ROCKIE a la Van Gogh

Pastel 10"x10"

Hmmm.   I actually LIKE this.   That may make some viewers shudder HOWEVER the likeness to Rockie is THERE despite the wild pallet.  For some reason this is without a finished eye on the right.   Ah Ha!   Van Gogh lost an ear and so....

Honest, does anyone else like this?   Do tell!  

The SAME pose and dog is in the Gallery, lying in a blue bed, colors normal.

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ULLE - a Wonderful Weimaraner

Pastel 10"x12"

Her name is "Ullé" (Swedish) the best beloved of "Iulia" (Romanian) so that makes (hope I'm right!) both of them JULIA (Canadian)! 

Met them over the weekend - luckily I had my camera and so took away some memories.   A fantastic model - she changes position every second!


Thanks to you both...

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Lazy Sunday Sketches

Pastel 16"x12"

UTAH - really a WIP but I'm not sure it needs much more.

A Husky puppy I 'met' last winter - she was passionately digging in the snow - eventually she found a stick and proudly strutted about with it.

Color Pencil/Pastel  9"x9"

Beaton - a regular guy.   Very sketchy!   And despite being posted will return to the sketch book.  I was visiting my mother when I did this.

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STAR is waiting

Pastel 14"x12"

STAR, 1 yr old, arrived at Baldwin Shelter (LA, Calif) September 2nd, emaciated and pregnant.   She gave birth to TEN pups - they've all been adopted.  She's now alone but safe at Agoura Shelter - still waiting for a real home and a chunk of the love and attention she gave her litter.

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LOOCH #2 Explained - and - LOGAN Framed

Pastel 8"x12"

How Looch got his moniker:  

Fiorella says
Since my husband and I are fans of the Boston Bruins, we thought it would be appropriate to name a Boston Terrier after a Boston Bruins player!
So he's named after #17, Lucic, who is nicknamed "Looch" in Boston:)


UPDATE ON LOGAN

To honor his Poster Boy status, he got framed.  For me, it demonstrates how beautifully colored matts can compliment the central image.   The portrait will be at Natural Animal, 4932B Sherbrooke, Montreal, tomorrow, Nov 27th.

Inner Picture Size  9"x10"

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LOOCH the POOCH

Pastel 6"x6"

The story behind Looch's rescue from Fiorella:
Looch is a 2 yr old Boston terrier we adopted from a rescue 1-1/2 yrs ago.  Before that he spent 6 months in a cage at a puppy mill.  When he arrived he was not housetrained, had NO social skills and was always fighting with our other Boston terrier, Chara.  He's come a long way from then.  Now, he's the perfect gentleman and loves his brother!   We are very proud of him.

My congrats to Fiorella - and Looch!   WHY LOOCH, Fiorella? 


PS  A second portrait, tip to toe, comes tomorrow.   I've developed a passion for black and white dogs, it seems!

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WINSTON

Pastel 11"x11"

A True Brit, this guy!   And a true patriot flying the national colors of red, white and blue - given his pink tongue, blue collar and white coat!   So who else could he be except Winston.   He made me laugh, and I think he's having a jolly old chuckle himself!

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LOGAN - A Mellow Fellow!

Pastel 12"x12"

Soon to be a poster boy for Moustache Rescue!   Also soon (everyone hopes) in a real home.   He'd love that, everyone would.  Currently in a foster home he's happy living with other cats and dogs.   He's affectionate and gentle, a mellow fellow, just as we said above.   If you want to know more about Logan, E MAIL ME and Moustache will be in touch.

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The King!

 

Pastel 12"x14"

Meet LEVI, a King German Shepherd - very debonair in his neckerchief!

Annie, who is dedicated to rescues and knows Levi, says:

Levi is one of many fosters I've worked and he is very very special.   True to his breed, he is fiercely protective of his humans - all 100 lbs of him.   In the 2 weeks I worked with him, this angry boy became a gentle giant with the right amount of exercise, discipline and calm assertive leadership.  I'm just crazy about him.  At heart, he's such a love bug!  He would be the ideal dog for a true German Shepherd lover. 

