When I see big wild cats, I’m always surprised by how much their behavior is similar to that of house cats. Observing cats in the wild always makes me think about my cat in the yard. I enjoy the way a cat lays down and seems to rest. The slightest noise captures its attention – the ears move and the eyes open promptly. Since the lynx and bobcat look so much like a tabby, with that intelligent, independent look I was very inspired to do a painting suggesting that similarity. There are lynx in Yellowstone and North Wyoming. The fallen tree with my much-beloved yellow lichens made an excellent resting place for this beautiful North American cat to “take five.” The title relates to a piece by one of my favorite jazz players, Dave Brubeck, entitled Take Five. – CB