Old Yeller

Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

I was about ten when I read Old Yeller written in 1956 by Fred Gipson.

I only have a memory that it was set in the southern area of America, maybe texas. There’s a boy who is helping run a farm and he takes in a stray dog which he calls old Yeller because it’s yellow coloured. I think they had adventures, a bit like Lassie. But eventually the dog was bitten by something that had rabies and was infected. The boy had to decide what to do and I can see in my mind that the dog has to be tied to a tree so it can’t bite anyone. Eventually it has to be shot. I can’t remember what happened next, but I do know it really upset me. I guess that’s why it’s stuck in my memory. I think Disney made a film of it, but I don’t remember seeing it. I do think the book cover had a yellow dog, like a labrador on it.

I enjoyed other books, Nancy Drew, The Hardy boys, and books on myths and legends, but Old Yeller really stuck.

Dog drawing

FB_IMG_1582818595511

This is about four years old too. I think I drew it in ArtRage oils, but I don’t really remember. I like the way I managed to get a flowing, wet in wet effect. I don’t generally copy photos for my digital drawings, but I think I remember working from a picture for this? It’s either a labrador or a golden retriever? Eople who own them will be able to tell the difference.

I’m looking at old images and using a colouring in app to try and break through my current artistic block. I’m beginning to recognise this is a winter thing with me. I hope once there is a bit more bright sunlight I will rise like lazarus ( OK that’s a bit over the top!). But at least start creating again!