Cuthbert
Ink on paper drawing from my 2005 series The Dead Dog Project. This body of work focused on how children cope with the subject of death.
This drawing is of a “taxidermy soft toy” I made and named Cuthbert.
Greeting Cards and Matted Prints
Cuthbert
kossimarsalsa
it’s rather cute, nice idea by the way, very intereesting.
lovely drawing, you have a very good feel about all your lovely pictures.
xx
s-a
Paul Compton replied
Thank you for appreciating this and commenting kossimarsalsa : )
PJ Ryan
oh you’re the sweetest !
a ‘taxidermy soft toy’ !!!
Fabulous drawing .. you know how much i love the way your ink translates.
The topic is beautifully translated .. sad .. but beautiful .. and such a part of the circle of life no matter how much it breaks your heart.
xx
Paul Compton replied
Ah thank you dear Nicole! Your comments and support mean a great deal to me. Hope you’re peachy. xo
John Douglas
I want to play with Cuthbert
Paul Compton replied
Oh I’d love for you to see an animation I made called Dead Dogs Can’t (Play Ball) John. I think you’d like it. I don’t have Cuthbert anymore because I set up a free adoption service for my taxidermy soft toys at the exhibition of this series. Cuthbert went to a good home though. x
pinkyjain
Cuthbert is so adorable, your ink drawing in this is magnificent Paul, looks so much like a vintage photograph, with all the fine exquisite details, the lighting, a Paul Masterpiece. And the idea is remarkable & such a sweet way to teach children about death
Paul Compton replied
Oh, thank you so much pinkyjain! I’m so glad you like this. Thank you for the support. xo
John Douglas
I sure hope he did. And yes you KNOW I’d love to see your Dead Dogs Can’t (Play Ball)! I think I have a voodoo powder for dead dog ball playing
purelydecorative
So sweet and sad- it’s his dark eyes that get me. And how do you think children cope with death?
Paul Compton replied
Generally they don’t because it is often shielded from them. This was the case in my family at least now look at me – I’m obsessed with death and melancholy. LOL! I think children find it impossible to comprehend the idea that someone they knew simply doesn’t exist anymore. That’s why a lot of parents chose to tell their kids that Fido has gone to heaven. I think it’s best to take the time to help kids adjust to life without their loved one just as much as this is the case with adults. Gosh I do waffle on don’t I. Thank you for commenting purelydecorative. It means a lot to me.
Robert Knapman
Well hi there Cuthbert. Gorgeous drawing Paul. Glad he went to a good home. A place where all dogs should go .)
Paul Compton replied
I completely agree. Thank you so much for your kindness and support Robert : )
butchart
cuthbert and his story has touched me this morning…. thank you paul…........b
Paul Compton replied
Have a wonderful day Butch. Thank you. xo
Firedrake
Aw, he has seen better days! He is gorgeous!
Paul Compton replied
Thank you Firedrake. Best wishes to you.
hilarydougill
fantastic artwork, beautifully rendered, great character. hugs
Paul Compton replied
Thank you so much Hilary. That’s incredibly kind of you. I’m sending a big hug right back to you. XO
Karin Taylor
gosh! you’re so clever Paul!!
wonderully done, the writing too, you’ve thought of everything :D
Paul Compton replied
Oh you’re such a sweetheart Karin. Thank you so much : )
meltaylor
What a beautiful work, Paul!!
I love your techniques and your style!! Poor Cuthbert!!
mel
Paul Compton replied
Thank you so much Mel. Indeed, poor Cuthbert. xo
darkestartist
excellent! You have a soft way with Death, I like your treatment here with Cuthbert. I think it’s great to get on a child’s level about it, and you seem to know how to do it well.
Paul Compton replied
I really appreciate that darkestartist. Thank you for your wonderful support : )
Alvaro Sánchez
another great work Paul cheers for it always glad to check your artwork
Paul Compton replied
Thank you for stopping by and for the lovely comment SANCHEZ. Best wishes to you.
Tine Wiggens
Wonderful Paul!!
Paul Compton replied
Thank you Tine!!
Tina Hogg
Cuthbert is gorgeous – and I’m sure, had he not died, he would have loved your portrait of him.
At least he’s resting peacefully in a good home!
Paul Compton replied
Exactly. Thank you so much Tambala. All the best to you.
darkestartist
very welcome :) as someone who deals with death a lot, we have to make light of it somehow, or make it less harsh at any rate.
Beth Mills
Paul, Cuthbert is so cute, and your artistic talent has made him so beautifully soft and loveable!!
Paul Compton replied
Aw, thank you Beth. I appreciate that very much. x
GLAMAZON
Lov’n Cuthbert.
Sylvia Karall
Wonderful, Paul. You have such a way with pen and ink. Your work stirs up emotion.
Paul Compton replied
A wonderful compliment Sylvia, I can’t thank you enough. xo
Mui-Ling Teh
It’s an irony that this dog still smiles despite it being ruffed up and abandoned, but can’t help it because that smile is stitched. I just read your “Dead Dogs Can’t….” poem, and it helps me draw out more ideas. “The truth is that dogs do die with the fact you cannot vie”. Dead dogs don’t smile either. One can be in denial by getting a fake dog that will always smile, and smiles are meant to please, but they cause more grief if forced in order to conceal sadness. While a stuff toy can last forever, seeing it in this state, I can’t help but feel sorrow for it (though I hope Cuthbert is smiling for real in his new home now!)
Amazing how these contrary combinations create such striking images – though admittedly it isn’t that alone that makes this so striking; the detailed hatching along your drawing style and washes is also incredible.
BLYTHART
Maybe I am being stupid here, but do you mean “taxidermy” in the strict sense of the word, as in stuffing the corpses of animals? This was very popular in Victorian times, but I’d never heard of making them into cuddly toys. The drawing is, as always, excellent.
Kimberley Suth...
wow, brings back memories of not quite understanding the concept of death when i was young….
Paul Compton replied
Thank you Kimberly. I’m still having trouble understanding the concept of death – and dealing with it is a whole other kettle of fish. Thank you for commenting and for adding me to your watchlist! Yay : )
LasTBreatH
Brilliant work once again paul!!
Paul Compton replied
Thanks mate. Hope you’re smilin’.
Stephen Thomas
great drawing
Paul Compton replied
Thank you so much Stephen : )
darcyfudsen
new paul photo good not as good as kermit but
Kate Eller
Very poignant and thought provoking. Very, very nice work.
Paul Compton replied
You’re so kind, thank you endlessly yimusjane : )
bellmusker
The fragility of his pose works so beautifully with the almost serene turn of his mouth….but the name; Paul, you really have an exquisite touch. I love your work.
Paul Compton replied
Thank you so much bellmusker, that means so much to me. You’ll be seeing more work from me soon. Wishing you all the best : )
kimberleigh sarah
Lovely =) Such a great drawing
desididit
awwww, i want one :) YAAAY
hsien-ku
poor fallen cuthbert. i wonder if his friends can tell the difference now he’s dead? I have known people like that too . . . a poignant and tragic loss. lovely work