For more information, contact Sophie's Dog Adoption HERE 

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Fairy Tales Come True - "Princesse"

 

Pastel  20"x 12"

In fairy tales, the Princess always gets rescued - and for this one it all came true!

In her first 3 years she had two owners, and both gave up on her.   At the end she was pretty confused - she didn't know how to walk on a leash, she wanted to play but was a trifle too enthusiastic, and cats?  The less said the better.  She was dumped, and rescued.

However THIS TIME she ended up living in a castle (a small one) in the country, like a princess should!  She's made friends with Mirage, a very crotchety 13 yr old Rottweiler, and now they both keep their mom warm at night.  The cats have sharply shown her who's boss and she's learned to respect them.   And she gets to go hiking in the woods every day.  Who could want for more?

Her mom says she's not the best educated princess but is so loving she's irresistable, check out the eyes.  Best of all her friendly nature has won over Mirage, they're friends and because of that Mirage has started to enoy her old age, becoming more relaxed and content.   A little bit of magic surely came with this Princess...and of course they're all living happily ever after.

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Great Affection

Pastel  20" x 14"

Jack & Taz - Pitbull & Great Dane.

The affection is almost tangible!   And they both look so utterly, totally content!   Sure, a scritchy and scratchy pastel however the overall soppiness comes through.   Taz' eye has a lot to do with it.   

Jack is the very special rescue who now lives with Annie and owns her heart.    Big Taz is a actually a LOT MORE than a Great Dane, he's also Mastiff, Boxer, Pit and who-knows-what!   A great mix, a love bug, and now much loved in return - he found (of course) a 'great' home. 

Ultimately this is all about Annie, who works tirelessly networking and saving and fostering (and adopting!) critters, both canine and feline.  It's Annie who created the affection shown in this sketch, who can train, gentle and socialise the most confused, and whose energy and devotion to animals is, well, awesome.  And, of course, who's getting this sketch.

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Meet the Artist

 

That's me...age 3, frizzy hair 'n all, beside a swimming pool in Egypt a long time ago!

  

To clarify what the boys are looking at: it is NOT me...it's my watering can!   And, please, no double entendres at the table.   It was a much envied toy and they hungered to have it.  Perhaps a forerunner of the water gun?

Photo taken by my father.   How he managed to capture this precise second with the quizzical expression on the boys' faces is unknown and awesome.

Back tomorrow!

If you want to view pictures, in CONTENTS see "GALLERY - All Pastels to Date" - it's a stream of all sketches etc posted.  About half are up as I write this, will be complete tomorrow. 

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The Lady is "Moose"

Pastel 10"x12"

Behind every pretty face there's a story - and no wonder she's smiling!

This is my dog Moose. The photo was taken a little over one year ago, when she first arrived.
It was a crazy situation. She was at a pound with another lab cross and their time was running out. I was about to go away but the rescue who advertised them said they would help with a foster. I agreed to take them on the basis that they were good with cats... but they weren't, they terrified my poor wee Kitty. They were also wild - leash aggressive and aggressive to the neighbours - and they had terrible diarrhea (from worms). I was overwhelmed and told the rescue I couldn't keep them. When I didn't hear from them or get any assurance that they were coming to take them, I was fortunate to find another rescue to help. I took them for all their vetting over the next week, then saw them off to foster as I prepared to go on my trip.
When I got back, the one dog had been adopted but Moose hadn't and needed a foster (she was in a kennel). I reluctantly agreed to take her back. After a month,  I couldn't give her up a second time. My cat stayed upstairs, coming down to meet Moose a couple of times but never really reconciling to her presence. She died at Easter, almost 19 years old.
Moose is now a gorgeous 3 year old, and after a lot of work she is pretty well behaved. She no longer rushes the fence barking at the neighbours - in fact, she is so quiet one of my dog-friendly neighbours asked if I still had her! When she sees other dogs in the street, she is now desperate to say hello. She loves to chase her ball and to run in the woods, and to lick people. She also now loves the new feline members of the household - all four of them! Amazing how it can work when you adopt from a knowledgeable, supportive rescue...

