fun and whimsical illustrations accompanied by supportive, encouraging and helpful insight from Terry Runyan! I only recently got to know her and her work through an online watercolor class simply titled "Cats on Heads." Even though I'm more of a dog person, I do appreciate the appeal of cats and this book has wide appeal even if you're not in the dog or cat camp.
There are many books/resources that will go into great technical detail about watercolor painting, but this book keeps to fairly simple and accessible techniques (e.g., she tells us to paint "blobs" that we'll eventually turn into cats) while walking you through Terry's creative process, one that can followed by any of us!
This book is great for cat lovers, animal lovers, aspiring artists, seasoned artists, and/or people who are curious to try something new.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for the ebook - I've been inspired to paint some of my own cat-shaped blobs :)
There are many books/resources that will go into great technical detail about watercolor painting, but this book keeps to fairly simple and accessible techniques (e.g., she tells us to paint "blobs" that we'll eventually turn into cats) while walking you through Terry's creative process, one that can followed by any of us!
This book is great for cat lovers, animal lovers, aspiring artists, seasoned artists, and/or people who are curious to try something new.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for the ebook - I've been inspired to paint some of my own cat-shaped blobs :)
August 13, 2023
I requested this book because recently I had taken a workshop on painting cats on head and thought this would be a great addition. Little did I know the author was the same artist who gave the workshop!
Terry’s work is whimsical and so much fun. I love the illustrator side to her painting and could see many children’s books made with her cats.
The book provides various watercolour techniques to obtain the many different cat styles. She shows you how to paint the cats themselves and then how to create worlds for your cats. I.e. cat’s in a coffee shop, cats on a boat. The lists are endless!
I throughly enjoyed reading and looking at all of the different cat paintings in this book. I definitely want to give this cat painting a go and see what I can create.
Thanks to Net Galley and Leaping Hare Press for the advanced copy.
P.s. if you can take a workshop with Terry for more cat fun!
Terry’s work is whimsical and so much fun. I love the illustrator side to her painting and could see many children’s books made with her cats.
The book provides various watercolour techniques to obtain the many different cat styles. She shows you how to paint the cats themselves and then how to create worlds for your cats. I.e. cat’s in a coffee shop, cats on a boat. The lists are endless!
I throughly enjoyed reading and looking at all of the different cat paintings in this book. I definitely want to give this cat painting a go and see what I can create.
Thanks to Net Galley and Leaping Hare Press for the advanced copy.
P.s. if you can take a workshop with Terry for more cat fun!
September 14, 2023
Runyan presents a fine follow-up to last year's Painting Happiness: Creativity with Watercolors. This time the focus is on her feline pals. Under her excellent tutelage, you'll learn how to turn blobs into cats by adding details, and giving each little critter its own personality.
Even if you don't plan on picking up a paintbrush, this is fun to browse, and a MUST for cat lovers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for sharing.
Even if you don't plan on picking up a paintbrush, this is fun to browse, and a MUST for cat lovers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for sharing.
July 18, 2023
Painting Cats Curious Mindful & Free Spirited Watercolors by Terry Runyan is both a fun and thoughtful guide to—well, like the title says—painting cats.
And these cats are cute and fun! Terry tells us what supplies we need and guides us thru techniques to try when painting kitties. She brings her cats, Tucker and Rylee, along on our watercolor journey.
She tells us to stay playful, be curious, and to stretch ourselves as we play with our paints.
Mindfulness is an important part of our journey as well.
“Cats are the perfect example of how to live fully in the moment…”-Terry Runyun
I loved all of the cat artwork shown throughout the book, it made me smile, and I can’t wait to try more of the suggested techniques!
Thank you to Netgalley and Leaping Hair Press for allowing me to read an eARC in return for my honest opinion.
And these cats are cute and fun! Terry tells us what supplies we need and guides us thru techniques to try when painting kitties. She brings her cats, Tucker and Rylee, along on our watercolor journey.
She tells us to stay playful, be curious, and to stretch ourselves as we play with our paints.
Mindfulness is an important part of our journey as well.
“Cats are the perfect example of how to live fully in the moment…”-Terry Runyun
I loved all of the cat artwork shown throughout the book, it made me smile, and I can’t wait to try more of the suggested techniques!
Thank you to Netgalley and Leaping Hair Press for allowing me to read an eARC in return for my honest opinion.
July 14, 2023
This book is the cutest!
If you love kitties and painting – or if you have someone in your life who loves kitties and drawing, or someone who is learning how to paint and draw, who needs an extra push and extra encouragement to draw, paint, be creative, then this book is the perfect gift!
