Look at this amazing study of cows by Rubens. Not surprising that Rubens was drawn to cows. Observe how in the two cows in the bottom corner how he studies their bone structure. From flesh (top three) to bone (bottom two). Mind you, cows in the seventeenth century were probably more boney than modern day cows, with steroids & genetically modofied cattle feed.Observe how Rubens is trying to understand anatomny, really looking. He wouldn’t have had any photographs to copy back in the studio by had to rely on the information harvested from this drawing. There is a great difference when you just copy a photograph as opposed to when you understand the structure, the anatomny of something.

My mum’s Jack Russell is not well. Might not make it. He is a great friend. These animal friends in our lives. Please note, this skeych is from before his illness.

Spring time here in the Dordogne. The veal calves are in the field. In a few weeks time, they’ll be gambolling & careering about.

I can’t believe I’ve got the relative sizes of mother & off-spring right……comme même!