Ollie, Bunzle and Ruby
Three Dog Commissions
Ollie, Bunzle and Ruby are three much loved dogs. I was asked to make Ollie and Bunzle as secret Christmas presents from photographs taken on the sly. Ruby was also done from photographs.
Tag: dog
Pet Portrait Sculptures
Pet Portrait Sculptures
I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember, their character, form and love of life. I am fascinated by the huge variety of shapes and sizes there are, but all retaining essential “dogginess!” Years of observation are the foundation of my work. I try and capture the essence of each breed with my sculptures, some of which are detailed, others more abstract. When it comes to pet portraits it is even more of a challenge; I have to try and capture the character of an individual dog which has, or has had, a very special place in someone’s life.
Lady
This one was in memory of a German Shepherd
Betty
This one was done from life as well as photographs. The photographs help as dogs don’t make the best models. They won’t hold a pose or even get into the pose you want. Betty is very much alive and kicking!
Stella
This is a portrait of a much loved English Pointer named Stella. The owner wanted her in her favourite pose with legs crossed. There were lots of photographs but not one in this pose!
Shadow
Shadow is another in memory of a loved pet who lived to the grand old age of 21, named Shadow owing to the habit of always being on his owners heels.
Fleur
Fleur was a much loved Border Collie.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The brief here was for a dog portrait of the breed capturing the characteristic movement. I had YouTube on loop showing Kerry Blues at Crufts while I was sculpting and experimented with different glazes. The finish of this one is grey/black gun metal effect with a touch of blue on a textured surface. There are 3 smaller versions (and lots of other breeds) here:
https://ellencooperart.com/gallery/
and in my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EllenCooperArt
Find out more here:
https://ellencooperart.com/pet-portraits/
The Stables Gallery Exhibition
An Exhibition
26th May to 25th June
Some of my sculptures will be on show in The Stables Gallery at Hall Place alongside the work around 40 other ceramic artists. I will be there on 1st and 20th June and lots of us will be there between 12 pm and 2 pm on Saturday 27th May.
It’s a great place to visit and easy to access. As well as the gallery there is a lovely garden, parkland (all free entry) and a riverside cafe, historic house and some other attractions. Find out more here:
https://www.hallplace.org.uk/the-stables-gallery/
Here are some of my sculptures that will be on show. They can go in the garden or in the house.
Dogs, Horses and Other Animals
Dogs and Other Animals
More pictures can be seen on the Ceramic page, and in my Etsy shop where they are for sale.
(Also for sale via contact page)
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EllenCooperArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu§ion_id=20391260
Dogs
The dog series continues in various styles from stylized to more realistic, and with a range of glazed finishes but with each capturing the character of the breed.
Horses
Other Animals
The calf and pig below were sculpted from life on a farm (see earlier post
https://ellencooperart.com/pigs-and-cows-working-from-life/)
The pig can be displayed inside or out.
Lots More Dogs and Other Things..
New Dogs, Horses and More..
Ellen has been busy recently making many different breeds of dogs as well as several horses. More images and details can be seen in the Ceramic section. There are also some new work in the Paintings section.
Dogs
Horses
Watercolour Paintings
Working From Photographs
Lady and Ntombi
These are two works that only had photographs to work from.
Ntombi
This is the photograph that inspired ‘Ntombi,’ a new born rhino. As you see they really do have huge feet!
Ellen’s interpretation is not aiming at an exact copy, but is rather an exploration of form and texture while preserving the essence of baby rhino!
The eye and textures and folds around the ears and face were of particular interest. The glaze gives it expression and sparkle. Below Ntombi (young woman in Zulu) is taking her first hesitant steps.
Lady
This sculpture aimed more at realism as it is to remember a pet German Shepherd dog. The only photographs available were of poor quality.
The second photograph shows more of the dog.
Dogs
Ellen has always had a very special love for dogs. She has watched and admired them over the years and this enables her to give real character to her interpretations of different breeds.
This laid back English Pointer, in bronze resin, has proved very popular among owners and breeders. A bronze version may be available soon.
As for this ugly little pug…
…he has character, but I’m not sure it’s all good!
But he looks ready for a game….
…as does this Airedale.
Just throw the ball!