Amelia McComb's "Phoebe" is a striking charcoal portrait that captures the enigmatic essence of its feline subject with remarkable sensitivity. This intimate work on paper (framed size: 36.5 x 43 cm) presents a black cat rendered in deep, velvety charcoal against a softly smudged background that creates an atmospheric, almost dreamlike quality. McComb demonstrates exceptional control of her medium, using varying pressure and techniques to achieve both the intense darkness of the cat's fur and the luminous quality of its alert, watchful eyes. The contrast between the solid black form and the ethereal background creates a compelling visual tension, evoking the mysterious nature often associated with black cats.

The Domestic as Art: Impact and Presence
Displayed on a wall, "Phoebe" transforms an everyday subject into something worthy of contemplation, elevating the domestic companion to artistic subject. The intimate scale of the work creates a personal viewing experience that draws the observer closer, rewarding careful attention with its nuanced tonal variations and expressive mark-making. McComb's charcoal technique reveals her deep understanding of both her medium and subject, capturing the quiet dignity and self-contained presence that cat lovers will immediately recognise. This contemporary portrait speaks to the enduring relationship between humans and their animal companions, making it a piece that resonates with both emotional warmth and artistic merit in any thoughtfully curated space.