Here’s a request I got for drawing Dakota the Shetland Sheepdog who resides over at the blog called Dakotas Den.
This one was rather quick as you can see – I wanted to focus on the face, and then try and give an impression of the fur on the body without being too precise about it. It’s hard to get right! I admire sketches done with a “shorthand” style that simplifies its lines and strokes but yet are very beautiful. Back in the day, the famous painters did their studies in this shorthand kind of way in order to prepare for a big painting. In my opinion, big, photo realistic paintings have lost much of their purpose today, because a camera and some basic photoshop skills can make the same picture that took an artist months in the baroque period – now in maybe half an hour. So if “representational art” still has a merit over photography, it might be in its sketchiness. In a sketch (or even a doodle) you can see traces of the thoughts and intentions in the artists mind, and the drawing captures a lot of different stages of the paper becoming a picture.. I think that there can be something very beautiful in that. But again – it’s really really difficult to say so much with such a few lines. It’s something I’d like to explore!
In the meantime, I you enjoy these sketches! They’re hardly like Rembrandt’s, but rather some sort of still-pictures of me getting more familiar with making drawings 😉
I love these shepherd dogs – especially the long haired ones. My mom has a Belgian shepherd that i painted some months back (time flies)
I’ll be back later today or tomorrow with a cat-drawing !
That was number 443
I think this works really well – having one detailed focal point and then letting the viewer’s mind fill in the less detailed parts
Thanks! That was what I was hoping to do !
This captures Dakota’s beautiful face and the lack of tons of detail makes the whole thing SOFT just like his coat actually is……..beautiful job! I know Caren will LOVE it!
Pam
Thanks a lot 🙂
Pam you are soooooooooo right!! I ADORE IT! Just blogged about it and linked to you for being the one to introduce us to Thomas! He is so talented! I subscribed to his blog right after I saw your post. <3
We’re loving following his blog to see his drawings every single day and seeing a LOT of our friends there! Isn’t it GREAT? That one of Dakota is amazing……! So glad you wrote to him.
Hugs, Pam and Sam
He’s very distinguished.
In fact, I think those realistic paintings were mostly not that photographic. And photos are mostly not that realistic either. Both are interpretations, especially when you add Photoshop.
That said, I agree that the sketches are often more appealing than the finished art…maybe because the artist was just doing it for him/her self and didn’t worry too much over it. Worrying about the result often gets in the way.
Anyway, I like what you’re doing these days!
Yeah you’re right.. There’s a lot of things going on for example in baroque art other than just representation.. There are just so many parts of the craft that can be replaces in terms of illustration by technology. I’ve been looking at Vermeer’s interiors recently, and obviously what makes it great is not his skill in making it look real (and you can even argue that he twists reality in a way or another in order to create the situation he wants in terms of light and shadow and so on) But it’s still this careful “construction” of a picture, where each part gradually falls into place and where the process is removed afterwards.. I suppose what i really like about those studies and sketches is the process in them. You can easily see that it’s something that’s been made by human hands.
I agree, the sketches often have much more life to them. More doing, less thinking.
Oh Thomas this is very Dakota and I bet Caren even gets teary over this 🙂 I agree with Pam ..it is not easy to convey such images with few lines…but you do…and really love the old masters sketches often more than the completed piece as it is like a window into their minds eye..done quickly and therefore no time to change what the image has really conveyed…and what is missing is what makes the picture.even in photos ..often what I leave put is more important ..hugs Fozziemum
Thanks a lot! I hope she’ll like it. I agree that what is missing is often what says the most..
I know Caren will love it! and yes it’s the empty spaces that create the picture inside :0
I sure am “teary” I LOVE IT!!! I know from my father who was an editorial cartoonist, how much harder it is to convey a message (and one that has the power to evoke a response), with just a few lines. I draw also, (often, not that well lol, I used to draw well, but I never draw anymore), so I deeply appreciate what goes into each and every sketch.
