g-pop's valentine, take 2

8" x 8" charcoal on Strathmore paper | nfs 

This square version works better for me than the previous post...yes, I'm a tweaker!

I typically complete a larger drawing so that I have more wiggle room when it comes to cropping or more room on the page to correct the layout. I know, my college profs would not be impressed! My focus with the recent charcoal drawings has been value and light, but mostly composition.

g-pop's valentine

8" x 10" charcoal

Ava takes her grandfather for another walk.

hail to queen malca

9" x 12" charcoal & soft pastel on Strathmore paper | nfs

Happy Birthday Jessica!

- Pearce, Angela and Marilyn

: )

Sonny day

9" x 12" charcoal and pastel

I needed a little sunshine today.

In this shot, if I remember correctly, Sonny was patiently tracking his Papa to make sure he went with him to run a few errands in the truck. Whether it's Tractor Supply, Home Depot or the bank, they've got treats for Sonny.

Have you ever seen a dog smile? Sonny smiles.

marley

9" x 12" charcoal

This is Marley, Baby Blue's sister. Part healer, part australian shepherd. This pose says it all...personality plus and too smart for our own good.

: )

heavenly blue

9" x 11" pastel on paper

Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day. I was outside using the garden hose and thought of Baby Blue, our dear neighbor's dog. She passed on a few years back, just a year old, and we miss her. I drew her portrait from a photograph shortly thereafter.

How she loved playing in the water.

jack nesting

9" x 12" charcoal

Jack was my first pup.

I found him in my Christmas stocking, given to me by my friend Shannon and a few coworkers. He's got the body of a lab with doberman markings - only with floppy ears and a wagging tail.

On 24 September he'll be thirteen years young - 91 for you and me - slowing down, but loyal as can be.

after breakfast

6" x 8" china marker and pastel on paper

Hoover is Kirby's brother and about twice her size.

Due to the weather I didn't row this morning and instead sketched Hoover sporting this pose after breakfast. He can sleep in the most curious positions anytime...anywhere...because he can.

: )

princess and the pea

8" x 8" china marker on paper

I don't know if it's because basset hounds have short legs, but Kirby prefers the highest perch...the back of the sofa, and pillows...lots of pillows.

I missed yesterday, so two posts today!

lady kirby

8" x 8" china marker on paper

Delicate like a flower...our smallest basset with the biggest attitude.

three cherries

5.5" x 6" oil on wood panel

Whenever I have difficulty capturing the color I see as opposed to the color I think I see, I get recalibrated with a series of tonal studies in burnt umber.

I'm currently searching for an archival clear sealer to prep the panel that is compatible with oils. More often than not, I like the wood grain to show through rather than gesso over it. Any suggestions?