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Stubby, A Real Dog Hero

Real Dog Hero Sgt. Stubby Watercolor

I recently finished the painting of Sgt. Stubby, part of the Real Dog Heroes Series. This is a new series of paintings and drawings based on real dog heroes from search and rescue organizations, every day dogs being heroic and dogs who protected soldiers. The series was inspired while writing one morning about different canines who have done amazing things against what sometimes seemed to be impossible odds. I researched for the series by reading books from different sources and various news sites online.

 

 

Real Dog Hero Sgt. Stubby Watercolor

Stubby was the only dog to be awarded the rank of “sergeant” during World War I. He was smuggled overseas to France by his owner after he was found on the Yale campus. This loyal American Pit Bull Terrier mix saved lives and kept up the morale of soldiers by providing warnings about poison gas attacks and serving in multiple battles and actions. It was his soulful and alert expression that caught me.

Materials used: Watercolor and Prismacolor watercolor pencils and Staedler watercolor crayons on 140# watercolor paper.  Size: 11 inches by 15 inches. Price: $175 for the original painting.

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Dog Portraits: Colorful Boston Terrier using Derwent Inktense Blocks and Watercolor on 140 lb Paper

Boston Terrier dog portrait with rainbow colors but mostly green and purple using watercolor and inktense block art sticks

I’m continuing my series of colorful dog portraits with this friendly Boston Terrier. He was inspired by a conversation I had with a fellow designer at a conference. He was talking about how Boston Terriers are the ultimate pet for designers. They are a cute, quirky and visually appealing breed. They pack a lot of personality into a tiny body.
Boston Terrier dog portrait with rainbow colors but mostly green and purple using watercolor and inktense block art sticks

This piece was made on high quality 140lb watercolor paper using watercolor washes and ink washes with layers of Derwent inktense block art sticks layered on top. And layered again. And again. There were a few chalk pastels used here and there, but yeah who uses ink medium for textured layers? It’s fun to experiment like this and not use art materials the way the were intended. I get a thrilling zing in my belly. Does this make me an art rebel? Cool! I always am careful to create make sure my work is well made and durable. Inks are very durable and long lasting and these are pigment rich.

This is a close up so you can see the texture of the ink sticks and watercolor:

close up of boston terrier dog portrait showing detail of ink and watercolor

Here is a work in progress shot before I added the final ink layers:

colorful Boston terrier watercolor and ink work in progress close up

Like this little guy? You can download a print of him from my Etsy shop, request an art print using the contact form below, or request a commission.

Colorful Boston Terrier dog portrait painting using watercolor and ink on watercolor paper