Artist Helen Granger hopes the title of her latest exhibit, “Deceptively Simple: Studies in Ink” will help people see beyond the cuddly aspect of her cat-themed drawings.

“It’s a tricky subject matter. It’s hard for it to not just be cute,” said Granger who used her three house cats as models. “It’s actually very dangerous territory for an artist, but I decided to just take the plunge and start showing them,” said Granger.

A native of Western Pennsylvania, Granger worked as a graphic designer after graduating from art school, but said it didn’t leave her much time to work on her own art.

Granger said she “accidentally ended up in Rochester” five years ago. “I tell people I was shipwrecked. It’s more interesting than saying that I met a guy.”

Now working part-time as a website developer and online marketer, she said, “I’ve gotten involved in the local art scene, and I’ve been able to devote more time to developing a body of art.”

Much of Granger’s work grows out of observing nature. “When I’m observing, I’m trying to learn about what I’m observing, and to some degree, I put that in my artwork,” she said.

So drawing her cats was a natural choice. Plus, she said, “They don’t require modeling fees. They work for kibble.”

Granger spent six months creating the drawings for the show, often spending several days sketching before creating the final image. With only three materials: sumi ink, water and paper, Granger said she used Japanese ink drawings as a jumping off point for the work.

And while there’s no preventing the inevitable “awww” that escapes the mouths of cat lovers, Granger said showing the drawings “en masse” will “create a different atmosphere—you’ll see it’s more than just a picture of a cat.”

As part of Cola Cola Gallery’s Espresso series, Granger’s work will have a short run from May 22 to 29, with an opening on Saturday, May 26. Cola Cola Gallery is located at 29 Centre Street, New Bedford. For more information call 508-642-6026 or email colocologallery@gmail.com.