Batcat!!

©ClaireNobles

No kittens were harmed in the making of this comic.

And not to worry, I don't actually put Jasper the Cat in costumes. Though maybe a festive collar or bandana. 

If you like this comic, please share on social media! You'll get a shout out from me and eternal internet hugs!!

Doodle Days are on Their way!

Who me??! (don't let him fool you)

Just to get the weird stuff that hides out in my brain, out of my head and onto paper, I decided to doodle! Above is Jasper the Cat, in a position that can only be described as "guilty."

Jasper, unsurprisingly, has a knack for getting into trouble. When I catch him, say up on the garden window behind my mom's wedding glasses, he does what only a cat would do and be super adorable. The little bugger will try to crouch down and hide, while hooting like an owl, throwing his tail up sky-high, and peeking behind whatever the object is-- even if it's see-through.

While Jasper is not the smartest cookie, he's certainly the most adorable. (Hey, Claire! Why don't you use a weird metaphor with cookies that doesn't relate to either adjective? That sounds like a great idea, wowwww....)

Have an interesting and entirely strange experience for the rest of the day!

Want to see more of Jasper?? Check out this pillow with him!!

Autumn Update from Claire and Jasper the Cat

Well, hello.

Wanted to let you all know that I have not died and Jasper is the same grumpy-pants he always is. (see above)

I miss blogging. I hope to do more of it in the coming weeks-- especially since fall, my favorite season,  is in full swing! 

Also, as many of you have seen my special effects makeup, with halloween just around the corner, I hope to put aside time for makeup tutorials and the like on my youtube.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TIME- I am attending school in Mid October. I know what you're thinking, "Didn't you graduate?" Yes, I did graduate with a degree in studio art just this past May. I'm attending a makeup-only school so I can use my artsy creative skills and ridiculously steady hands to be a pro makeup artist. This does not mean that I'll be stopping my art! I cannot live without creating paintings and silly comics. In fact, if I haven't posted anything in a while, bug me about it.

Makeup is an amazing creative outlet for me. Creating paintings and drawings to sell can be isolating. Makeup allows one to interact with people, bounce ideas off each other and ultimately give that person the confidence to take on the world! Makeup is empowering. Some people don't want to wear makeup, and that's ok. Some people get a confidence boost when they wear their favorite eyeshadow color, or rock a red lip. Makeup is all about expressing yourself. It's just like wearing certain clothes or listening to a song to pump you up for the day. I couldn't be more excited to pursue it as a career. (especially if I can get one zombie or horror movie in my resume)

In other news, Jasper the Cat turned six in August! He celebrated by snoozing all day.

I will try to update and write more frequently. Follow me on the social media sites linked to your right and have a great day!

How to Train your Kitten- DRAGON! Take 2-

So earlier this week, I crawled out of my hermit cave and went to see How to Train your Dragon 2. I wrote a little blog (which you can view here) about the first movie and how my cat, Jasper and the main dragon, Toothless are completely the same.

Exhibit A

So anyways, the movie started out with more of the same adorableness as the first one. There are lots of scenes where important things are being said and Toothless is romping through the background being too hilariously cute and completely distracting. A good directing choice in my opinion. 

They introduce a few new characters who start off really strong, but in the end just fade out and have little purpose or resolve. Though seeing as this is a sequel, I can let it slide. 

The message about love, family, and being true to yourself was prominent throughout. However, then they did something that was sadder than Leo dying in Titanic. And Leo dying in Romeo and Juliet. And Leo dying in the Great Gatsby. And Leo dying in Blood Diamond. And Leo dying in-- well, you get the point. Leo dies in every movie.... There was totally room on that door!! I would never let go!! (it still hurts me)

But honestly, this scene in How to Train your Dragon 2 was not only ridiculously sad, but so dark and twisted!!! It was like, Lord Voldemort dark and twisted!! I mention this because I literally had tears streaming down my face. And quite a few of my "Manly" friends admitted to doing the same. Though I suppose I could question the manliness of these friends....

Anyways, I figured I'd warn you guys. I'm not saying it's not a kids movie. Well, Bambi was a kids movie and we all know what happened there. Honestly, every time I think about HTTYD2, I am reminded of that one scene and sob loudly. 

