A Boy and His Dog
Me and my crayons
Most of what I have draw is inspired by the things we do, see, or experience as a family: sports, travel, food. In general, I draw “things” such as the buildings, landscapes or other inanimate objects we encounter. I’ve found drawing “portraits” of people or animals to be difficult and stick with more “animated” images instead. Faces and expressions are easier as cartoons, but don’t always work out as intended. The cow pictured was never intended to look this sad!
Cows like this remind me that art is a craft. A craft I am learning as I experience it. And each time I sit at my art table, I am uncertain of how it ends. Much like this colorful cow that looks sad.
I suppose I could go back to art school. My BA in communications and MBA in finance and strategy offer little help as I stare at a blank lunch bag. However, the Fortune 100 companies I have worked at did teach me the value, perhaps the artistry of innovation, strategy and building something from scratch. Ideating business models or color schemes alike offer ‘aha’ moments that make creation irresistible. In that sense, school is in session each time I draw, write, and discover.
Recently, a friend of mine shared photos of his son on a fishing expedition in Montana. The scenery was beautiful, the happy smiles were infectious, but there was one photo that caught my eye: Cam standing on the front of his boat with his dog napping in the sun. There is something about A Boy and His Dog that drew me in.
The picture is something I would call “lunch bag worthy”. It begged to be drawn even though it would require me to break my own rules, and step out of my comfort zone.
Drawing a real person, let alone a furry dog, is not an easy task. The details can be tricky and if done poorly, the result may be insulting to the subject. But this picture was calling me and my crayons. To overcome my hesitation, I reminded myself to simply follow the process of creation I’ve come to know. So, on a blank brown lunch bag I began.
The drawing, tracing, coating and coloring went something like this.
I was happy with how the image turned out. And I think Cam, and his dad Hugh, were happy to receive the 5X7 linen prints.
Hope you enjoy these images. It is a gift to be able to create, share and have fun along the way. And remember - Have Fun, Be 100%, and Eat Ice Cream!