The Cat Of Istanbul - Variations 3 — Watercolor on Paper by Arnaud Quercy

About This Artwork

This work explores feline form through geometric abstraction, part of the Nature in the City collection that examines urban wildlife encounters. The piece fragments and reconstructs a cat using cubist principles, creating multiple perspectives within a single composition. Angular shapes intersect with curved forms to suggest movement and the complexity of observing living creatures in architectural environments.

Warm earth tones dominate the composition, with tan and burnt sienna creating substantial presence throughout the surface. Dark brown and russet provide depth and shadow, while ochre and wheat tones add luminous areas that suggest light filtering through geometric planes. Black linear elements define the structural framework, connecting fragmented shapes into a cohesive whole. Small accents of steel gray and white appear sparingly, adding subtle contrast to the predominantly warm palette. The watercolor medium allows colors to blend and layer naturally, creating soft transitions between the geometric divisions.

The work measures 10.0 × 15.0 cm on paper, reflecting the intimate scale typical of observational studies. This compact format concentrates the visual elements into a densely composed space where each geometric fragment contributes to the overall feline suggestion. The piece carries certificate number 20240120-0007 and bears the artist's signature in the bottom right corner. Created in France in 2024, it represents the third variation in this particular exploration of the Istanbul cat theme.