Welcome to my studio
Laura J Stratton
ARTIST, DREAMER & CRAZY CAT LADY
Entirely self-taught, Stratton credits her background in makeup artistry for her passion for detail and understanding of colour blending that she has brought into her art career.
Using combinations of graphite, colour pencil and acrylic, Stratton creates her signature Cat-Ladies; artworks that capture the human-like personalities and soul she sees in feline companions.
Her work reveals the complex emotions, grace, and mysterious wisdom that cats possess, celebrating the deep connection between humans and their feline friends. Through her art, Stratton bridges the gap between pet and personality, showing cats as the complex, soulful beings cat lovers know them to be.
Since 2022, Stratton has been an avid educator, teaching in-person workshops and classes where she shares her skills and techniques in colour pencil.
Currently based in the serene hills of the Tweed Valley, Stratton spends her days in the studio with her two cats, Evie and Rosie, where she continues to expand her Cat-Ladies collection.
The Inspiration
My art is deeply influenced by the personalities and grace I see in felines. Rather than simply drawing cats, I capture their human-like qualities, their sass, wisdom, and mysterious charm, celebrating the profound connection between cats and the people who love them.
My two muses are my own cats, Evie and Rosie, whose distinct personalities shine through in every piece I create.
Evie is my sassy rogue. Hot and cold, fiercely loyal, and always keeping me guessing. She's bold, powerful, and beautiful, bringing attitude and strength to my Cat-Ladies.
Rosie is tiny but mighty, a force of absolute character and charm. Wide-eyed and born to pose, she's elegant, dainty, edgy, and swift. She brings poise and independence to my characters.
The contrast between their personalities is what makes my work so exciting to create. I strive to capture their individual charm and mischief, bringing viewers into a world where feline spirit and human soul unite in unexpected and beautiful ways.
Process & Materials
My studio space is my little haven, a place where I can let my mind wander and create, a place where Evie and Rosie chill out and inspire me.
My artistic process includes detailed pencil work, building layer upon layer to achieve the realistic depth and texture that makes my Cat-Ladies come alive. I love the control that pencil gives me, it allows me to capture all those intricate details that invite viewers to lean in closer and discover something new each time they look.
Recently, I've been incorporating mixed media elements into my work, adding abstract touches that complement the realistic foundation. This combination creates an intriguing contrast of detailed, lifelike Cat-Ladies set within dreamlike, surreal environments
