WARNING! ALIEN LIFE FORM APPROACHING!
Pete the Cat is artist James Dean's wildly popular creation, appearing in books and galleries everywhere. Pete's first children's book, "I Like My White Shoes", will be published by Harper Collins in March of 2010.
In his many adventures, Pete has never met a robot - until now. Not sure how well that's going by the looks of this painting!
This whimsical image has been exclusively created for FAB Gear and is not available through Pete's website, nor through any of the authorized Pete the Cat Galleries or retailers. These are highest quality giclee prints on heavy duty, acid-free archival papers. The original painting is available as well. Click the link at the upper right of this page for more information.
About the artist: James Dean's early memories are of his father's work as a self - taught painter. "My father discovered his talent when he was in his early thirties. I can remember him making copies of paintings by the masters, and so I always just felt that I also had artistic ability."
The last quarter before graduating as an electrical engineer James Dean took a basic drawing class. "My instructor told me I should be studying art, not engineering. My grades in engineering sort of agreed with his opinion. However, I had always been told that it would be almost impossible for me to make a living as an artist, so I was afraid to try art as a career." James then accepted a position working as an engineer for Georgia Power Company. While still working as an engineer, he began to create paintings of local scenes and found that people were actually willing to buy these pieces. Eventually, he decided to work as an artist on a full time basis. He says now, "I believe that my art is my best natural talent. I need to do art. I really don't have a choice."
About Pete: "Pete was black and scrawny-looking in the cage that day at the shelter, and I was not interested in him. Besides, black cats are bad luck. But there he was sticking his paw out while all of the pretty long-haired cats were asleep, trying to pretend I wasn't there. Pete was looking for someone to come play with him and I was looking to "replace" Slim. Slim, my cat of 13 years, was a little gray short-haired cat who wanted to be with you all the time, and the more I thought about it, Pete seemed like he might fit the part.
At first I made one painting of Pete; a thoughtful piece with mostly white space. I painted him deep blue because it is one of my favorite colors and also beause I didn't know if people would want a painting of a black cat. At that time I was painting a lot of landscapes and old houses. Without thinking about it, I just stuck the painting of Pete in the bin at one of my art shows and was overwhelmed with the response. Customers couldn't get enough of Pete. People have continued to buy as many as I can paint. The main thing that I have learned from painting Pete is how many people love cats, and I have to agree that they are very special.
James' and Pete's Official Website is at http://www.petethecat.com
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