Thanks!   I became very attached to her while doing the portrait sketch.  I know, not the pose you thought I'd do!   But it's ever so cheerful - I liked that. I hope my work does justice to her.

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Fluff says "WUFF!"

Pastel 10" x 10"

Perhaps "Grrr-ry Furry"?  

I only know, he was adopted, so doing his portrait was NOT traumatic.
Fluff is always challenging.  I could have stylised it but didn't and so there are a LOT of pastel strokes in the above. 

WUFF!  He looks a bit "gruff"!  ENUFF!

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Lucky Penny

Pastel   12"x14"

Penny was caught in the flash!   Her eyes are awesomely round!   I couldn't quite believe it, but they are...proof rests below.   Her nose is an artistic challenge too, being black/pink/white.  She is the best beloved of a good friend...and most likely spoiled rotten.   Lucky Penny.   

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"Hunter" the Huggable..

 

Pastel 21" x 17"  (that's bigger than some newspapers)

How could anyone resist that grin?   Far away and in LA.   I'll be posting asking for photos of dogs that don't make me tear up!   Remember the intent of a sketch is to catch the essence, not the minutae.  I wish I could pull him out of the paper...and hug him!

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Free Portrait Promo!!!!

 

Well, it's official!    

If you wish to donate, go HERE - as per the poster, all donations of $5 or more are entered into the free portrait draw.   If you know anyone who might be interested, let them know.   Eleveneleven is a top class rescue organisation and donations will help them save many more "Billy's". 

Thanks for looking!   Portrait will be posted when complete. Closing date for raffle donations is December 1st.

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BILLY ELLIOT PHOTOS NOV 14th

A FEW
See PHOTO GALLERY

Jen ATTACK CAT

Pastel  24"x 18"

Think of the word "tack" in "attack" - check out the rear paw, check out the claws...or are those TACKS?   Imagine being a wood floor?

The bug in this case is a very very small snail, added courtesy of edit program.


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Phew! Wottaday!

Watercolors from times past.   Hectic day and I'm baffed!   All I got is one half done pastel which I'll never get finished by midnight!

Will return to a newbie tomorrow...promise.

 

Self leaning on hood of car somewhere in Utah...black background?  Night!  

 

My passion for LARGE - this single pear is 20" tall

Met Billy today "in person".   Am hoping offer of a free portrait of "your pet" will fill the coffers on his behalf.  Will post some pix WHEN I've time to download...and that is precisely what I have to go do right now!


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Angel Asking

Pastel   14"x14"

Angel (a Miniature Pinscher) is DEFINITELY asking.  It's either affection or food...or perhaps just adoring her owner.

And she should - adore her owner I mean - a blog-person who helped me get what you're looking at sorted!

Enjoy!

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BLACK JACK

Pastel   12"x18"

My Jackie boy.  Miss him.   

So visually simple and yet so utterly "him".
One doesn't need to see his face to know his eyes are almost closed, just a slit of yellow showing, as he falls asleep....

Can you believe, I sat staring at this portrait for two days, wondering how a black blob could be so infuriatingly difficult to get right!

Solution to Seeing Double is at end of the Feline Foolishness page!

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"BILLY ELLIOT" Best Foot Forward!!

Pastel  22" x 18"

He doesn't move quite this fast - yet!  However it does reflect his happiness, and that of all the people who've helped him get from where he was to bopping about in the park on a glorious autumn day. 

Watch the video!  HERE!