All in all, it was highly entertaining and had a good moral message. Definitely take your kids and just remember to hold them tightly during the sad parts. If you take an adult friend, it's ok to get mushy with them. 

If you're already a pet-person, the dragons will constantly make you smile and remind you of your own little furry children back home.

Speaking of pets! I made another Pop Cat. This time I created Winston the Cat, who is actually Jasper the Cat's best friend! 

Left: Winston, Pop Cat 04

Right: Jasper, Pop Cat 02

Winston and Jasper, judging the world.

Being 800,000,000 times adorable. Those faces urge to check out my shop!

 See, I wasn't making it up, these kittens love each other. Winston is my bestie, Rachael's cat. So we have play dates for the children-- I mean kittens!

Winston and Japser come in throw pillows, cards, prints, tote bags and so on! Visit my Shop and take a look! 

That's my randomness for today... Dragons, movies, kittens, Leo dying over and over.... *WHY!!* OH SWEET LEO!! *sobs in a corner*

Enjoy your lunch!

Jasper the Cat is Getting Married!!!

I haven't talked about Jasper the Cat in a while! He's doing great, in fact he is engaged to be married in a year.

Above - shh! He's sleeping! 

Yes, you heard right (not really, this whole thing is sheer sarcasm), Jasper is engaged to the Noble Lady Victoria Morley of Ross. (Real name of cat) Miss Victoria, is a rescue cat who was born on the streets. She became royalty simply by me noticing her at an adoption drive.

 Holding Victoria for the first time ever-- look it that FACE!!!!

I manipulated my bestie, Rachael into bringing her home-- even though Rachael said she couldn't get another cat. All I had to do was have Rachael hold her and she fell in love. *heeheehee, trickery!*

Miss Victoria is now in a forever home with Rachael, and I've taken responsibility as her Fairy God Mother. (Coz of course fairies...)

The wedding will take place when Victoria turns two. The young couple show their affection to each other by stalking one another and provoking each other whenever Jasper comes to visit.

Victoria's adopted brother, and Jasper's best friend, Winston the Cat, will be best man and witness to their wedding.

Above is Winston and Jasper- spooning. Jasper is the little spoon.

To mark this momentous occasion, Artist Miranda Ramsey donated her talents to making the wedding announcements, and offer favors for all the wedding guests of throw pillows, iphone cases, prints, framed portraits and so on! 

To purchase Miranda's art- visit 

http://www.redbubble.com/people/mirzers/works/11900174-victorian-cat-series-01?c=286148-victorian-cat-series

So for the first time ever, I announce the engagement of Noble Lady Victoria Elizabeth Morley of Ross to her beloved, Sir Jasper Vincent Cullin Mullin Nobleman of the House Saint Clair. 

(All joking aside, Miranda is my friend from college who started a Voctorian Cat series and drew Jasper and Victoria when she saw how cute they were and heard my ridiculous story about them. She has more in her series-- please check her out, she's AMAZING!!!)

Of course, I couldn't have a wedding without some of my artwork being involved! A portrait of Victoria and Jasper are in the making in contemporary Pop-Art, Warhol inspired pieces. 

To purchase my pop-cat series, as well as my older fantasy art series, visit 

http://www.redbubble.com/people/clairenobles/shop 

Heeheehee - so, yeah... That happened. Hopefully I didn't hurt your brain too much. I basically just wanted to announce my new artwork and online shop and also Miranda Ramsey's art coz she's awesome AND featured Jasper and my friend's cat in her Victorian cat series!

Have a great rest of your day and enjoy your burrito!

Oh hai!

Jeez, nearly a year has passed since I last blogged!

So far, I haven't died. Jasper the Cat is totally fine. So what's my excuse?

*shrug*

In other news, I was looking at the drafts section of my blog and have a lot of old blog-stuff I was working on for a while and didn't finish for whatever reason. Even though some of the blogs won't necessarily be as relevant now, I personally will get enjoyment from them, so yay!

Also, my usual website had shut down and I started a new website: www.ClaireNobles.com - it's super cool. 

I also have a twitter, tumblr, Instagram, YouTube and other random stuff that I update from time to time. - double yay!

Stay tuned and enjoy the rest of your day! For sticking with me, here's a cute picture of Jasper the Cat: 

Awww!

