In My Dog is a Sweetie (2024); the dog’s expression is what instantly draws the viewer to the work- the dog is wide-eyed and looks slightly anxious but also earnest. The dog is caught looking at the sweets or perhaps is confused about them being in the sky; this helps to give the work a comedic feel and presents a very light-hearted scene.
Focusing more on the sweets; there are two in green and two in pink- they appear as though they could be a reward or perhaps are there for a whimsical purpose. They are both stylised and as though they have been stamped which contrasts against the dogs more detailed intricate linework – the sweets give it a quite cartoony aesthetic; somewhat surrealistic.
BBC (Bertie Blue Colour) (2024) is a portrait of a budgerigar that looks towards the viewer- the bird is soft and comes out of the blue background playfully. Though the work is an observational portrait it still has a hint of curiosity as Bertie looks towards us with a sense of character as though the bird is questioning what it sees and is playful.
Furthermore, the background acts as a middle tone for the bird which gives emphasis on the shadows and highlights to emerge without making the drawing too heavy or overworked. Contextually, the bird is the RW Taylor’s mother’s parakeet which gives a more personal connection to the bird in the drawing as the bird means something to the artist’s mother. Thus, the inclusion of the acronym “BBC” in the title (short for Bertie Blue Colour) implies the connection while also humourising it slightly.