The Court Painter Was a Calico, and the Palette Was Already Full
Splashes of orange, black and white across the face make this calico cat look like a painting already. A wide white ruff, starched into neat folds, frames the chin, and a dark green coat embroidered with gold stars and leaves covers the shoulders. In the lower corner, a paw holds a wooden palette dotted with blobs of red, yellow, blue and white, and a few thin brushes stick out toward the edge. The wall behind is deep red and gold. The painter's amber eyes look straight ahead, as if checking whether the sitter is still in position. Maestro Patch takes art seriously.
Calico is not a breed but a coat pattern, with patches of white, orange and black or dark brown. Because the genes that create orange and black are carried on the X chromosome, nearly all calicos are female, and the rare male calico usually has an unusual chromosome makeup. Calicos can be any breed or mix, so their personalities vary widely, though many owners joke that they have a lot of opinions. Whatever the coat, cats do best with a daily play routine, a clean litter box, fresh water and regular vet visits. Keep paints and art supplies out of reach, since many are not safe to lick.
A cat holding a palette is a risky thing, since a paw can only stay clean so long. For the moment, though, the colors remain on the board and the artist keeps his composure.
