Let's Color: Alice and the Cheshire Cat

While it is unclear what variety of cat Lewis Carrol based his character, the cheshire cat, on, some say it could be based on a brown tabby british short hair cat. Compared side by side, there definitely looks like there could be some resemblance.

Original artwork from Alice's Adventure in Wonderland by John Tenniel

Denimar British Shorthair

John Tenniel's depiction of the cheshire cat is interesting because of the amused expression on the cat's face, featuring a wide grin. Lewis Carroll describes the cat as "a large cat grinning ear to ear." So wide is its grin that Alice feels the need to ask why it grins so. Cat's are fun to look at and play with, but one must never forget that they are predators. There is a underlying sense of danger beneath the mischievous cat's wide smile.

The cat witnesses Alice get into petty arguents with the Duchess and the Queen who over react to her every action. Alice inhabits an absurd world where obscure rules and random whims supercede common sense and decency. However, the cat can live apart from these minor squabbles. The cheshire cat is a reminder that sometimes we need to let go.

The same can be said in coloring. Sometimes, it is nice just to let go and color with whatever hue comes into hand. The end result might not always be exactly as you intend, but if you never take risks, you will never make anything new. In this page, the trees are pink, the leaves are blue and the ground is yellow as Alice and the Cheshire Cat stand in front of a sunset.

What are some risks you have taken lately and did they pay off? What makes you smile? Do you like cats?