Must Love Dogs

No one should be too surprised that dogs fill the pages of my notebooks and sketch pads.

I. love. them.

 My voice even changes uncontrollably when I talk to them. For instance, I call them "Chuckiecheesesssss!" in a really obnoxious way. Trust me, it's annoying.

My affection for dogs probably developed as a kindergartener or around the time that I formed a Dog Club--the first in a list of the many lame clubs I have establish over the years (i.e. The Beanie Baby Club, The Nancy Drew Club, D.S.L (I couldn't even tell you what D.S.L. stood for anymore, but I can confirm that there was a club called that.), The Blue Stocking Society, etc...)

Back to these "Dog Club" meetings...The Club was maintained because I unflinchingly enforced two strict rules.

Rule 1. Movies and books where the dogs die were prohibited. ("Old Yeller", "Where the Red Fern Grows" and the likes were DEFINITELY not allowed in the Dog Club)...so, I guess that limited us to watching Pound Puppy movies and Beethoven.

Rule 2. Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies were acceptable snacks to eat during meetings.

That's it. I have no idea what the second rule had to do with dogs, but it had to be followed or banishment would ensue.

Seriously, wasn't life simple as a kindergartner?!

I love the character of dogs. I am so blessed by them.

I also find them individually really interesting...plus they are fun to draw and I feel like I am making artistic progress when I sketch them.

You also have to be really quick if you are trying to draw a dog live...that's why most of my sketches are of sleeping dogs.

Well, here are a few of my favourite canines and my attempts to sketch them. Enjoy!

Here's a little guy named Sawyer that belongs to my friend's daughter.

Scouters!!!

 

Here's Keeli. I never met her, but enjoyed sketching her with her owner.

Okay, so I know this looks like garbage, but it is a contour drawing

 and it was done in 1 minute without lifting my pencil or looking at the paper! And, I love that I can totally recognize my Snick.

Oh, so much love for this German Shepherd.

Here's Puppers! Bay-Bay!

 I've always liked this sketch of Lucy.

Here's Soy Boy!

I can't wait to get a picture of him where he isn't a white blur...Then I'll sketch a more lively pose.

 

  

Here's the the sketch for a painting I hope to show you soon! Isn't this one a cutie?

 

Stay tuned!
To view more of these little sketches, visit my facebook page at Pet Portraits by LaPine Design.

Thanks for reading!