Samantha - Waiting For Summer

(16"x20")

Cat got your tongue? It’s no surprise you’d be speechless looking at this delightful chalk drawing by John Alonzo Williams (1869–1951). Williams was dedicated to his pet cats, which he often depicted in artworks. This piece features an orange bengal cat curled up on a bright blue blanket, staring longingly out the window. The cat is waiting for summer – a feeling we are all familiar with. The artist uses lines of varying thicknesses to define shapes and figures, and deeper, rich colours to render realistic shadows. Williams used chalk as his medium of choice, because it did not require complicated materials or particular preparation. Chalk is suited to making preparatory sketches like this artwork, as well as for more finished pieces. Williams was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and studied at the Art Students League and the Metropolitan School of Art in New York City. After his training was complete, he joined the American Watercolour Society, the Salmagundi Club, and the National Academy of Design. Today, his painting The Watchful Cat hangs in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Helen Mazelow (1927–2005), an art buyer for Sears, acquired this particular sketch. Held in an enchanting, rich frame, this work – which is one in a series of three – will surely be a stunning addition to your home.

At this time in New York City,  Radio City Music Hall opened its doors on December 27, 1932, as part of the newly constructed Rockefeller Center. The theatre was designed by Edward Durell Stone (1902–1978) and Donald Deskey (1894–1989) in the Art Deco style. Now home to the Rockettes, the venue was the world’s largest four-tiered auditorium when it opened. Radio City was designated as a New York City Landmark in May, 1978, and today primarily hosts concerts, live stage events, and awards shows like the Grammy and Tony Awards.