Another (adorable) Labrador!

19.5cm x 14cm
Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2012
Original available

Where has January gone!!! Seems to have just whizzed by for me which is a good thing really as it just means we’re that bit closer to spring and longer days – I’m not a winter person and would happily hibernate through it if I could. Wish I could say I’ve whizzed through some drawings but sadly no, this isn't the case. They still take what seems forever to complete!

I have finished this small coloured pencil drawing of a Lab (still thinking of a title) and realised I hadn’t shown it on my blog yet. It’s drawn on Mohawk Superfine paper, a new paper for me that I am currently trying out with mixed thoughts - LOVE it with pencil but still undecided, and a bit disappointed, when using it with my coloured pencils. Think I will need to do a few more drawings to get a better feel for it before I can decide if this one is a keeper or not.

Want to Play?

Want to Play?

Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

I should really be thinking about getting back to the drawing board this week but I have so much I want to do and try I don’t know where to start and what to do first! What I do know is that it will involve lots of playing and experimenting with mixed media, something I’ve been wanting and promising myself to do for a long time, so could be interesting. Really looking forward to seeing what creations I produce and just having fun. In between *cough* doing my usual drawings of course.

One of my favourite drawings of 2011 was ‘Want to Play’, above. I just loved this dogs expression and had to capture it on paper. The fact he was a Lab was a bonus – have I mentioned how much I love drawing labs before at all:) The original drawing has sold and gone to a good home but, as a small thank you for all the support I get both here and on FB, I am giving away a print, hot of the printer as it isn’t available to purchase yet, over on my FB page (link in the right hand column). You will find details of what to do to enter the draw on there should you be interested. If you are not a fan of FB but would like your name to be included just let me know by leaving a comment here on my blog and I’ll make sure it goes into the hat. I’ll be announcing the winner on Wednesday 11^th January.

It's Christmas!

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends and followers of my blog a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given me throughout the year, I’ve enjoyed reading each and every one of your comments and emails. Here’s to 2012 where I hope you will continue to join me on my artistic journey.

Still here!

Time Out
37cm x 27cm
Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011
My thanks to Steph Greaves for the use of her photograph

Has it really been over two months since my last post, think that might be a record for me and could make me a contender for the worst, or laziest, blogger if there was such an award going about! But then this is an art blog and, in my defence, I’ve not been drawing much in that time so had nothing to show - I’m guessing of course that 99.9% of my followers come to see my work and not my ramblings. Instead I’ve been doing a little bit of this and that and hidden myself away from the world of blogging while I busily work on my business plan/goals/aims for next year and generally think about where I want to go, and be, with my art……. and in my personal life. I see lots happening and big changes in 2012 so plenty to think about. I needed to sit back and take stock of (many) things and think the time out has helped - certainly made things clearer. Lots of ideas, plans and things I want to do and achieve over the coming months/year but not going to go into that here on my blog just yet. Hopefully you will see and hear about some of the changes soon enough anyway.

Something else I’ve given some thought to is my blog! I want, no, need, to make changes here too – give it an update of sorts and include new things. Something more than showing just what I’ve been drawing – yes? No? I feel I’m just ‘plodding along’ with my blog and fear losing interest in it so want to do more with it if I can. I have a few ideas I’m playing around with but if there is anything you would like to see me include/do then please let me know – all suggestions welcome.

And, despite my spending very little time at the drawing board, I still managed to include a drawing I started back in April of this year and finished recently. Hope you like it.

Finished

Max
10.5" x 10.5", Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Still having problems with my computer and wishing that I was friends or living with a technical genius who could fix everything for me. Why, when something goes wrong with them does it have to be so complicated and frustrating to figure out and put right! But enough about my computer and onto the real reason for this post – Max and the final scan showing him all finished and ready for approval. Loved drawing this old boy.

Max update

Max
A Work in Progress, stage 3
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Can’t live with it, can’t live without it, is how I feel about my computer this week! Think it’s trying to tell me something’s not right by freezing and crashing all the time but, not being in the least bit technical minded, I don’t know what. Keep hoping it’s just a phase and with lots of TLC all will go back to normal but that’s not happening unfortunately. Finally resorted to only using it when necessary for the time being which has meant I’ve got a lot more things done than usual, including drawing. On the other hand it has also meant my blog post and updates on Max are behind. Almost finished his portrait now – another day should see it done.

Max
A Work in Progress, stage 2
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Normally I would be doing a Dutch Auction update at this point but I don’t have any drawings left with them all, I’m delighted to say, having been sold. Will definitely consider doing another at some later date but in the meantime I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone again for their support and interest in my work. It means a lot to me.

Now to keeping everything crossed that my computer doesn’t crash before publishing this post!

Black Lab

Max
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Currently drawing one of my favourite subjects, a black Lab. Love, love, LOVE Labs! But then if you follow my ramblings on blogger you will already know this. I think Max might be the oldest Lab I’ve had the pleasure of drawing however – he certainly has the most grey hairs.

Inquiring Mind
Coloured Pencil, 23.5cm x 35cm
(With mount: 37.5cm x 48cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie

I only have one drawing left in the Dutch Auction as ‘Focused’ has sold and will soon be making it’s way to the US. That leaves ‘Inquiring Mind’, which strangely enough I thought would be the first to go, as the last one standing. It has dropped in price by another £20 and is now £90. If you would like more details or are interested in purchasing this drawing please email me.