Watch this space too - I'm looking forward to sketching him when he really does race across the grass.   Hmmm.   With winter coming far more likely he'll be chasing snowballs!

I really would appreciate COMMENTS!  As in, do you like this style?  


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CAPO - All Ears

 

Pastel   16"x12"

Brother to Lulu (in the gallery), a most handsome Sphynx!   Original is below - owner and self had agreed to NOT accentuate the wrinkles since, after an initial reaction of "Omigosh!", well, then his lovable character is what one "sees" and the wrinkles disappear.  

So the portrait (photo a bit too dark!) above is Capo - a regal boy - as he is seen...and below is the photo - with the amazing disappearing wrinkles!

 

(Capo now goes into the gallery!)

 

Zenyatta WIP

 

 Pastel  17"x12"

That terrible moment.   Title is somewhat reference to her future (and condition of sketch) as a mare - can't wait to see if her progeny take after their Mum, as in those great dancing and incomparable racing skills.

 

JENNY BUGGED

Pastel  18"x18"

Of course I love this - she's MINE!  (Also the boss)
Kinda Japanese style simplicity with outlining.   Incredibly fast, I know her so well now.

Similar in style to another I did of her, it's in the gallery.
Blame camera (not me!) for color differentiations.

GO TO FELINE FOOLISHNESS - Something to drive you wild!
Solution next week...in same color as this.

SKETCHBOOK - Foxhound & Red Setter

  

 

FOXHOUND  pastel   10"x8"

RED SETTER  pastel/pencil  8"x8"

The poses are fun!      

FROM THE SKETCHBOOK   Pretty obvious with the Setter!

And for both, photo references were so bad that detail is guesswork.

Reminder - comments do not "showup" immediately.   So don't wait to see your own after typing!   Sorry about that. 

MIKA - Husky

 

Pastel 9"x10"

Mika was adopted at the end of October...thanks to being networked on FB.    Keep the pictures coming!

PS re Comments

When you post a comment, you will NOT immediately see it - so don't worry, it will show...a bit later.

 

TEZ - Hopalong Cassidy?

pastel 8"x8"

At Estelle's request...enjoy, Estelle!

ADDENDUM   She's looking for a home.  (UPDATE Nov 13 ADOPTED!) 

It's my birthday.  I'm being taken out for lunch - hooray!!   
See y'all tomorrow.

BILLY ELLIOT - - waiting to dance

Pastel 8" x 10"

On November 2nd, Billy (7 weeks) had the leg he is holding off the ground amputated.   Sounds sad (it is) but it has an amazing ending.  Watch the video, as you'll see he's a trifle wobbly, his tail is wagging and, on three legs, you can see he's ready to go back out there and dance again.  
(If you wonder about the name, Billy Elliot, check it out - the movie.)

Link to video
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=173519709328128

While you're at the eleveneleven FB site, please make a donation.

thanks

TO EVERYONE  
In the next week or so I'll be posting Billy again, this time back to doing what he should be doing - being a happy, rolly polly puppy.

"Boy" taking his ease

Pencil   8"x6"

"Boy" came over to Canada with my mother 20 years ago.   An elegant and extremely intelligent Siamese.   In England he had been an outside cat, in a quiet garden suburb.  Here he became an indoor cat.   The evening I drew these he was lying on the carpet and conveniently holding each pose for several seconds.   Yes, it was a while ago.

OUCH! Spaniel

Pastel  20"x20"    Today, 11 am

Pastel 6"x6"    Today 11 pm

They're both somewhat OUCH!  
11 am is larger so shows more fur detail.
11 pm has better ears.

Not a self congratulatory day...but there's always tomorrow.

Enjoy them anyway - it makes a change doing critters in motion.

"HORACE"

Pastel  12"x12"

At 13 yrs he's a senior boy.   These days he divides his time between a house in London, UK, strolls in the park etc., and floating down a canal on a longboat, standing at the helm beside his master.