Rescued as a pup from Dublin, 15-year-old Buddy lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and stars in his personal coloring books: A Dog Called Buddy and Buddy Goes to University. Final-year artwork scholar and Irish-American (Mum’s an American and Dad is Irish) Tara McCullough was impressed by her “15-year-old finest companion and household pet” to create the books.
Tara makes a speciality of portray on the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, however she additionally does illustration and graphic design on the aspect. “I’ve absolutely documented Buddy’s persona and traits in my coloring books,” she shares. “I’ve illustrated all of Buddy’s adventures — from turning into a seasoned yogi, a visit to the Bahamas for a getaway with my brother Conor, to becoming a member of an a cappella group and graduating from Pawbridge University. Not to say all of his most favourite actions — consuming, singing, snoozing, peeing, begging for treats and strolling up the Cave Hill Belfast.”
Tara created the Buddy Coloring Book in 2014 as a shock reward for her sister, Erin. “The e-book was adored by all our household and mates,” says Tara, “so I made a decision, final yr, to make a follow-up coloring e-book Buddy Goes to University. This e-book was devoted to my sister Erin once more, as she had simply graduated from school and I’m very happy with her.”
Digitizing the e-book was essentially the most difficult half, says Tara, which took so much longer than making the unique drawings.
“I needed to adapt my unique drawings to minimal line work that may be appropriate for childrens coloring in. The mission has been a lot enjoyable.”
Although Tara’s research at college take up most of her time nowadays, she does promote art work on the aspect, by portray folks’s canines, cats, birds, fish and “you title it!” And plans for a future Buddy coloring e-book …
“I hope to make one other greater and higher interactive coloring e-book,” says Tara, “now that I’ve gotten to know the way it all works: Buddy visits the USA!
Follow Tara @taramcc_art and buddythedog.org.uk.