Smokey

This watercolor is a portrait of Smokey, the resident greeter outside Smokey Bones in Fort Wayne—a cat who turned an ordinary entrance into a small moment of connection. With his house by the door, he met each visitor with inviting attention, affection, and enjoyed the occasional treat.

I was drawn to the way he moved toward people, bridging the space between stranger and familiar. The warm background contrasts with his cool-toned fur and shadow, emphasizing that simple, welcoming presence. This piece holds the memory of those brief encounters—how a shared smile over a cat can soften a day and make a place feel just a little more like home.