Maximus Kitty

I have recently moved my studio from a space I was renting in Hamilton, VA into my home in Leesburg. Advantages of this are obvious … no commute, quicker delivery to clients and the ability to share my work in progress with everyone who comes by.

The only disadvantage, which is really just a matter of management, is kitty control. You see here a photo of my “son,” Max. He is a very curious being who is especially fond of leaping up onto surfaces for necessary inspection of new and interesting items or circumstances.

Obviously, as much as I love my boy Max, I do NOT need a curious kitti-pus strolling across a wet canvas. Due to the volume of paint I use in my creations, it can take anywhere from a few days to almost two weeks for a newly finished piece of mine to dry. So in setting up my new space, I actually spent the most time figuring out how to kitty-proof the area.

The obvious question is “why don’t you just shut the door?” or somehow restrict access to that kitty simply doesn’t have the chance to get nosy with freshly painted creations. But when you have as much energy as I do invested in kitty, if there is a way to keep his all-access pass active in all areas of my home, it is worth it. He’s not the type to barge into the middle of a project … he just wants to scope it out once I have reached a stopping place and the coast is clear.

My solution: a drafting table draped in plastic. Max doesn’t like the plastic … it is too noisy and he doesn’t trust it. So my newly finished piece tucked away up high on my table with the plastic deterrent should do the trick. We’ll see. There is always a first time for a new adventure when there is a feline involved. For the moment I am feeling rather confident … I’ll keep you posted.