Look closely near the top of this painting to see who intently watches these Ducks; their nearness announced by late afternoon shadows. This large yellow tomcat was never far from the water habitat of his feathered friends. Nor was he ever dangerously close. Later, after little ducklings had arrived, an element of danger also arrived….for the cat. Eventually it succumbed to the fear and anxiety of daily duck stalking and simply disappeared. This acrylic on canvas was inspired by their predator / prey relationship. Thinking about it, however, caused an intellectual short; trapping me in a corner of my mind. When this happens, however, I have learned that I can paint my way out…..or go shopping.