Twitter- @clairenoblesart & @hopefullytweet

Instagram- @hopefullytweet

2012: A Year of Art and Cat Shenanigans in Pictures

Jaz and I wish you a Happy New Year!

2013 already?! Jeez! Sorry this New Year's Blog is late-- I started it around Early January and then realized that I had the flu for three weeks... Still have the flu, hope this blog make sense. 

Well, I had a pretty good 2012-- I took a lot of what wasn't working out of my life and made way for bigger, better and brighter things. This year at SFSU was extremely productive-- I have tons of new art from my classes which I'm very proud of. I have posted some of my favorites below.

Cranes- unfinished oil painting on canvas board from Painting Class

Still life - 18x24 Oil on Canvas Board

Unfinished Cloth Study (Classwork) Charcoal Drawing 

2x3 foot Abstraction Assignment - Oil on Stretched Canvas

"Recreation of Master Painting" Assignment 18x24 inches - Oil on Canvas Board
This painting was recreated from a bad photocopy of a GORGEOUS  Peter Paul Rubens painting titled "The Elevation of the Cross"

As you can see, I got a lot of time to practice in very different mediums and styles. I can't wait for this upcoming semester! Hope to have slightly more time for the blog during this new semester...

Every year I resolve to spend more time exercising and getting healthy and every year I do a little bit more. 2012 blew every other year out of the water because I started running. With lots of patience and determination, I ran 130 miles just last year!!! I create these goals mostly for my heart health (being born with heart defects, I have had three open-heart surgeries). As usual this year starting late January/early February, I'll be donating $1 from every product sold (from my art websites) to the American Heart Association. If not for the AHA, I would not be here writing this blog! So the healthy exercise goals are a must. This year, I'm signing up for 5k and 10k races so I don't fall behind.

***

Jasper resolved to be more obnoxious last year but instead he became more of a sweetheart and more annoying at the same time. He was forced into some play-dates in order to make some new friends. This is how I learned that cats can be the most stubborn of creatures. Below he is meeting my friend's cats, Panda and Denny (who are nearly twice his size).

From left to right: Jasper, Panda, Denny

 Above, Jasper is being a jerk and hoarding the other cats' food bowl. Denny is not happy about this and Panda is trying to mediate. 

Jasper and Panda like to give each other kisses

That is all for now. Sorry this blog is a half-effort. I *do* still have the flu, so I'm going to go to sleep and hope I get better in time for the new semester. *Ah-choo!*

Kittens are Not Dependable Alarm Clocks

Hoo-ray for comic panels!

Jasper the Cat and I had this agreement going for a while during the school year when I had to wake up at 4:30 every morning. He would consistently wake me up around 5am if I wasn't already up and either meow incessantly, slam doors (don't ask me how a cat slams a door) or crawl on me until I got up. 

This used to be pretty useful for days when I was slow to get out of bed. I like being a morning person, but try as I might, I cannot get myself out of bed without help from usually another person (or cat) and at LEAST 2 different alarms that I ignore and hit snooze repeatedly all the while I dream that my alarms are really polka-dots (totally dreamed that).

The inner workings of Claire's mind can be frightening.

Anyways, two months into summer vacation, Jasper is still Mr. Dependable Wake Mommy Up At 5am... He also has become a night owl (due to my staying up late if I don't have to get up early) and now he only sleeps between the hours of 3:00am-3:15am. This would not do.

I decided that I would need to (just like with humans) fix his sleep cycle. For the past 48 hours, I have not let him sleep at all during the day. It helped that I had two days off to do this. If I saw him taking a catnap, I threw a cat toy at him and made him play. I also annoyed him, poked him, made him look out windows, sang loudly at him, chased him around the house, played with him, gave him catnip, let him explore dresser drawers and closets, and danced with him (also while singing loudly). By yesterday evening, he was out like a light and hiding behind a bunch of dark colored pillows as a way of blending in. Jasper usually likes to sleep only on all white/beige materials, so this was a good sign.

I'm explorin'! No girls allowed!

