Asleep? That depends who is asking. Tortoiseshell Cat by Marie Brown S.O.F.A. captures the familiar one-eye-open approach to resting: comfortable enough to settle, but unwilling to miss an important development. If you have ever tried to sneak past your own cat, you may know the feeling.
Marie takes a relaxed pose as the starting point for this watercolour. The reference cat was her tortie Fudge, but the artist makes an interesting distinction: the cat in the painting became a different individual. An observed moment provided the inspiration, while the finished portrait took on a character of its own.
That leaves us with the same question Marie asks herself: what is this cat thinking? It could be nothing more complicated than a wish to stay comfortable. Then again, one eye has remained open for a reason.
For a tortie admirer, this is a small slice of feline life to enjoy long after the cat has decided the nap is over.
Explore the Winter Exhibition
The exhibition closes on Sunday 15 November 2026.
