Great Dane/Apollo of Dogs

[BYart]

Hi Everyone!
I just finished this small Pastel painting of an uncropped(ears) Great Dane, fawn in color.
The Great Dane, my favorite
eed, is called the "Apollo" of Dogs. They are very noble, gentle in nature, huge dogs, with a loyalty to their family unriveled by many other
eeds. They are also known as Gentle Giants.

Having had the pleasure of having this
eed as my constant companions for well over 30 years, I can attest that they are just that... The Apollo of Dogs.
Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord, 8 x 10.
Ref. Photo credit to Cathy Sheeter.
Please forgive a bit of glare on image.
Thanks for looking!
CC's welcomed

[Menolly]

I think this is one of your best. I know a few people who have Great Danes and I understand a bit how early Native Americans felt when horses came over - bit of a resemblance with these guys!

I always wondered about the obsession people have with altering the ears on dogs. Bobbing the tails on some
eeds makes some sense to me (I'm not saying I agree with the practice; I don't. I'm just saying I can see logic involved). I just don't get the whole ear-cropping thing - is it supposed to make them look more alert or is it just such a tradition with certain
eeds that people think they have to have it done?

[BYart]

Hi Menolly,
thanks for your lovely comment on this piece.
As to the ear cropping questions...in the USA it is still allowed. It was done originally to keep a Dane from having his/her ears grabbed while hunting wild boar(as was the Dane's original purpose). since hunting wild boar is no longer their primary purpose, as they are now "couch potatoes, companions.. they are mainly cropped for the showring. I believe it is because it gives the judge a 'cleaner" look at the head, but that is changing with more and more natural eared Danes going up for the Best of Breed wins at shows. When I was showing, it was almost impossible to win with a quality uncropped dog. Even though the AKC standard allows for both, it was the majority of judges' preference to "put up' the cropped dogs. Wrong yes, unfair...yes...but it happens.
I look forwad to the day when all
eeds are left natural as they should be.
Thanks again for commenting on my artwork!

[BYart]

Did a bit more fiddling on this one, color representation is closer to original. Darkened a bit of the shadows, added a bit more light to BG and a bit more detail to neck area as it was looking a bit "flat" to me.
CC's welcomed.

[Menolly]

It does look better around the neck area now. And thanks for answering my question - now I know why they're so darn big, too! I'd want to be horse-sized if I was hunting boar, that's for sure.

[Abelone]

Very good clear image!

[Erika Takacs]

Barb, your faces of animals are absolutely amazing.

[BYart]

It does look better around the neck area now. And thanks for answering my question - now I know why they're so darn big, too! I'd want to be horse-sized if I was hunting boar, that's for sure.

Thanks again Menolly!
Ya on the size thing...although I can't seem to picture my Fawn female, Gena chasing anything...much less a wild boar! . She is definately a couch potatoe and chasing something is too much effort...this Dwould rather wait for "it" to come to her...LOL!
Anyway...thank you for kind comments.

[BYart]

Very good clear image!

Thanks for stopping in to take a peek Abelone, much appreciated!

[BYart]

Barb, your faces of animals are absolutely amazing.

Thank you so much Erika! I keep trying to reach higher...I've got so much to learn, and practice, practice, practice....

[paulabettam]

hi this great dane is beartiful you captured him really well from paula

[BYart]

hi this great dane is beartiful you captured him really well from paula

Thank you again, Paula! I'm glad you like!

[Guenn Eona Nimue]

Very nice, love the expression.

Guenn

[BYart]

Very nice, love the expression.

Guenn

Thanks for your kind reply Guenn! The Dane's expression is so telling of their kind, gentle nature.
Thanks again for viewing and your comment!

[Danny Heim]

Amazing how they look without their ears cropped. nice work

[BYart]

Thanks Danny!
Nice to see you back! Been missing your work!

[Guenn Eona Nimue]

Hi Barb!

Just had a look at the gallery on your profilie, so lovely. I have, in the past, made no secret of my disdain for modern technology, but I must admit, the ability to look around the world with this computer, in filling up my senses, and being able to see all this wonderful imagery is really wonderful, and very moving.

Guenn