It’s hard to imagine anything more irresistible than the plaintive eyes of a dog begging for a treat. Mark Ulriksen’s latest cover captures a moment of great anticipation, as shared by a group of very distinctive pups. He recently spoke to us about the inspiration and comfort he draws from dogs, and offered some advice for new artists.
You often portray dogs in your work and have even published a book of dog paintings. Do you have anything against cats?
Let’s just say, I like cats but love dogs. I find that dogs, with their unique personalities and their distinctive breeds, make for a much larger and more varied universe to paint.
Your chocolate Lab, Ivy, was the perfect model for a previous summer cover. Are any of the pups on this week’s cover inspired by real dogs?
Yes, there are some good friends on this cover: Ivy the chocolate Lab is back, this time as a puppy; the bichon poodle is my mom’s former dog Maggie; the pug is our neighbor Ruby, who we often dog sit; and my friends’ basset, Virgil, is also present.
Do you think a year and a half of confinement has changed people’s relationships with their pets?
I think that those of us who already had pets cherished the opportunity to get outside for socially distanced walks. Many others also sought out the comfort and joy of sharing life with a pet; there are now puppies everywhere.
You have been an artist for many years and have been contributing to the magazine since 1994. What advice would you give to someone who is just getting started?
I always think of a quote I read in Paul Klee’s diaries, when I was first starting out, about how diligence stands higher than talent. Not every piece will be a portfolio piece, but, for an artist, having stick-to-it-ness is really important.
See below for other covers featuring dogs:
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