This is Maria Van Bruggen´s beautiful tabby cat Basti, painted for the Pet Portrait Swap August 2005. She is very intrigued by the tiny mermaids swimming in the pond and if they don´t watch out she might catch one of them for dinner. It is my hope that the mermaids in this portrait, painted in such a realistic style, are making an interesting contrast and will be quite a surprise for anyone looking closer at the painting.