Cat Art and a Giveaway!

Hello everyone! This is Lexy checking in with a great interview with a fabulous artist and a giveaway! Today I bring you a fantastic Etsy store, Starlustudio2, with art created by Gina Stark.  We first became familiar with Gina through our friend, Prince Pan Pan.  Every Friday in the Royal Art Gallery there is an exhibition of cat art and Gina’s work caught Mother’s attention. 

Flying Gray Cat Angel

And when Pan Pan made his journey to the Rainbow Bridge, Gina painted “Prince Pan Pan hangs the stars flying over the countryside” in his honor.  (Mother has a print of this and she just loves it.) 

Pan Pan Hangs The Stars

I asked Gina how she met Pan Pan, and it turns out Pan Pan’s mom, a cat art enthusiast, found her on Etsy.  Gina says she was so happy to get to know about him and his work helping other cats in need and thinks Pan Pan and his mom are true heroes! (We agree! Pan Pan’s brother, Prince Pippin, is proud to take over his work.) 

Pirate Tabby Cat

Starlustudio2  features folk art and whimsical pet paintings, prints and magnets Gina has been drawing and painting most of her life, her artist mother being her first teacher.  She officially began painting in high school and was a portrait painter.  She painted her first whimsical cat painting after her sons beloved cat, L.J., made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge.  This memorial painting depicted L.J. in kitty heaven as an angel.  After that Gina started painting more whimsical cats and has been creating folk art story paintings ever since.  

Black Cat With Spider

Of course there is a cat in Gina’s life.  CC is her muse, constant inspiration and rules the roost when it comes to the other family pets. Originally intended to be a gift for her son’s girlfriend, CC had other ideas and adopted Gina’s family instead.  She is now about 12 years old and is just as beautiful as she was when she was a kitten. 

The beautiful CC

In addition to her Etsy store Gina sells her artwork at local art fairs, art group exhibits, and by word of mouth. When I asked Gina if she has a favorite piece she told me she feels each work has a personality of its own and she loves them all.  She creates the majority of her folk art and whimsical paintings in acrylic on stretched canvas, and then makes all kinds of things from her art, such as magnets, prints and even jewelry.  Prints come packaged in a crystal clear envelope with a ridged board backing for safe keeping until your print is framed.

Gina is very generous and gave us a print to give away on our blog.  

Fluffy White Cat Angel

This painting is called Fluffy White Cat Angel, and one lucky person kitty will win it to display in their home.  Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below by midnight February 5, 2016. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are an Etsy lover (such as Mother – who likes to support small businesses) take a look around her shop. We're sure you'll find something you love.  Tell Gina Lola and Lexy sent you! 

Do your humans have cat art in your home? 

Disclosure: We didn't receive any compensation or products for this post.  We are spreading the word about an artist we admire. 

Lexy