You can also view 'Beware Of The Dog II' which was of course the sequel release!
The iconic first image of 'Beware Of The Dog’ coming out before any sculptures, bronzes, follow ups or similar images! and part of Doug's very first official collection, the Doug Hyde - ‘Hyde Experience’ (2004).'
For many years this would remain the most sort after of the artist’s limited edition prints, and just the sheer number of follow up titles & similar images of a man hugging this dog (‘Monty’ the black dog), shows its immense popularity!
As you can see in this humorous image, acting scary (no need to ‘Beware’) is far from the mind of the sweet black doggy as he lets his owner cuddle him, whilst wearing a sheepish expression!
He looks more like a huge cuddly teddy bear rather than anything to be afraid of!
Doug uses colours & imagery that are deliberately simple, allowing you not to be distracted by the subjects nor complicating their forms or surroundings.
The dog in the image is known as 'Monty' the dog and, in my mind, is of course a loveable black labrador!
This is the very first version of 'Beware Of The Dog - Sculpture' which is both simple and cute in nature; one of those pieces that is also pleasurable to hold in your hands & feel the contours!
Unsurprisingly, this would go on to become one of Doug's best selling small sculptures and we sold scores of them!
The bronze sculpture is simple in it's image and characters, allowing us not to be distracted from Hyde's subjects by over complicating their forms or surroundings.
It is most direct and to not point which is a quality in which many favour in Hyde's creative works.
