Drawings for Proposed Dog Sculptures
All images are 2003 Copyright by James Mellick
The drawings on this page are preliminary sketches leading to the working drawing or design for a new sculpture. These images will give the viewer an idea of how fundamental line and drawing are to my work. Please revisit this page to see new drawings in the future.
Follow the development of this sculpture
This Irish Setter with a mallard on the back is the first thought in a series about hunting dogs and game. The hair of the dog is stylized as feather patterns. Since doing this drawing I learned that Irish Setters do not point but lay down when scenting a bird and no dog points a duck. Maybe this adds to the humor of the idea. "Bird Dog" would be life-sized in cherry.
This image is of a German Short-Hair pointer with a pheasant on its back. I'm interested in the stance of the dog's hind legs repeated in the sweep of the pheasant's tail feathers. "Field Day" will be life-sized in walnut and mixed woods for the pheasant.
Follow the development of this sculpture
"Blown Away" will be the first sculpture for 2003. I'm returning to sculptures that are more animated in gesture and more expressive in the narrative. While I work from nature and use particular dog breeds as part of the content, I am not interested in pet portraits or creating sentimental pictures or sculptures of dog breeds created in a 19th Century representational style. My sculptures with dogs as the subjects are usually allegories expressing deeper meanings.
This idea of the "Extremely Happy Dog" is inspired by my male Weimaraner,
Hamlet who dances when he is happy. This dog has a tail to add to the
movement.
Framed Sketches for
Sale