It took me a little while to decide what to do for this week’s Illustration Friday prompt of ‘Wheels’. Odd really, since I’d been researching dog ‘wheelchairs’ recently with regard to a possible future need for Sid, but I didn’t think of that right away. And – being me – I wanted to do something original.
And then, while doodling (as one does), I found myself drawing greyhounds, and then greyhounds with carts, and lo and behold! I had found my subject.
Most dogs who need carts are not amputees, but dogs with paralysis problems, or lumbosacral stenosis, which causes progressive weakness in the spine and back legs. But many amputees do develop mobility problems as they age and the inevitable muscle loss sets in. And what do you do? Do you accept that they will find it less and less easy, and more and more painful to get up and down and walk around? And that when they can no longer do so without too much pain, that you must let them go? Or do you find them a way to manage?
It depends a lot on the dog. Some take to carts like the proverbial duck to water and they’re off and running almost before you have the last buckle fastened. Others don’t like this metal thing attached to them and find it awkward, unwieldy, or even scary. Some – and I suspect Sid might be in this category – simply cannot tolerate the ‘saddle’ that their belly/groin area must rest on. I suspect he might be, but I’m sure as hell going to give him the chance, if and when the time comes.
Meanwhile, here’s my Illustration Friday drawing. I made a sketch using pen and ink, scanned it, and then coloured it and embellished it using Photoshop. I had to use many layers, and several different techniques, including laying down a colour, then selectively erasing areas of it. The sky was done with a gradient, and the sandy earth and grass with some of the many brush tools. I am not a Photoshop expert, when it comes to illustration and drawing, because I mainly use it for photography – but it’s been fun learning some new methods of making marks on ‘paper’!
I don’t think Sid is going to let any old cart get in his way. He looks like he’s speeding off on a grand adventure!! Funny…as soon as I saw it Dick Francis came to mind and then I went and read your “about me”. Maybe he has a crime to solve?!!
Claire Wildish´s last [type] ..Illustration Friday – Wheel
Claire – Oh, I hope you’re right! Actually, you may well be right about the ‘crime’, which usually turns out to be his companion Jeffie making a mess on the carpet again … *Sigh*!
Thanks for popping over and leaving a comment – I do appreciate it!
PS – greyhounds do look rather like horses, don’t they?
I wish I could just ‘doodle’ something like that. No real drawing ability. Think I will just stick to photography. Figure at some point, one of my greys will need a cart.
genjiscorner´s last [type] ..Mini-Me
You are so unbelievably talented, Jay!!
meleah rebeccah´s last [type] ..The Reason Why – I Am The Queen of TMI
Genji’s Corner – Drawing ability is mostly the desire to draw and constant practice. It’s as they say about singing; everyone CAN do it, if they want to. Not everyone will become a chorister or opera star, but everyone has a voice. Not everyone can be a famous or successful artist (in the sense of making it their job) but everyone can draw. Trust yourself!
Meleah – Thanks, sweetie! So are you!
*clapping*
Jay, that illustration is BEYOND awesome! LOVE the colors. And do you know what’s really cool? The way you drew this, I can actually see the movement!
As Meleah shared in her comment, you are so unbelievably talented, my friend!
X
Ron´s last [type] ..What You Like About Yourself
You know, as soon as I saw your illustration, Sid came to my mind. This little guy has all the exuberance of a speedster…very greyhound.
Lori – What Remains Now´s last [type] ..Cruise Souvenirs
I love this illustration, Jay. You can almost hear the wind blowing as the dog goes racing by. The image is very active and full of life.
I can feel the dog’s energy coming off this illustration–it’s as if he’s gotten a new lease on life. Thanks for sharing!
Rob Lenihan´s last [type] ..An Honest Mistake
You are being kind. Yes, everyone has a voice but some of us should not speak. That’s me – haha.
I want so badly to be able to draw. My art teacher suggested I find “an alternative creative outlet . . . perhaps photography?”
But you? You gots it, girl!
Love that drawing!
Those Brindle Kids´s last [type] ..I Love Sundays
For someone who claims not to be a Photoshop expert, that’s really impressive Jay!
Shooting Parrots´s last [type] ..D is for Bertrand Dawson
Hi Jay,
I love your illustration Jay. It reminds me of the movie “Babe” where one of the dogs is on the wheels. Thank you for visiting my blog and your comments.
As for your question on which program did I use to create my painting– My favorite ones are — Artrage App and Sketch book pro which you can purchase and download from the itunes store onto your iPad. I create my paintings using these apps. I don’t have a stylus ( maybe someday I’ll buy one) but these paintings were created using my fingers. Hope that answers your question.
Happy Creating !
Jay
Jay´s last [type] ..This Week’s Illustration Friday’s weekly challenge– Wheels
Ron – Such lovely, kind words! Thanks, Ron! I was trying to give the impression of movement and speed so it’s good to hear I succeeded!
Lori – Ah .. thank you. I hoped to give exactly that impression!
Rob – Those are exactly the words I needed to hear. The impression of speed and of the wind of passage was what I was attempting to capture! Thank you!
Those Brindle Kids – I still say don’t sell yourself short. Whether your voice should be heard is your decision, not anyone else’s – whether they are art teachers or not! And thanks once again for your kind praise.
Shooting Parrots – How very kind – thanks! The original sketch was done the old-fashioned way, with pen and ink. It was just the colouring and embellishment that was digital.
Jay – Thanks so much for your kind comments – and for visiting!
I’m going to look into those programs – though I don’t have an iPad, so it looks as if I might have to pay for a version for the Mac laptop. Perhaps I’ll give it a try on my iPhone first! Thanks for the info!
Hi Jay,
Maybe this website may help you find programs for your mac book. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sketchbook-pro-6/id553377898?mt=12 )
Hope that helps,
Jay
Jay´s last [type] ..This Week’s Illustration Friday’s weekly challenge– Wheels