Sketch or no sketch, watercolor, adding layers and mixing colors, adding paper cutouts, being creative and fearless, all while painting cats. Love it! This book is almost 150 pages of pure kitty cuteness and inspiration. It will not tell you how to draw a cat step by step, but it will encourage you to be creative, take that first step, and then ten more steps.
Oh, and did I say that the book is absolutely adorable? Yup. It is absolutely adorable!
If you love kitties and painting – or if you have someone in your life who loves kitties and drawing, or someone who is learning how to paint and draw, who needs an extra push and extra encouragement to draw, paint, be creative, then this book is the perfect gift!
Sketch or no sketch, watercolor, adding layers and mixing colors, adding paper cutouts, being creative and fearless, all while painting cats. Love it! This book is almost 150 pages of pure kitty cuteness and inspiration. It will not tell you how to draw a cat step by step, but it will encourage you to be creative, take that first step, and then ten more steps.
Oh, and did I say that the book is absolutely adorable? Yup. It is absolutely adorable!
July 18, 2023
This is a really fun book, especially if you are a cat lover like me. But it’s more than that, it imparts a lot of information and instruction about water colour painting and it does so without it feeling like it is something intimidating to try.
I feel like I learned things that I would like to try and have a go at myself.
The illustrations are quirky and cute, just like cats are. The author has a writing style that feels more like she is talking to you in person, and I really like that, it puts me at ease as I read.
Overall this is a great book that I highly recommend and I think it would make a great gift too.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I am leaving this review of my own volition.
I feel like I learned things that I would like to try and have a go at myself.
The illustrations are quirky and cute, just like cats are. The author has a writing style that feels more like she is talking to you in person, and I really like that, it puts me at ease as I read.
Overall this is a great book that I highly recommend and I think it would make a great gift too.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I am leaving this review of my own volition.
July 29, 2023
This is such a cute book!! The little painted cats throughout the book are a cute little touch.
There is the color wheel using cat heads instead of dots. A section on the different techniques, which there are more then I could have imagined. The author gives examples of the different types of backgrounds to use while painting the cats. Are you worried about painting the mouths and eyes? Don't worry, the author has you covered and gives you some ideas on how to do that.
I'm definitely going to need a physical copy of this book. It is so cute as well as a great book to learn how to paint cats.
Thank you #NetGalley for #PaintingCats by Terry Runyan.
There is the color wheel using cat heads instead of dots. A section on the different techniques, which there are more then I could have imagined. The author gives examples of the different types of backgrounds to use while painting the cats. Are you worried about painting the mouths and eyes? Don't worry, the author has you covered and gives you some ideas on how to do that.
I'm definitely going to need a physical copy of this book. It is so cute as well as a great book to learn how to paint cats.
Thank you #NetGalley for #PaintingCats by Terry Runyan.
August 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this. The author presents step-by-step technique to create abstract cat paintings. I teach adult crafting and believe I could teach people who do not know how to paint how to do this. The author's cat paintings are adorable. If you are looking for instruction on how to paint realistic cats with watercolors, this is not for you. However, the author does include one beautiful example of a realistic watercolor cat. I would recommend this book to people who want to experiment with watercolor painting and of course to cat lovers.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2023
I chose this book for 2 reasons, 1. I love cats and 2. I’m learning to paint with watercolors. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this book I choose is the same artist who had a workshop class that I participated in! I didn’t pay attention to the author’s name on the book until I started reading it. When I got to the chapter that touched on what I learned, in the workshop, I realized I had her book! What a wonderful surprise. She gives some nice insights on painting and sketching cats and how to capture their personalities. And most of all JUST HAVE FUN creating your art.
I receive this book copy for free and I am giving my review voluntarily
I receive this book copy for free and I am giving my review voluntarily
August 6, 2023
I selected "Painting Cats" because I adored "Painting Happiness" by Terry Runyan. To this day, "Painting Happiness" is my go-to for unwinding after a stressful week.
"Painting Cats" has the same vibes. Terry Runyan loops in little anecdotes and engaging text about cats and relating to the creative process in a way that is enjoyable and low-stress. It isn't about being perfect; it is about letting the process be an opening to creative joy.
I do prefer hard copy for this type of book so I have "Painting Cats" on my wish list and I look forward to September when it is released.
"Painting Cats" has the same vibes. Terry Runyan loops in little anecdotes and engaging text about cats and relating to the creative process in a way that is enjoyable and low-stress. It isn't about being perfect; it is about letting the process be an opening to creative joy.
