When I first got a Great Dane, THIS Great Dane, I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought these guys were big couch potatoes. Evidently not the Harlequins. Whatever spotted breed they bred into these beasts, made them more energetic than the usual Great Dane. Omar is just one giant ball of energy. After a walk or a jog, we get home and he looks at me: “Next?!” He simply does not get tired.
The idea for this print came when (Omar still a puppy), getting out of bed in the morning, when my feet hit the ground (every morning) I’d think “Ok Omar…Game on buddy!” not even daring to guess what the new day and this crazy loveable oaf would bring. I have always been on my toes after Omar came to live with us. I just never know what to expect. Life is never boring with Omar the Dane.
Game On, 60in x 36in woodcut on paper
This image is from when Omar was 3 months old. From the start, he loved to run straight at you and at the very last minute, veer off. An exhilerating game of chicken in which it serves the other player best to simply hold still and guard the knees just in case he doesn’t quite make the turn. He’d do this constantly. In the day. In the darkness of night. With no moon. So all you’d feel was a slight rumble in the ground, a presence nearing, then the wind would blow past you and your heart would be in your mouth. Omar! Damn! WTH?! When he’d stop in the light finally, breathing hard you could see the delight in his face.
This is what it felt like at night, when I’d come out of the studio and start the short walk back to the house. I’d be like Clouseau opening his front door at night in pitch blackness, calling out quietly “Cato… oh Cato…” knowing that at any time I would be surprise-attacked. So yeah, Omar’s kind of my…manservant…under orders to attack me at any moment keeping me ever vigilant.
Notice the rounded edges at top of the woodblock? It didn’t start out that way. Those were square edges. That’s because Omar liked to subtly sidle up to the block (as I was carving) and very carefully, quietly start nibbling on the corner of the plywood. Thanks for the art direction Omar!
This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing! ❤️Andrea
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading!💜
So fabulous! 💗💗💗Omar!
Thank you so much! Omar says “Yes, I’m pretty fabulous.”
Fantastic piece and great story… Adventures With Omar! Made me smile this morning… thanks Sue!
Oh I’m so glad Omar made you smile today! He tries his best lol
I love this story AND glad I don’t live with Omar. He sounds like a full-time job. He definitely needs a job equal to his energy. Take Care Sue. ~dawn
Thank you so much Dawn! I’m so glad you liked the story. Yes, he is a full-time high maintenance model that’s for sure lol.