Cocker spaniel

[ElaineH]

6E1DC39F-4B93-4549-BAD1-9C27466B5977.jpeg

Any comments please? I am currently attempting three drawings of the same dog - each one is A4 size. Mike, what is your opinion on backgrounds for the swimming and running dog? I wondered about a very distant, just visible misty background, and would you think it necessary to add anything midground or not? I should have planned this more carefully before beginning - but am so undecided.

[PogArtTi]

I like them all, you just shining your talent in here
I love the fur, the skills you present in here, just wow !!!
Wonderful indeed

[LindasPencils]

Hi Elaine - these are superb.
Regarding your background, the work is so nicely done I don't think you need much in the way of one. You could test out some ideas by scanning/photographing then playing around with them in something like Photoshop or Imp.
But what I do when I am caught like this is to relax, close my eyes and try and 'see' the finished work in my imagination, how I want it to look. Try to visualize it in your head and work out the feel you want. If you can have a clearer idea of this before trying to add a background it will help. And maybe your visualization will say no background!

[ElaineH]

Thank you very much for comment PogArt, and Linda for your helpful suggestions. I will certainly try both of them. Probably will be either very faint, or no background at all.

[Mike Sibley]

Mike, what is your opinion on backgrounds for the swimming and running dog? I wondered about a very distant, just visible misty background, and would you think it necessary to add anything midground or not? I should have planned this more carefully before beginning - but am so undecided.

I don't think your planning is at fault - sometimes decisions can't be made until there's something concrete on paper to make decisions about. Although a prior Plan A and Plan B does no harm

In this case - and it's only personal preference - I'd omit the backgrounds entirely. I'm assuming these are to be a matched trio of drawings, so the same "scheme" in each would tie them together.

My personal rule is "don't add a background unless it adds to the story". If it doesn't supply more information about the action to the viewer then it becomes a distraction.

The running dog is obviously running. No background is going to add anything to that. If one of its feet is on the ground you could subtly ground it with a hint of shadow, but no more than that.

The swimming dog is unmistakeably swimming. But here it might be helpful to very lightly extend the water above the ears. Just a hint. Without it, there's a remote possibility that this could be read as a standing dog placing its head on a watery surface, like a water trough. Unlikely, I know, but just a hint of water extending behind it would prevent any confusion.

This reminds me of our Golden Cocker "Rookie" when I was a little kid

[Laurene]

These are lovely Elaine! They will make a striking display together.

[ElaineH]

Thank you Laurene for your comment, and Mike for your input. I am so pleased to read your advice regarding backgrounds! And your comments about the swimming dog will make a big difference. I had not thought of adding an area just above the ears, but can see how this will make him appear to be 'in' the water, plus how a faint shadow under one of the running dog's paws will be enough. You have, very helpfully, answered a question regarding another drawing I have just begun of a snow leopard. I have recently discarded two drawings because I added far too much foreground detail, which just caused confusion and distracted from the subject....all good practice though.

[Mike Sibley]

...And your comments about the swimming dog will make a big difference. I had not thought of adding an area just above the ears, but can see how this will make him appear to be 'in' the water...

After I posted that thought I realised why I think it would work. Currently, I could be looking straight at the dog, which is why I got the feeling the water might be a water trough the dog was placing its head onto. But a hint of water above its ears tips the vertical plane into an angled one. The dog must be in the water - there's no other viable explanation.

I have recently discarded two drawings because I added far too much foreground detail, which just caused confusion and distracted from the subject....all good practice though.

Here's an example of my personal rule in action:

Just-Thinking.jpg

"JUST THINKING"
All the action is in the foreground. I don't want you to look into the distance... so there isn't any

Boat, seaweed, sand and gull - all say "seaside". Adding the sea doesn't add anything to what you already know. It would drag your eye away from the action and be merely an annoying distraction.

[kwheller]

Such an interesting conversation about backgrounds. I struggle in what to omit or keep when considering a background that I don't see as important. This was very helpful to those of of who struggle with backgrounds. Thanks!! I am really enjoying these delightful dog drawings and seeing the same dog in three different scenarios!

[Peebee]

Love your drawings @ElaineH and what a beautiful dog .