Back in the summer a good friend of mine adopted a dog called Bruno, who is an American Bulldog. I was unfamiliar with the breed before this, so if it is new to you too, imagine a muscly Staffy the size of a Labrador, with an easy going and fun loving nature, and that is Bruno. He is a remarkable dog, and we are eternally grateful to Help 4 Hounds who matched Bruno and my friend so perfectly. Help 4 Hounds is a small non-profit organisation based here in the South West which rehomes dogs through it’s network of foster homes across the UK. They went above and beyond to make the process as smooth as possible, and the foster family who were caring for Bruno so beautifully have been amazing too.
I really want to support the superb work of all the generous volunteers that make up Help 4 Hounds, so I have been hard at work learning how to sketch in charcoal with the aim of fundraising through dog portraits.
It has been quite the process as drawing quickly is rather alien to me. It has taken some time to develop a style of my own and to feel confident that I can be more loose in my mark making and still get a true likeness. I now have a collection of a dozen or so dog sketches and am ready to offer charcoal commissions to you all.
Do you have a handsome hound or pretty pooch that you would love a portrait of? Or perhaps you are looking for that perfect present for a loved on this Christmas, and you know that their dog is everything to them? If so, and you have a good photograph (it must be in focus and with enough detail for me to be able to zoom in and see the dog close up) then commission an original charcoal sketch and help raise vital funds to help find loving homes for even more dogs in need.
These original artworks are A5 size (15 x 21cm) and are £45 inc P&P within the UK.
£20 from the sale of each portrait will go to Help 4 Hounds, so you know that you will be making a real difference to these dogs lives, supporting their veterinary care, and helping them find homes where they can live happily ever after.
If you are thinking of a Christmas gift, please bear in mind the postal delays and get in touch early to ensure your artwork arrives in time.
Help 4 Hounds have a Facebook page where you can find information about all the dogs who are currently looking for fostering or adoption, though if you prefer you can email them on [email protected] or call 07516 279583
