With the improving weather my time has become more stretched to fit gardening activities around the drawing time on commissions. Recently I finished this drawing of Poppy for a 60th birthday treat for the client’s mother. It is the first Cocker Spaniel I have done and brings back childhood memories of one I grew up with. I have not met Poppy but when drawing her from the mobile phone photograph chosen by the client, it felt like I knew her. Drawing on memories of other dogs helps to bring the subject into sharp focus. My parents dog was very mischievious and very bright.