Normally, I’d be sharing a roundup of the images posted to DeviantArt last week. However, for the next few weeks, that won’t be the case with this series. All these images are reserved for patrons or those who purchase access to the Man’s Best Friend gallery. That said, the stories behind the images will be open to all. What follows are two quiet moments from Goose’s first time at the beach. While he hasn’t tested the water just yet, his playful energy and curiosity are on full display, amplified by the shoreline’s natural charm. These descriptions aren’t meant to replace the visuals, but to offer a bit of insight into the scenes. If the words spark your curiosity, click here to view the gallery, or here to become a patron. If you see any images here that aren’t available on Natural Desygns or SM Desygns reach out to me through the Etsy store and I’ll add the image to the correct store. In the meantime, click any of the images to head over to DeviantArt to get a better look.
The following images are part of my premium gallery on DeviantArt, Man’s Best Friend. It’s filled with images of dogs, both mine and those I’ve found out about the world. With a single payment, you will gain access to all the existing images, as well as all the ones added in the future. However, here I will include the descriptions of the images, so please excuse the phrasing that may assume you can see the image.
Goose by the Sea 003
While the previous shot is about Goose’s motion, this one is about his patience. I’m aware it looks as if he’s once more in mid-stride, but that’s irrelevant to the composition. Aside from the tighter framing, only his leg hints at motion. His focused eyes and ears suggest he’s processing a command given from beyond the confines of the shot.
There’s an intimacy here. It’s all about a shared pause, a quiet second between action and rest. The curve of the red leash and splash of blue from his shadow create a wonderful juxtaposition between the otherwise soft and sandy palette. The textures of Goose’s fur and the slight tilt of his head hint at affection, loyalty, and the attentiveness of a companion whom he trusts beyond anything else. There’s an expectation of upcoming shared moments.
More than a simple snapshot, this image captures a bond. The dog’s gaze is more than curiosity. It’s a moment of recognition. A look that says, “I’m here. What’s next?” Rendered in watercolor, the details blur just enough to elevate the embedded emotion beyond the image. The grainy softness of the sand and subtle shadows give the scene a warmth and tranquility that invites the viewer to see not just the dog, but the relationship with his companion.
Goose by the Sea 004
Having finished his shoreline exploration, Goose turned his attention to the ocean, the source of the salt in the air. As he stood on the damp sand, the crashing waves gave him pause. This was a dog who usually craved outdoor play, especially in the rain. However, this unusual pause wouldn’t last long. Hindsight revealed the moment’s pensive nature.
This image captures Goose mid-approach, his tongue out, tail up, and body angled with purpose. The watercolor treatment brings a playful vibrancy to the image, with rich blue shadows and washes of sandy beige evoking a sunlit beach in the afternoon. The partially exposed arm and the trailing red leash anchor Goose to his family, adding quiet weight to the narrative of companionship.
There’s a strong compositional balance here. The deep blue shadow anchoring Goose in the foreground plays beautifully against the splashy sea textures in the background. His harness and the leash create visual echoes, and the negative space around him adds room to breathe. This piece captures anticipation, giving the viewer a sense that something delightful is on the precipice of happening.