Gone Fishing

This piece was inspired by the irony of the cat peacefully taking a drink while a fish swims directly beneath it. The cat appears completely absorbed in the simple act of drinking, while the fish seems much less certain about the unusual visitor above. I wanted to capture that quiet moment of tension and humour between two animals that would normally have a very different relationship. The cat’s calm confidence contrasts with the fish’s alert expression, creating a playful sense of uncertainty—as though the fish is wondering whether it has anything to worry about.

I used PanPastels and pastel pencils on Pastelmat paper, layering soft colour and fine detail to capture the texture of the cat’s fur, the delicate features of the fish, and the reflections and distortions in the water. I particularly enjoyed using the pastels to create the contrast between the warmth and softness of the cat and the cooler, fluid underwater environment. For me, the piece is about curiosity, contrast and an unexpectedly peaceful encounter between predator and prey, with a little humour hidden beneath the surface.

A pastel painting by Lucy Chambers.

Free shipping in the UK
Ships direct to you from the artist's studio.
This artist only ships to the UK.