Written by 
My name is Sara Conley, I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I started painting only about a month ago. I’ve always loved art but I suffered from depression and anxiety for so long that I was afraid to even try. I was terrified to learn that my art was bad or ugly. My best friend is an artist, and she pushed me to play with the art supplies she had around her house.
I painted my first cat, Isaac (my own fur baby!) and I thought that it didn’t turn out too badly! Two weeks later I started I Painted Your Cat, and almost overnight I had 300 followers. I painted 33 cats the first 3 days and saw a lot of progress. I’m so glad it’s continuing to grow! I’m not a professional artist, and I didn’t go to school so I don’t know what I can say about my creative process.
When I see a cat, I try to find the thing that is unique or interesting about it, and then let that quality shine. It could be eyes, or the pose, or coloring. I tend to start with that, and let the rest of the cat come together around it. My best work has been when I let the cat come into itself. I’m totally inspired by anything that looks magical. A lot of my cats wear spiritual symbols or occult imagery. I love little spiders, stars and moons. I try to keep things as light hearted and cute as possible. Each cat is a happy little spirit guide.
I don’t have anything else to link currently. I do business basically through Direct Messages on Instagram. All my purchases are donation based. As long as someone pays shipping, I will ship their cat. I appreciate anything extra that people are willing to give, but I wanted to make a point of being accessible. I’ve never had much money, and I know I would be sad if someone painted my cat, but I couldn’t afford to buy it. I think everyone deserves something beautiful, and I hope to provide a little piece of that!
Sara Conley
Instagram
….utterly delightful!
Glad you like Sara’s work! Thanks, Lance! 😃
Your cats are so playful, Sara! Charming paintings. Thank you Charlie.
Thanks so much Sharon!! Happy you like these!😃
Sara, I am so glad you started to play with your friend’s art supplies. What a unique style. Loose and lively. Fabulous work!
Isn’t it cool?! Glad you enjoyed these too, Carmel! 😃
You’ve really captured the whimsical world of cats! I’ve already shared this with friends. Keep on CATaloguing those wonderful scribble critters – they brings lots of smiles.
Yay! So happy to hear you shared Sara’s work! Thanks! 😃
The paintings are gorgeous. Your title reminds me of a friend’s fluffy Persian cat who sit right on a pastel chalk painting of mine before I could set it. Her underside was an installation for a few days. So, I have literally painted someone’s cat.
hehe… love that story! So glad you liked Sara’s work!
Sara I’m so happy that you are a feature on Doodlewash. I love your cats. I’d say you’ve stumbled onto something that you are totally and wonderfully meant to express. Looking forward to seeing more!
Thanks for commenting Jessica! I agree… this is totally a cool concept and even cooler art!
Sara, you are an intuitively gifted artist as your paintings are beautiful. You’re so kind to paint for the joy of it and to give your paintings away. I like to imagine the whole world functioning this way.
I agree… so happy you liked these Sharon! 😃
I love love your work Sara. I’m glad you started painting because your cats are great. The colors, the eyes, their clothing brings them to life.
Thanks for sharing and looking forward to seeing more.
Thrilled you liked these Damita! Do you have a cat? You should have Sara doodlewash it!
Hey Charlie- I have not been as active because work is real busy right now but I’m enjoying all the art work and I try to at least “like” so you know I’m still around. 😊 Anyway, no I only have 3 dog babies but her work just spoke to me and made me see cats in a different light! Have a great day🌻
So glad to know you’re still around Damita!! Hope your work calms down a bit so you have some time to doodlewash!! You should try to play with me on my new adventure at least once this month!! 😉
Your cats are adorable! You really have a great feel for watercolors! Love the loose style that captures the personality of these cats! Will look for you on IG!
Yay to the IG follow! 😃hehe… So glad you liked these Kari. I really loved Sara’s style!
these are adorable! Look forward to following your work Sara!
Yay for the follow! Thanks Jodi! 😃
Thank you everyone! I was so honored and excited to be featured here!
Thrilled to feature you Sara! Your work is wonderful and the smiles you bring to the world are priceless! 💕😃
Sara,
Your paintings make me want a cat! Charming! You are an inspiration for giving.
hehe… I thought the same Judy. I’ve never been a cat person, but this made me want a cat so Sara could doodlewash it!
So much character! Thanks for sharing…:)
So happy you liked Sara’s work! Thanks for commenting! 😃
You really are good at capturing the essence of each cat!
Isn’t she? I thought these were super cool! Glad you agree, Teresa! 😃
Dear Sara — I love your cats AND you story! You are a natural born artist — and I think the fact that you are “untrained’ allows you to access and then paint, what you feel and experience with the kitties. It is very inspirational to me – to remember to just see what comes out on the page, if you are loose and going on instinct – instead of being so focused on technique. Thank you so much for sharing…
Wonderfully said, Karen! I agree! So happy you enjoyed Sara’s work and story! 😃
I love the outfits. A good reflection of personality. Wonderful brush work. (K)
Yeah… the outfits were my fave as well. Thanks Kerfe! 😃
Love your art, Sara! I’m a big cat fan! 🐱💖🐱 I’m now a follower on Instagram! 😃
Yay to the follow! So thrilled you liked these Jill! Thanks! 😃
What a wonderful post! Such charming cats! So happy for Sara, art is for everyone!
I agree! Glad you liked this feature, Cathe! 😃
Very cute, love your work!
Thanks for commenting, Rob! Glad you liked these! 😃
Quite funny, very artistic! 😀
So happy you like Sara’s work! 😃
Such beautiful and free-spirited cat portraits. Sounds like this artist is on a wonderful creative journey. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked this…these portraits are so much fun I had to share! 😃
I love your theme of cats.,your paintings are sweet.You have certainly found your niche..
Your cats are delightful!