Well, I have done informal portrait sketches before, but never anything serious. In fact, I have in my archive a little self-portrait sketch I did as a student. My most sustained acquaintance with this discipline was a couple of years ago when I decided that I needed an incentive to get me drawing again. I am a keen fan of snooker, and positioned myself in front of the TV during the Crucible championship, complete with sketch-book and the TV control. Whenever I saw something interesting I would press the “pause” button and draw what I saw. The result was about a dozen creditable likenesses of players and commentators. The exercise was, however, strictly for private enjoyment.
Now I’ve received a request to take on a commission! It’s all very exciting. I’ve established the format, and have a good idea as to which medium I’ll use. It should all be good clean fun. Oh! Did I mention the fact that the subject is to be a dog? I met it this morning, and I reckon that we ought to get on well together.