Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Immortal, Beloved and Just a Little Bit Crazy #WafflesWednesday

Waffles, by Thomas Clausen ©2015
A few months ago, the very talented Thomas Clausen, of One Drawing Daily, created this beautiful pen, ink and watercolor portrait of you-know-who. 

Glogirly takes a LOT of photos here. A lot a LOT of photos. But there's something very special about an artist's rendering that just can't be captured in a photograph. It's that magical line between what the eye sees and the artist interprets. Perfectly imperfect, it's that magic line that she can't help but fall in love with. And of course there's Waffles too.

Left: Original photo of Waffles by Glogirly
Right: Original pen, ink & watercolor portrait by Thomas Clausen
One Drawing Daily
Thomas' story is fascinating and one that really resonates with Glogirly. He's long admired people who've mastered the art of drawing. Glogirly studied drawing in college and shares that same admiration, (though she doesn't share his talent!). Drawing isn't easy. It's not just about putting pen to paper, it's about really seeing your subject. And it's not one of those things like riding a bike either. It takes years of practice and consistent nurturing. 

That's what is so impressive about Thomas' goal. 

On September 9, 2014, he started drawing every day in an effort to reach a place where he was confident and satisfied with his skills. His idea was that even on a lousy, lazy, hard, stressed or hopeless day, he would draw. Even if it was nothing more than a stick figure, he would draw. As he writes, "the continuity would be my motivator." In fact, he tells us it's been rare that he's done only one drawing a day. Waffles was his 454th drawing.

Thomas Clauson ©2015
The Inspiration of Commitment
Thomas' commitment to his art and to himself is something we admire so much and can absolutely relate with. It's in fact one of the reasons we blog. Although we began blogging off and on in 2008, on July 2, 2012 Glogirly made a pact with herself. She decided to publish daily. Like Thomas, some days were simple. Just a photo, maybe a caption. But more often than not, the words and ideas would somehow come. She believes it's this commitment that has helped her to become a better writer, photographer and blogger. It's what helped her out of a career slump when she found herself among the thousands laid off from from what she thought would be her forever career.

It's also strengthened her bond with Katie & Waffles. She's believes she's a smarter, more informed and compassionate cat parent.

So although the intent of today's blog post is introducing you to the beautiful and thoughtful artwork of Thomas Clauson, we also think there's an important message in his process. You need look no further than his amazing work to see that great things can happen when you commit. 

Thank you, Thomas. Thank you for your beautifully generous work. Thank you for inspiring us.



Thomas Clausen ©2015
Where to Find Thomas Clausen & His Art
Thomas is currently doing commissioned and custom work and has recently launched a new site featuring some beautiful examples: Portfolio of Thomas Clausen. In addition, he still takes free drawing requests through his One Drawing Daily site. Though he is based in Denmark, Thomas works with clients and animal lovers all over the world. Even right here in Minneapolis.

What's Next for One Drawing Daily?
On September 9, 2016 the doors will open to his first art exposition. He's doesn't yet know where it will be, or even what all he will share with the world. But we'll be sure to let you know when he does.


A Gift of Love
There are few greater gifts you can give a loved one or yourself than a portrait of your furry family member. It's something that helps to keep your memories alive and close to your heart. Immortal, beloved and in the case of Waffles... a little bit crazy.

WAFFLES:  Crazy???


23 comments:

  1. He did one for me of AbbyGoat and it came on the day we found her dead. I haven't been able to do anything with it.

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  2. It's lovely! (even with his mouth wide open)

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  3. I love Waffle's portrait - it's wild and mad and fun... just like him! People don't realize that talent is only part of the equation - dedication may play an even bigger part!

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  4. Great purrtrait! It always takes more than talent.

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  5. Waffles, shouting his barbaric yawp for the world to hear. Listen, world, to what the Chikun Whispurrur has to say! *G* Very nice watercolor portrait.

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  6. Great portrait of Waffles, and I love the sentiment that great things can happen when you commit. Just the push I needed today :)

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  7. That's a great drawing of Waffles. Mr. Thomas did one of Zoey that was really good too. It's nice seeing how he has done over the last few months. We wish him well in his first exhibition.

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  8. Thomas captured Waffles very accurately. His drawings are quite special.

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  9. what a wonderful commitment -we love the water colors. mom may have to submit a picture of Coral....

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  10. Thomas is so talented, and committed to what he's doing!

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  11. It's beautiful. We treasure the drawing he did of Arty Mouse.

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  12. Gweat awt foto. Hims made a drawin' of moi too and mommy just luvved it. Hims stowry is very inspirational. Fanks fur visitin' our bloggy.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  13. Amazing! Thank you for sharing...
    Have a great Wednesday.

    Noodle and crew

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  14. We love Thomas' drawings! He did Truffles for me and I need to send him a Mudpie picture too :)

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  15. I love Thomas' drawing of Waffles. He did one of Flynn in April and has just done another one which will be this week's Sunday Selfie. I love his work.

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  16. Crazy is good! The artist guy did a good job in capturing Waffles in all his glory.

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  17. Thomas did a new drawing for us.It is Mauricio. He did Lily before. We just did another post for him as well with both Lily and Mau's drawing. Mom is starting to put together photos of us for a Christmas gift for dad. She's commissioning Thomas to do a watercolor of all eight of us. We're pretty sure he's happy Mom isn't shipping us to him. MOL! Waffles watercolor portrait is purrfection. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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