Ship's Cat

There is a long tradition of ship's cats. Thousands of years ago, cats were encouraged aboard boats, as rodent reducers on vessels plying trade between communities throughout the Mediterranean. Later, cats have also become ocean going companions, notably Matthew Flinders’ adored Trim. Or Pepe, as detailed in adventuress Neilma Sydney’s 'True tale Of Henrietta the Hen and Pepe a Sea Cat' who all travelled the world together via various container ships. Or surfer / world warrior / ocean going yachtswoman Captain Liz Clark and her adopted tabby Amelia the tropicat. In this painting, out to sea, under a full moon, the ship’s cat keeps watch … It is part of a series of more monochromatic paintings I am developing to capture the essence of light on water.