One of my favourite parts about my job is when I get the chance to draw things I never would have thought to draw. So it was a lovely surprise to be commissioned to create a piece portraying a pack of African Wild Dogs.
This drawing was a surprise birthday present, from wife to husband, based on a couple of photos they took on one of their adventures.
I learnt an awful lot about these animals whilst researching for this portrait. Turns out I didn't know much about them beforehand at all - other than they're meant to be quite vicious...so in an effort to keep you entertained during the lockdown here are 5 facts that maybe you didn't know about African Wild Dogs...
1. Each one has a unique look - Their true name literally means 'painted wolf' and no two dogs have the same markings. I tried to make my drawn dogs look as similar in their markings as possible to the ones pictured. In fact, their fur has to be some of the most colourful I have ever come across - there were so many different shades and some surprisingly bright tones.
2. It's a girls world! Who knew that it was actually the females who run the pack? They're the boss and are the ones who have to create or join new packs once they become adults.
3. They absolutely cannot be tamed. They don't wanna know. They don't want to be touched, aren't particularly curious about us, and there hasn't been a successful attempt at domestication yet.
4. The pack comes first - they're actually nice to each other within their pack. There's not much intimidating, they make sure they all get food, and once they know who's in charge they're good to go!
5. They can make some pretty unusual noises for a dog (who isn't actually a dog). From the average bark, to an unexpected bell-like-noise, they have really worked on their communication. They even have an owl-like-'hoo' within the repertoire.
So now you know. Even if it is from my highly unscientific descriptions.
I managed to create a short time lapse of the beginning of this piece. Sadly I couldn't film the last of it - having to cancel a house move meant that my studio is being filled with so much stuff there isn't much room for a camera! But I thought I put post the little bit I do have here anyway... :)
I hope you like the piece, I would love to know what you think - leave me a comment below!
KTx
music: www.bensound.com