Ipl 0018 Untitled KevinDaniel sqs Nigel & Daniel Kevin Hemming

Here we see a drawing depicting the head and shoulders of a canine subject, likely a young dog given the softness of its features. The artist has employed a graphite medium, utilizing varying degrees of pressure to create tonal contrasts and suggest form. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to rendering the fur texture, achieved through short, closely spaced strokes that convey both density and directionality.
The animal’s gaze is direct and seemingly vulnerable; its eyes are large relative to the head, contributing to a sense of innocence or perhaps even slight apprehension. The artist has skillfully captured the subtle nuances of expression in the dogs face – the gentle curve of the mouth, the slightly furrowed brow – which imbue it with a degree of personality.
The background is minimal and loosely sketched, consisting primarily of diagonal lines that create an impression of movement or perhaps suggest a blurred environment. These lines do not compete for attention but rather serve to frame the subject and draw focus towards its face. The inclusion of what appears to be a collar suggests a domesticated animal, further reinforcing the sense of vulnerability and dependence.
The signature Daniel is placed discreetly in the lower right corner, indicating authorship without disrupting the overall composition. The drawing’s style leans toward realism but retains an element of sketchiness, suggesting it may be a study or preliminary work rather than a finished piece. This contributes to a feeling of immediacy and intimacy with the subject.