When I'm drawn to artwork, there's usually something familiar in it to me. Florals? They have to be flowers I'm growing in my yard. Art with starlings in it? I don't have to think about that one. Vintage rhinestone turtle pins? Old maids living with a parrot and a cat postcards? Yes and yes. So there is absolutely no reason for me to have come home with this charcoal drawing of a spaniel (at least I think it's a spaniel). I don't have a dog living with me. I have never had a dog of my own. One of these days I'd love to have one.....but so far, no reason for me to be so drawn to an image of a dog.
This drawing was probably done in the 1930s or 40s. I found it in an antique store in Independence, MO in the company of a lot of other drawings that this artist had drawn. The other charcoal sketches were of 1930s movie stars drawn from photos. Kind of interesting but they didn't have much personality. This drawing of a dog did. It's really a pretty drawing, the fur definitely looks like fur. But the thing that did it for me was the way the artist (a Miss Eleanor Catherine Orr) handled the reflection in the left eye. The way she erased a little spiral that looks like the number six. I just love that little touch and I have no idea why. Possibly because everything else is expertly done and that little spiral just makes no sense at all because it's so different from how everything else is handled in the drawing. But I'm rather drawn to that pouty little underbite too. :-)
This drawing was probably done in the 1930s or 40s. I found it in an antique store in Independence, MO in the company of a lot of other drawings that this artist had drawn. The other charcoal sketches were of 1930s movie stars drawn from photos. Kind of interesting but they didn't have much personality. This drawing of a dog did. It's really a pretty drawing, the fur definitely looks like fur. But the thing that did it for me was the way the artist (a Miss Eleanor Catherine Orr) handled the reflection in the left eye. The way she erased a little spiral that looks like the number six. I just love that little touch and I have no idea why. Possibly because everything else is expertly done and that little spiral just makes no sense at all because it's so different from how everything else is handled in the drawing. But I'm rather drawn to that pouty little underbite too. :-)
4 comments:
I hope this chap is now up on your wall and watching you. Isn't it funny how sometimes a picture appeals to you and you really, really want it.
Someetimes you just can't put your finger on what it is that is so appealing about something you're fond of and I don't blame you for this one. He looks like a nice chap!
oooooo! i see what you mean! There's definitely a springer-resemblance there...and to know a springer is to be entranced. Here are some pics of my (now gone) springer, Miss Priss (and yes, she earned that name fair and square) for reference!
Mair-I just went and looked at your Miss Priss photos. Cute (and that's her jumping in your avatar, right????). :-)
I love that stacking thing that some dogs do. They sure are patient. Have you ever checked out the Chuck section on the www.dooce.com site? Her dog has that stacking thing down to an art. :-) For example (but keep hitting the "previous button" to see the other ones):
http://www.dooce.com/daily-chuck/2008/09/09/hello-my-name
Weaver-I love that British expression (looks like Kate does too). That "chap" is not on the wall yet but I'm thinking I might get it framed this weekend. I see one empty spot on a wall...
Post a Comment