Black on Grey on White

Untitled Black Lab Graphite on Paper, 17x22 cm Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved. Finished and awaiting approval (and a name). Below: the vital steps that led me to the end result. Following on from where I left off last week here are steps 4, 5, 6 and 7. Step 4 Here more work has been done on the bone structure and depth. This was done by refining the layer of 4B and adding to the nose and mouth. Remembering to follow the lay of the hair.Work has also begun on the longer hairs around the neck. Step 5 More emphasis is brought to the jaw line and start given to the ear. Invisible on the scan: work was also refined around the eyes. Step 6 This step was all about getting more hair blocked in and establishing movement and texture to the neck. The ear also takes on a little more shape and texture. At this stage I am only working with a 2B and varying the layers over the blocked darks. Step 7 This step is were the nose and the lighter areas of the head get "covered" in ha...

I love labs especially when they are that traditional wise black. My own lab was black and lived by my side for over 16 years. I am amazed at the speed this portrait is coming along. Subject knowledge and memory lane are the paths I am following. The pencils making the marks: my good & faithful Derwents in 4B and 2B. Their marks are going down on Hanemuhle 200gr paper. The only one thing truly bothering me: I don't know this chap's name...and will have to wait (not cool!) three whole weeks until the owners are back in reach of modern day communication... Oh and tomorrows a pARTy .... a first for Black on Grey on White!!!!

The fifth Canine Art Guild online exhibition is now live...! " Helping Paws 2008 " is now online! A wide and varied display of dog art can be viewed (and the best: all is for sale! Definately worth a visit!). Each and every artist entered has pledge to donate proceeds of their sales to a  shelter or charity of their choice. Well worth a visit. Here is one of my three entries " Close to Home " "Close to home" Mixed media (graphite/charcoal) on paper, 20x20 cm 200 Euros (20% donated to DCGR) This is the best place for any dog: out in the open, on a long lead, beside its loved ones (not only one pair of legs but two!) discovering new sights and sounds. This black lab is well surrounded and at peace with its life.  Through my art I would like to heighten the awareness of how these gorgeous, quiet and loyal canines are in dire need of a warm safe bed of a good home. The Dumfriesshire & Cumbria is a Scottish charity focused on re-homing retired or abandon...

Finished.  Here is the final version of "what's on the Table?" On hindsight I had a great time with this drawing...I have learned a little about the intricacies and subtleties of wood and the variety of blacks found in a black dogs' coat... Now what is on that table?