After Anderson’s trip to China in 1948, his art takes on a new life and vigor. It is after his return from this trip that art becomes not a means to an end, but the end in itself. The creation of art for Walter Anderson was the mechanism by which he related to the surrounding world.
In the later drawings and paintings of cats, Anderson’s images take on a ferocity and rawness that was missing in the earlier depictions. In these images, Anderson’s line is confident and unwavering in its intent. The forms of ordinary house cats push the boundaries of their pages with vibrating pattern and electric color. While these depictions are not as visually realistic as the early drawings, Anderson has captured the essence of the animals through his pencil and brush. Within these depictions the viewer senses varying degrees of comfort, fear, playfulness, and agility as presented in each feline form.
Sleeping Cat in Ocean Springs
Walter Inglis Anderson
June 1954
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
June 1954
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Study of Two Kittens
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Be Kind to our Cat(s)
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
In this painting we see a more playful side of Walter Anderson. The message reads “Be kind to our cat(s)” but the subject is of what appears to be a grumpy Tomcat that does not inspire much affection.
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
In this painting we see a more playful side of Walter Anderson. The message reads “Be kind to our cat(s)” but the subject is of what appears to be a grumpy Tomcat that does not inspire much affection.
Cat in Sunlight
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
The Boxing Match
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Tabby Kittens
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Cheshire Cat
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Sphinx
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Two Kittens and Pine Lily Motifs
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Anderson enjoyed playing with images and experimenting with how one thing could morph into another. In this image we see two kittens, but the markings on their backs reflect the shape and design of pine lilies that Anderson often painted.
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Anderson enjoyed playing with images and experimenting with how one thing could morph into another. In this image we see two kittens, but the markings on their backs reflect the shape and design of pine lilies that Anderson often painted.
Cat and Seagull
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Pencil on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
In a humorous depiction of a bird chasing a cat, Walter Anderson has morphed the cat’s body to sprout wings and take flight.
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Pencil on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
In a humorous depiction of a bird chasing a cat, Walter Anderson has morphed the cat’s body to sprout wings and take flight.
Striped Cat Drinking
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Cat Nap
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
White Cat in Azaleas
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Anderson was a master of using negative space. In this painting he has formed the white cat through the surrounding foliage. With the use of this technique the subject matter emerges and visually engages the mind in the creation of the image.
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Anderson was a master of using negative space. In this painting he has formed the white cat through the surrounding foliage. With the use of this technique the subject matter emerges and visually engages the mind in the creation of the image.
Tabby with Green Eyes
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Striped Kittens
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Kittens Hiding in the Grass
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
This is another playful work of Walter Anderson’s. At first glance you will notice two kittens - but if you look more closely, more kittens appear. See how many you can identify.
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
This is another playful work of Walter Anderson’s. At first glance you will notice two kittens - but if you look more closely, more kittens appear. See how many you can identify.
Mother Cat and Kittens
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Mother Cat and Kittens Climbing Stairs
Walter Inglis Anderson
c. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
c. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
The D’s Cat
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1960
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Two Long Necked Cats
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Black Eyed Susans
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
WAMA Permanent Collection
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
WAMA Permanent Collection
Pouncing Kittens
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Knight Foundation Purchase
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Knight Foundation Purchase
Four Kittens
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Gift of the Friends of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Gift of the Friends of Walter Anderson
Cat Bath
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Gift of the Friends of Walter Anderson
CURATOR'S FAVORITE:
Walter Anderson was a master of color modeling. Color modeling is a technique where the artist does not use black or white paint but forms the subject through warm and cool colors to create the image. This is a wonderful example of color modeling in Anderson’s work. Zoom into the image and notice the intricate play of color creating light and shadow.
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1955
Watercolor on Paper
Gift of the Friends of Walter Anderson
CURATOR'S FAVORITE:
Walter Anderson was a master of color modeling. Color modeling is a technique where the artist does not use black or white paint but forms the subject through warm and cool colors to create the image. This is a wonderful example of color modeling in Anderson’s work. Zoom into the image and notice the intricate play of color creating light and shadow.
