29 July 2021

Poorly-drawn pet portraits a huge drawcard for RSPCA ACT charity drive

| Damien Larkins
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RSPCA Poorly Drawn Pets dog Vanessa Pryde

The RSPCA ACT Poorly Drawn Pets project certainly delivers. Photo: Vanessa Pryde/RSPCA ACT.

Hilarious and unique, hand-drawn artistic interpretations of beloved household pets have raised almost $5000 in the RSPCA ACT’s Poorly Drawn Pets project.

Crudely coloured cat caricatures, peculiarly pencil-sketched puppies, rudimentary rabbits in repose – there’s a range of drawing styles from classical to cartoon and the somewhat more surreal.

The project offers pet-owners the unusual drawings of their furry, feathered or finned family members, in exchange for a $20 donation to the RSPCA.

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One of the dozens of volunteer artists Paul Dumetz from Banks, drew five pets including a cat with a Santa hat.

“I enjoyed the experience,” he told Region Media.

“Not only because I love drawing but it was great to see other artists and their work and learn new ideas and see different approaches.”

Paul, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, is a ceramic artist and practising potter – but he absolutely loves drawing.

“Animals such as cats, dogs, birds of prey such as eagles, cockatoos, magpies, parrots, dragons and human portraits,” he says.

RSPCA Poorly Drawn Pets Indya's black and white cat Moon Moon by Paul Dumetz

RSPCA Poorly Drawn Pets by Paul Dumetz drew Indya’s black and white cat Moon Moon in a Christmas hood. Photo: Indya Schroer/RSPCA.

He wasn’t the only one enjoying the experience – the pet owners were overjoyed at their unique new mementoes.

“I heard good feedback and was flattered and overwhelmed by the response,” Paul says.

“I was glad to have helped RSPCA ACT and the volunteers out.”

RSPCA ACT chief executive Michelle Robertson says it’s all in good fun.

“It’s one of our fun, interactive fundraisers,” she says.

“With so much going on in the world, everybody could use a bit of a laugh.”

With such a wide and varied quality, Ms Robertson says it’s hard to say which one is the best.

But she’s thanked all the artists involved for their hard work.

RSPCA Poorly Drawn Pets dog Charlee

Not all of the pets are completely poorly drawn. Photo: RSPCA ACT.

“It’s so difficult to choose a favourite,” she says.

“There’s some truly poorly drawn pets which are amazing. They’re all beautiful in their own way.”

The reactions from the owners is what really matters.

“We’re really grateful for the support and hope that we’ve brought a few smiles to people’s faces.”

If you missed out on a masterpiece of your best mate, the RSPCA ACT’s Poorly Drawn Pets will return in Christmas 2021.

See more Poorly Drawn Pets on the RSPCA ACT Facebook page and head to the website to make a donation.

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