A Classic

There's an interesting story that goes with this one, but first I'll just say that this is Karen's husband Danny. They have three pets that apparently Danny is fond of. She also said that he liked to play pool. So, I suggested doing a new take on a classic theme: Dogs Playing Pool. Karen liked the idea and so I went for it.

After a quick internet search I came to realize that a number of artists have tackled this vital topic. Apparently people in general are quite fascinated with the idea of dogs playing pool, or poker, or any number of human type games.

I worked very hard to get this one just right. Believe it or not, one of the things I'm proud of is the texturing of the walls in the background. I was trying to set a "manly", "earthy" tone (does that make sense?). I kind of like how it turned out. I also like the look of the felt on the table. I think that it turned out well also.

There are a lot of little details in the illustration, including the appearance of you know who—who I hope to have hidden in a spot where he's not so easy to find for some of you world class egg hunters.

Now for those of you interested in reading more, here's the rest of the story...

Karen works at the pharmacy where I get my copies made of my doodles. Before I mail out every caricature I get a color copy made. I have become quite familiar with the ladies that work there and they always want to see what caricature I've done next.

I felt a little pressure to get this one done right. I wanted all the ladies to be pleased with my work. Since Karen is a local I was able to bring in the pencil sketch for her pre-approval. She liked what she saw. Having her face on the poster was my idea that I told her was at no extra charge.

I finished this last Sunday and I took it to the Pharmacy yesterday. Lo and behold, when I walked in the store who do you think I saw standing at the counter? Danny! What are the chances that I would show up, with his surprise gift, while he was there?

It turned out that it was Karen's day off, so I figured that Danny wasn't going to leave until she did. There was no chance of giving her the doodle then. BUT, I wasn't sure what the color of his eyes were. So, with the drawing tucked under a sack, I went over to look deeply into his eyes. Karen, I think, was afraid I wouldn't recognize him and quickly came out from behind the counter to introduce me. In other words: "This is my husband Rick, so don't blow it." But, I had been staring at the gentleman's face for quite some time. I would have recognized him anywhere.

I acted my part. But!... one of the other ladies saw me and figuring that I was there to just copy an illustration said, "What have you got there Rick?" Fortunately I had another unfinished illustration in my hand as well and showed that to them while Danny was standing there.

Today, I went back in to the pharmacy and showed the finished product to her. Now, this is the advantage of drawing for local people. Instead of getting the nice e-mail that I normally get as a response, Karen gave me a great big hug when she saw it. That out ranks a three exclamation marks any day. She LOVED it and began right away showing it off to all the other ladies.

Mission accomplished!!! What do you think?

Stay "tooned" folks. I'm heavy into the holiday illustrating. There will be many more doodles to come.