Scottish Pet Portraits by James Donaldson Collins BA(Hons) Fine Art
Pet Portraits from Scotland.
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Recently I've had quite a few requests for pen and wash sketches, mainly of dogs or cats, but also for small local scenes - not really landscapes, perhaps just a house and a garden, a farmyard or a boat. I've always liked sketching with a pen, as a kind of hobby when I'm not producing detailed portraits, (I use a dip-in pen, like the old-fashioned ones that were used in schools way back when). You can see the loose, informal effect that's possible from the six small dog sketches above (click to enlarge).
Because a sketch doesn't take so long to produce as a formal portrait, and is usually smaller, I am able to offer them at the much reduced price of £60 plus p&p (see Enquiries for details, or phone 01309 641556).
Writings, Essays and Stories features my essays and stories on Scotland, wolves, my influences, science, science fiction and more.
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Two Springer Spaniels in gouache
Three labradors in watercolour and gouache
Two tabby cats in watercolour and gouache
Tribute to a Dog ...
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty. In health and in sickness.
He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be by his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.
When all the other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
Senator George Vest 1870 Born in Devon, England.
... a word to the wise from Mark Twain ...
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principle difference between a man and a dog.
Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) 1835 - 1910
... a caution from Rudyard Kipling ...
There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived for your every will, With its whimper of welcome is still (how still). When the spirit that answered your every word Is gone, wherever it goes, for good, You will discover how much you care, For you had given your heart to a dog to tear.
Extract from 'The Power of The Dog' Rudyard Kipling 1865 - 1936
... a poem from my daughter Abi ...
Tommy’s First Pet
He leapt up enthusiastically at the sight of his first pet,
Happiness filled his heart,
And sadness his eyes,
He called out to it.
It regarded him.
They came home together.
He sat himself in front of the blazing fire,
Thinking of what might have happened,
If he had not discovered this incredible creature.
Suddenly his pet sprung up,
And reached for the lead.
“Time for walkies, Tommy.”
Yes, Tommy liked his new pet.
Abigail Collins
... and a few quotes about dogs and cats
Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this because of the time they spend on personal grooming. Dogs aren't like this. A dog's idea of personal grooming is to roll on a dead fish. James Gorman
A house without either a cat or a dog is the house of a scoundrel. Portugese proverb
Anyone who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. Franklin P. Jones
