Beautiful oops

Scary dog

Graphite pencil

12" x 9"

Artist Statement

For this piece, I wanted to focus on the dog's emotion and detailistic appearance. The nose was a big part of the piece as the shadows of the dog's nostrils are the “beautiful oops” marks. Since I was doing a front view of the dog, I wanted the nose to be big and stand out. I wanted to showcase the angry manner I gave the dog but also the happy manner that also portrays itself - How there is a good and bad side to everyone and everything.

I used a graphite pencil to create my work. I used lines and to create an emphasis on shadows or parts I wanted to stand out (nose, ears, eyes, etc..). I used value to create a pattern of shadows and a contrast of light and dark. I used size to create a scale of facial figures (nose from face, mouth from face). I used one color to create balance and unity as the whole piece was similar in the thought of color.

I had the idea of the black stains being nostrils of some animal, I was just unsure what exact animal that would be. At first, I tried to make it an elephant, however, there wasn’t enough room on the paper for me to create that angle. Therefore, I decided on a dog. I have drawn/painted dogs before but for both of those, I was copying an image. I used inspiration from various photos I found of angry and happy dogs. I re-drew and re-drew and re-drew certain aspects of the face until I was satisfied. The angle that I was drawing -front on was difficult and I was often adjusting sizing. I then experimented with the shadows and dimensions I could create with just the graphite pencil. Once I got an idea of a pattern/balance I could create, I went forth and did it. Overall, I’m satisfied with this piece but wish I would’ve made the dog appear sad or emotionless if I were to do it again. I feel that I could create a cool angle, where the nose would be even more emphasized.