I do prefer hard copy for this type of book so I have "Painting Cats" on my wish list and I look forward to September when it is released.
November 21, 2025
Love it! Even if you're more of a dog person, the cats are adorable and the book itself is fun and inspiring. If you enjoyed Terry Runyan's previous watercolor book, Painting Happiness, you'll probably like this one, too. I found Painting Happiness very helpful. It opened me up to more possibilities and helped me learn to ignore my harsh inner critic. (The author certainly lives up to her self-description as a "creative encourager"!) I'm thrilled to have another book of watercolor happiness to flip through when I'm in need of inspiration.
July 5, 2023
Absolutely stunning books not only full of amazing art tips even the most beginners could follow but some utterly beautifully illustrations of cute cats doing cute cat things. Am not arty but as the resident family crazy cat I would love to get this book as a gift and give some cat crafts a go. I will be buying this book for my very arty niece age 11 who loves cats. Thank you the ARK this cute pictures brighten my day
July 16, 2023
This is a great book, not only is it about cats, but it uses the painting of cats as a tutorial on how to use watercolor, add expression and movement to what is being painted (in this case cats). There is cat- tails woven throughout the book, which makes it more fun to learn and helps give ideas o personalities. All the way through there is information and instructions and lovely cat watercolor paintings to learn with.
Really fun book. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
Really fun book. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
July 20, 2023
This is a really fun book that will help kids or adults paint darling cats. I appreciated that Runyan showed how to paint via several methods like wet on wet, wet on dry, starting with blobs and sketching first. She also talks about how to use acrylic markers, masking fluid and colored pencils to enhance the paintings. The writing is charming and the art is gorgeous. Delightful.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
August 23, 2023
Painting Cat's
5 Fantastic Feline Stars
Painting Cat's was a blast for me, it's been awhile since I've had so much fun playing with watercolors.
In early summer, our family adopted two Himalayan kittens: Apollo and Nyx. The breed isn't known for its athleticism (but mine are acrobats). I affectionately call them chaos demons. So, I enjoyed relaxing, while I captured their antics.
in my sketchbook. I was having so much fun that both kids joined me. All of us attempted to capture Nyx climbing my 7 foot Monstera plant. Her brother flees. Lol!
I would definitely recommend this book for cat lovers; it's great for calming anxiety. I found myself smiling throughout the book. The illustrations are adorable, with easy to follow directions. I enjoyed the artist's less intimidating approach. By teaching techniques and lessons, which are great for beginners, and fun for an experienced watercolor artist. So, less intimidating imo. This is a great book; I didn't want to stop water coloring cats! That's why this review is a few days later than I originally planned.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
5 Fantastic Feline Stars
Painting Cat's was a blast for me, it's been awhile since I've had so much fun playing with watercolors.
In early summer, our family adopted two Himalayan kittens: Apollo and Nyx. The breed isn't known for its athleticism (but mine are acrobats). I affectionately call them chaos demons. So, I enjoyed relaxing, while I captured their antics.
in my sketchbook. I was having so much fun that both kids joined me. All of us attempted to capture Nyx climbing my 7 foot Monstera plant. Her brother flees. Lol!
I would definitely recommend this book for cat lovers; it's great for calming anxiety. I found myself smiling throughout the book. The illustrations are adorable, with easy to follow directions. I enjoyed the artist's less intimidating approach. By teaching techniques and lessons, which are great for beginners, and fun for an experienced watercolor artist. So, less intimidating imo. This is a great book; I didn't want to stop water coloring cats! That's why this review is a few days later than I originally planned.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
August 24, 2023
This was a really fun book to read and paint through. While I don't share the author's passion for cats, I did find them to be an easy subject matter to practice with. I enjoyed trying out some different techniques and appreciated the details that would work with any watercolour painting. This would be a really fun book to pair with a set of watercolour paints and brushes as a gift for a crafty cat lover.
September 25, 2023
This is a wonderful follow up to Terry Runyan’s prior book, Painting Happiness. It focuses more specifically on painting cats (obviously, as per the title) and draws inspiration from cats themselves, encouraging the painter to play, explore, and be present in the moment. The book includes plenty of techniques, tips, and inspiration, and you don’t need a ton of painting experience in order to get started having fun and painting your own cats.
July 23, 2023
A detailed “How- To” book on watercolors using cats as the focus. I like how they related the cats to the watercolor in the beginning of the book. The steps were also easy to follow. A good book for beginners and advance watercolor-ers alike! Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC to review.
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