Nos. 327 & 328: A Perfect Pair

Nos. 327 (March) and 328 (April 2016). Blue and Storm I, Blue and Storm II

I haven't had this much fun in a while.
The order for "Blue and Storm" I and II came at the right time. These yellow labrador siblings followed heavy duty drawings of Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald, and a detailed watercolor painting of Ashtabula Harbor.
They also follow a series of drawings done for one client from November through February, to be revealed soon, of six horses, four cats, three dogs and a lady on a motorcycle!
Whew!

So, I was ready for some happy work and a bit of fun.
Initially this was to be just one drawing, of the puppies under the table.  But at the last moment it was decided to do a second piece showing the dogs a little older and much bigger. They had to fit a prescribed size (18" x 20") and have a matching, light frame.
I lucked out on the frames.

There was some sleight of hand in making the first image, which I also call "Under the Table and Dreaming."
You will notice from the photos that one pup is on its fluffy belly in one shot, and standing through the little table in another. We decided to put the images together so that both pups are close together with their paws on the ground.
It's ridiculously cute.

The "Under the Table and Dreaming" image was completed first, as it was the most time-consuming and difficult. That wicker table was some work!

The second image was supposed to be easier, but it turns out that drawing light-colored dogs on white paper takes some effort, especially with the hair and shading.
My marching orders were to "show those big lab chests."

I suspect, having raised a lab myself, that the little wicker table is now toast  (Yes, the owner later confirms.). One lab is a voracious chewer, so these two boys had to be shredders for their first three years.
They are 5 now, in what should be their prime years. But Blue is undergoing chemotherapy and could use your well wishes. (He looked great, below.)
They are a perfect pair. Go team. Go Blue!