Another cover done for The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, under the excellent art direction of Gordon Van Gelder, and just recently sold to a buyer. The story is called “The Cat Bell”, by Esther Friesner, and it’s a Puss-in-Boots kind of story with a really fun ending. I love stories where the bad guys get their comeuppance.

One idea for the cover with the female protagonist giving lots of love to our feline Hero.

The second idea that was developed to have a ton more cats and a more era-appropriate Mr. Rutherford macking on one of his many cats.

I have 2 cats and have had a handful more and love them dearly so it was a delight to be able to paint a few of them into the piece. The big orange Tabby is Oscar, the black and white one in the foreground is Romeo, and the brown one looking up is Jack, all departed. Freya, Iggy, and Gomez have yet to appear in my work.

I was also extremely delighted to get this wonderful email from the author:

Dear Ms. Kest,
I must tell you how happy I am with your artwork for the cover of the November/December issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction. To state the obvious, wow, do you know cats! (I especially love the panic-stricken one in Mr. Rutherford's arms.) I am beyond pleased and feel extremely lucky to have your art illustrating my story. Thank you very much.
Best,
Esther M. Friesner

Cats! They’re wonderful creatures and the best companions!