You ought to post a few of your drawings 🙂 I saw the work of your father and it’s really amazing.. No wonder that made him a career! It’s really motivating to draw all these cats and dogs, because you’re all so encouraging! It makes me want to spend all of my time drawing.. I better think about my theses also though 😉
I thought you would be 🙂 and yes those few lines are hard to do..and so much more appreciated 🙂 xxx
OMG I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IN LOVE WITH THIS! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! You captured the sensitivity in Dakota’s eyes with just a few strokes! Just superb! I have tweeted it and pinned it on Pinterest in 3 or 4 different areas……..I am going to be posting a blog post on his blog soon! Stay tuned! THANK YOU!! <3
Wow! Thanks a ton! 🙂 I’m really glad you like it! I’m going to do something from your other blog one of these days 🙂
OMG I LOVE IT! I just posted a blog about it!! (I literally just posted it about 2 seconds ago)…here you go!! http://dakotasden.net/2015/04/13/a-blog-you-should-follow/ Thank you soooooooooo much!!!!! <3
Wow! Thanks a lot for the nice words! I’m really glad you like the drawing so much! I’m looking forward to doing the next one!!
sweet drawing,xx Speedy
Thanks, Speedy!
Your sketch of Dakota reminds me of my prevous Landlady’s Sheltie Ali Baba…..made me 🙂 from ear to ear!
Sherri-Ellen
I’m really glad it make you smile :).. looking at that dog makes me smile too 😉
LOL your job here (for today) is done!!! 😉
Haha – Come back tomorrow for another one 😉
Ok it is a deal 😉
What a beautiful job you did on Dakota, I first saw your drawing of one of Bev’s roo’s and thought that was amazing and now to see Dakota and Houdini. You are doing a excellent job. If your ever wanting to do a drawing of a Chesapeake you can stop on over to http://www.sandspringchesapeakes.wordpress.com and pic one to do. Norman is my soulmate I lost over a year ago, Gambler is is son, Nellie is his daughter and Glory is his granddaughter. Have a great night.
Hi! I’d love to! I’m adding you to the list. But please note that the list of submissions is growing quicker than I can possibly draw, so it will be a while.. I suppose at some point I’ll have to come up with a solution to that problem :S .. Thanks a lot for your comment!
No worries at all, one day it will be a giant surprise. Have a wonderful day!
You too 🙂
I just saw your beautiful sketch of Dakota, who is my dearest “BF” F and I’ve to tell you that you’ve definitely captured Dakota’s spirits and the sketch is absolutely superb! I’m a little sheltie, a boisterous princess, who loves to have her drawing if you have a little time for me. You’re simply amazing ; your few lines sounds easy but I know how hard it can be and it just proves you’re so good at drawing. Can’t wait to see your next drawing!
~ Eva the sheltie
Hi! Thanks a lot for your comment! I’m glad you like the sketch! Where can i find some photos of you? 🙂
That’s so sweet of you and I’m so honoured. You can get some pictures from my blog sheltiebeauties.blogspot.com but if you can’t, I can ask my sister Rosie to send you some.
Barks and Licks
Eva
I’ll try see what i can find !
Thank you so much!
you’re very welcome 🙂
That’s really captured Dakota’s expression well.
I’m glad you think so! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
If you have time to draw me I would be honoured, but I imagine you have a long waiting list now.
I’ll put you on the list – but It’ll probably not be in the next two weeks ;).. (I just can’t say no…)
I can wait – they tell me patience is a virtue.
I’m looking forward to drawing your picture! do you have any favorite photos that you’d like me to use?
That’s a difficult decision. There’s my Gravatar and there are a few photos on the front of my blog and also some in a gallery. I’ll let you decide.
Okay, I’ll take a look then 🙂
Dakota! You captured him perfectly! You are a wonderful artist!!!
Kisses
Nellie
Aww thanks 😉
I follow Dakota’s Den and saw your AMAZING drawing! It brought me here and I’m hooked and following you too! I’d love a picture of Shasta and Harley!
Hi! I’d be happy to put you on the list 🙂 could you send me a message through the’contact me’ page? Maybe send me a link if you have any favorite photos 🙂
I follow Dakota’s Den and saw your sketch which brought me here and I’m hooked! I love your pet sketches and will be following! I’d love one of Harley and Shasta!