Monty was a classic Labrador. He had that haughty look of indifference towards humans. They are possibly the most difficult dogs to understand. They are very self-centred, and only rely on humans for food and lodging. Drawing his first portrait was a daunting prospect.
I had to put some food on the edge of a table for him to sit still for a few minutes. Drawing dogs isn't easy, but Monty was quite good. He sat quietly enough for me to draw the basics, then fill in over the next few days, whenever I could get him to sit still again. Not unlike drawing/painting children.
I think the drawing must have been made in November 2011. He was just 11 months old.
I framed the original as a Christmas gift for Lady M; he was her baby! Unfortunately it was left somewhere damp over Winter, and was ruined. Luckily I'd previously taken a couple of photo-copies, so I still have the image.
Labradors I read were the prefect family dog, loyal and protective. Independent though?
ReplyDeleteYour Monty does look very regal. Nose in air.
Alpha Dog
He was looking up, and waiting patiently for the piece of meat I'd put on the table. I'm not so sure about 'loyal', if a walker or cyclist came by our house, he'd go off with them.
DeleteLiving in the country, my main experience of labradors was as gun dogs, and they were a real mixed bunch. Some were well trained and would sit quietly until commanded to 'fetch:, others though were a real wild bunch, getting shouted at by both guns and beaters when they wouldn't sit still and were getting in everyone's way.
ReplyDeleteMonty just showed indifference to almost everything; except food and sticks. It looked like arrogance, but I think it was just a lack of interest in anything but himself.
DeleteCo-incidentally, two days ago I posted a picture of my own Monty drawing. Mine is not a dog - he's a cuddly sloth.
ReplyDeleteI shall head up to Yorkshire and have a butcher's.
DeleteA fine drawing. I just happen to adore Sloths too!
DeleteActually, I am a sloth.
DeleteMy grandparents always had Labradors. I remember them with fondness. The boss of their dogs however was a small rough haired Jack Russell called Rosie. She was my Grandfather's favourite and went everywhere with him on the farm. If it was cold she sat in the "poachers pocket" of his old overcoat. She was the best ratter he ever had. He was a real old type farmer and not much moved him but when Rosie died he shed a tear for her. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI love Jack Russells, especially the 'parson' variety. As you say; great ratters. I would happily have one to keep Billy company.
DeleteI remember Monty well and all his adventures which you wrote about. We were all very distressed when he died so very young. A lovely drawing Cro and a nice memory of his 'posing'
ReplyDeleteI visited Monty just now on YP's blog. A fine looking fellow and wonderful gift for his grand. How I wish I could draw as you two do.
Yes, he was a lovely dog, and died (put to sleep) far too young. We still miss him, and talk about him often.
DeleteYour talent shines through.
ReplyDeleteA simple drawing, but a good souvenir.
DeleteThat is a lovely portrait of Monty. I'm glad you still have photos. Maybe you could re-create the portrait.
ReplyDeleteI think the photo-copies will have to suffice. What I must do, is to complete Billy's portrait.
DeleteMonty has a regal look about him. I was at blood bank last week and a man came in with a 4 month old black Labrador, man was donating. I’ve never seen a better behaved dog ever, the process took around an hour from start to finish, the dog sat and lay down when told. The man told me this is his 5th Labrador, he takes them for 12 months when they are return to Seeing Eye Dogs to be trained up as a working dog. He did say it was heartbreaking having to give the dog up. Wonderful way to volunteer. Marie, Melbourne, Australia
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this is right or not, but Black Labs seem very different to Yellow ones. They are much friendlier and more energetic. I have always wanted a pair of Black Labs, but it has never happened. My last dog (Bok) was half Black Lab/Half Border Collie.
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