Speaking of little cups

I took a little tea cup I found in my mother's dish collection to the studio yesterday because I was thinking I might want a tea cup shape around for inspiration. I didn't do much with it, but it did amuse me. The cup was in the dish cabinet with the back facing front, and I think I know why. It's got one weird picture on the front:



Cat creature blowing out birthday candles?

For what it's worth, the bottom of the cup says "Made in Japan."

And I didn't really use it in the painting. Here's a detail; I might change parts of the whole yet.

And while I'm at it, here's another yet-to-be-titled piece: 



I had so much fun in summer painting class in the nicely-lit upstairs studio, but I think I can move back into my basement cave sometime in July. I'm looking forward to it.

Also, Happy (Early) 4th of July! I will be out of town, and there will be no Musical Monday because I will be oohing and ahing at fireworks.