IF: Satellite

"Laika, Muttnik of Space"

Little Laika, or "Barker" was the first being to orbit the earth. She was placed in a capsule called Sputnik 2, and launched into space in 1957. She was never meant to return. Poor little Laika died in her 7th hour of orbit. She has a small plaque dedicated to her and the other Space Dogs, but perhaps the most moving memorial is the 1985 Swedish film, "My Life as a Dog"

My portrait of Laika is of a hapless explorer, steering her way around the planet.

Still experimenting with textures and muted colors. Done in my trusty Canson Sketchbook, then SketchbookPro and Photoshop with the Cintiq tablet.

Click to enlarge the image.