Last night I planned on going for a run this morning at 6am. I figured my 12 alarm clocks and Jasper would surely wake me up. As it was, 10:00am rolled around and Jasper was sleeping on my face. Yes, I'm dead serious, on 'mah FACE! Jasper usually sleeps on my bed, but he always sleeps down at my feet (to attack them). He was also taking up a good portion of my two pillows. When I nudged him groggily, he was just simply purring at me!?!? Purring as if nothing delighted him more in the whole world than to be laying on *my* face. I wondered momentarily if some other cat came in the middle of the night and took Jasper's place, since this was clearly not my cat. My cat does not snuggle on faces. I drew a one-panel comic to illustrate.

So while the plan to get the baby-- I mean cat-- to sleep through the night worked, I can no longer use him as an alarm clock. Though I did get a wonderful night's sleep and shall continue to make sure his sleep cycle conforms to mine! Bwahahahha!

Btw, slightly on topic, though not the point, I *did* go on a run this morning, however it was four hours later than intended. *shrug*

Thanks for dealing with my oddities! I know I have been drawing a lot of comics lately and not releasing actual art... That's only because I take a picture of the comics with my cellphone, and with large paintings and drawings, I must scan those in and take hours of getting things adjusted right. Your patience will be rewarded with new art soon, I promise!

Send me a Tweet if you're digging the comics or if you have some interesting Cat-Sleep issues that you've gone through!

Joe Frog is a Girl!?!?

My brother came over to visit us the other day, and while he was here, he checked up on the Red-Eyed Tree Frogs he gave our mom. (To read the post when we got the Tree Frogs, -click here-) And he told us some life-altering news! (not really) Joe Frog, the bigger of the two frogs, is a FEMALE!

I probably won't change her name though... Joe can work for a girl....

Filbert Toad is still a male. So this makes me wonder if there will be baby tree frogs in the coming months...? That would be so super cute! And way more than we could handle...

In other news, Jasper the Cat still wants to eat the tree frogs, and is going about it in the most cat-like way. He knocked over the crickets (tree frog's food source) and ate a few of them! I'm serious! He's probably trying to starve them out. Malicious cat!

Tomorrow I might have another painting preview or possibly tutorial for you all, so stay tuned!

That is all.... 

I'm Living with Red-Eyed Tree Frogs...

Meet Filbert Toad! 

Meet Joe Frog! (center of photo)

My older brother is kind of the out-doorsy type that had been fascinated by reptiles and animals since he was little. He was always the kind of kid who, when we got to a camp ground or hiking trail would dart away from the car and come back within seconds with a huge smile on his face, holding a lizard or giant snake of some kind. He also knew every single species of reptile possibly imaginable, he was kind of a wikipedia of reptile knowledge. I think he has owned at least 3 lizards, two geckos, a snake or two, some frogs, fish, a komodo dragon, a parakeet, a bunny, a cat  and two pitbulls in his life. Anyways, for Mother's Day, he gave my mom his Red-Eyed Tree Frogs since she also has always loved frogs. 

So I came home one day, and there was this tank in the family room with two little green intruders. At least, that's how my cat, Jasper saw it. 

If you did not know, Jasper the Cat's mother was actually born and raised in France, technically making Jasper half-French. It's a big joke between my French friend, Alexandra and I. We always make fun of Jasper for French stereotypes, namely being that he wants to eat frogs. And since those little Red-Eyes have moved in, Jasper seriously wants to eat them. It's hilarious to me, but my mom told Jasper she would "make Jasper Stew" and "kill you" if he ate her frogs...

If you have never owned Tree Frogs before, they're kind of boring... Mainly because they are nocturnal and during the day are just suctioned to the glass. I'm a cat/dog person and not really one for pets smaller than a cat. Being able to pet and cuddle with my animals is important to me. Don't try to cuddle with a tree frog, they can't even be touched... They're allergic to you. Which is pretty funny and backwards. Tree Frogs are basically a "picture pet," meaning that they are only around for looks. 

But I digress. My dad named them Frog and Toad, based off the children's books with the same name. My mom kept interchanging their names, so I started calling the slightly more interesting and much bigger guy Joe Frog, and the littler guy who just suctions himself to the side of the tank all the time, Filbert Toad. (We have no idea if they are actually males though.)

