Featured Daily Sketch: Bella Birdwatching, October 30, 2014

October 31, 2025 Bernadette

charcoal sketch of black cat — “Bella Birdwatching” revised photo reproduction (more accurate), black and white charcoal on gray toned paper, 5.5″ x 8.5″ © Bernadette E. Kazmarski

So Bella is an avid birdwatcher. She spends long hours by the big north window watching the birds at the feeder. I spend long hours studying her profile while she does so. I decided to finally sketch her and thought of the toned paper with white and black charcoal, and I also added a bit of pale yellow green in her eye.

Of course, I didn’t sketch this while she watched birds. She never really keeps still, but I did get a good outline while watching and added all the details from photos open on my computer screen, holding my sketchbook as if I was sketching from life. I always want to be able to keep that extemporaneous feel to my sketches, and so even if I complete one later from photos I’ll try to mimic the conditions of sketching from life as much as possible. But I wanted to be certain to capture that short little face, delicate chin, the swept-back ears and whiskers, the highlights as the reflected north light washed her face and the window was reflected on her eye, and her paws, at rest, but ready at any moment to leap up and fly at the window screen.

Below is a detail of her face.

I have to whine just a little…my scanner failed me somewhat this time and the paper color isn’t quite right. It’s much darker so that you can see the highlights better, and especially the color and highlights in her eye. I may try a few other methods of scanning or photographing this or turn her over to the pros because I want to be certain this one reproduces exactly!

And so I did photograph Bella! Below is the original scan of the artwork that I posted yesterday. The artwork above is far more accurate, and that’s rare for my camera!

charcoal sketch of cat watching — “Bella Birdwatching”, black and white charcoal on gray toned paper, 5.5″ x 8.5″ © Bernadette E. Kazmarski

And here is what Bella thought of the whole ordeal.

black cat — Can I just watch birds without the whole internet knowing?

Oh, my, I haven’t sketched Smokie…I know this and I have a few ideas to capture those hazel eyes and rounded whiskers and his developing mane, but for now, for some reason, I find Bella very inspiring.

Daily Sketches 2011 to 2015

I think I accomplished what I'd set out to do three years ago today, a challenge to me and entertainment and enjoyment for you: to create a quick sketch of my cats each day as a way to practice and experiment, and present the sketch on that day with no editing, no waiting, no excuses, just to do the sketch and share it.

Read more about the reason for the daily sketches in Daily Sketches: the Idea, Most Popular, Awards.

Click here to see other daily sketches.

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The original of this sketch is sold but I have prints on paper and canvas as well as various cards, and one single cabochon necklace! Read more and purchase.

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