Working on Wolverine the Westy

Wolverine is Josh’s dog. Norm had the idea to make him a West Highland Terrier- cute, loyal and with a moustache like a Viking.

First step- Google image search for references.

Here’s the very first sketch of Wolverine..

and an early turn-around.

The first watercolour sample was promising.

I met a nice couple walking their Westy on Fremantle’s Monument Hill one morning, and they let me take some more reference photos. I wanted to get an idea of the breed, how it moves, what the temperament is like. They’re gorgeous, playful dogs.

In this next image I’ve pulled together lots of Wolverines from the very first storyboard (at the top of the image), and from the final storyboard (at the bottom of the image)- he’s come a long way.

At first he was just sitting around in the images, not doing much- now he’s interacting much more with the environment and other characters. His personality is coming through. He is fiercely loyal to Josh, and much braver (at least to start with).

Here’s some more recent sketches.

It’s been a lot of fun to work on Wolverine. I’ve learnt more about dog anatomy and movement. But he’s only one breed of so many! There’s so much more to learn…

Author: James Foley

James Foley makes children’s books for children who read books. If you’re a child and you’re eating his books, you’re doing it wrong. His books include Brobot, Dungzilla, Gastronauts, Chickensaurus, Toffle Towers, My Dead Bunny and There's Something Weird About Lena. James lives in Perth with his wife, 2 kids, and a labrador. He is a massive Marvel movie nerd and comes from a long line of queuing enthusiasts. Follow him on FB/twitter/insta/youtube @jamesfoleybooks, or at www.jamesfoley.com.au . View all posts by James Foley