Filbert and Joe eat crickets, which can be fun to watch (if they actually decide to move). Joe moves like a cougar and pounces on crickets like he's a jungle cat. Filbert usually stays firmly suctioned to the glass and every now and then tries to escape-- which Jasper waits for with anticipation and stations himself directly next to the tank during feeding times. 

As I said, Joe and Filbert are usually suctioned to the glass. Sometimes if they are cold, they snuggle (well, as much a a frog is going to snuggle) and other days they are on opposite ends of the tank, and Jasper and I conclude that they had a fight. 

Filbert is the closer one, while Joe remains on the far side... Not sure what they fought about but they are not budging on the matter! (teeheehee!)

So, what have some of your weirder pets been? Answer and follow me on Twitter @ClaireNoblesArt

Bookmarks, Necklaces and Scaredy-Cat Updates

I'm so happy to announce that over the weekend I posted all the bookmarks listings on my website! You may browse through them -here-

All my 8.5x11 inch prints are also available -here-

Right now with any purchase, there is FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25 at ClaireNoblesArt.com

I have also updated all the listings on my necklaces on Etsy.com. I have very limited stock so get them now!!

And finally, the Jasper the Cat has overcome his fear of the papazan chair (read the Scaredy Cat post -here-) and he is now curled up in it and snoring loudly --as usual. Silly kitten... 

Scaredy Cat

Jasper the Cat is suddenly afraid of my papazan chair... The chair he sleeps in every day.

Afraid, as in, he literally tried to claw my face off and freaked out when I went to put him there... like I normally do, every morning....

This happens randomly every long once in a while. A few years ago, I had this penguin blanket that he curled up on every night. One day he was scared to death of it! My roommate, Rachael and I thought this was so funny we chased him around the apartment with it taunting "Jazzy is a afraid of penguins!!" A couple hours later he got over it and it went back to being his favorite blanket... So hopefully this new fear of papazan chairs will pass too...

Anyone else's cats get like that sometimes? Any theories? (besides the fact that cats are doofuses)

How to Train your Kitten, er, Dragon!

A couple nights ago, I watched "How to Train Your Dragon" for the first time. If you haven't already seen that movie-- YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY! It's a really adorable movie. Probably the biggest reason why I liked it is because the dragon, Toothless, seems to have been based entirely off of Jasper the Cat. (See above pictures)

Not only are Toothless and Jasper very similar in personality, looks, etc. but all the dragons in the movie are basically scaly winged cats. Seriously, the dragons are always eating fish, chasing lights on the floor, being overcome by "dragon-nip" and they are totally misunderstood-- among other things.

  Almost everything Toothless did in the movie, I only could see Jasper. The big green eyes, the black color, the ears, the grumpy yet adorable personality... I've started calling Jasper, Toothless...

The expression on these faces is just hilarious.

The funny thing is that when I looked up pictures of Toothless, I did find a LOT of pictures comparing black cats to Toothless... So I guess I'm not the only one...

AND if you have always wanted your very own dragon-kitten like Jasper, check out my Pop Cat Series at my art store and you can have your very own Toothless-Cat-look-alike as well as other cute kittens!

Jasper the Cat is a throw pillow!

So is Jasper's girlfriend, Victoria! (get the set!)

More to come.

So that's my randomness for the day! Dragons and Kittens.... you know... the usual.

Happy 2012 From Claire and Jasper the Cat!

Claire and Jasper: wishing you a happy 2012! (well, maybe just Claire)

Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I'm glad everyone has made it this far with me!

2011 was a great year, but it's good to start fresh. This year in 2012, I'm making some changes in order to have a more efficient schedule and devote as much time as I can to painting and creating. I hope to have a new website out soon and some new artwork as well, but later this month, I shall have even less time to devote to my art due to a full load of State classes this semester. 

Some of my resolutions include keeping my studio clean, staying organized and doing more yoga. So far, so good!

I don't really have any painting goals or plans, except to just paint whatever comes to mind when I have the time. However, I would like to spend more time on design, concept and details of my work. 

Jasper the Cat's resolutions are to sleep more, to bite James more, and to be more obnoxious. So far he's kept his resolutions...

Thank you to everyone who has supported me from the beginning and to all my friends who have helped along the way, or who I've only just met! All of you are so wonderful and make me the happiest person in the world! Thank you for taking time to view my art.