Merry Christmas

Rhu
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Rab and Rhu
12"x16" Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Both Rab and Rhu are finished which means my pencils can now be put away over the Christmas holidays. I’ve not got anything special planned so it will be a quiet one for me this year, most likely spent watching too much TV and eating lots of chocolate. Whatever I do I hope it’ll be a time to relax, although I’m not sure that’s entirely possible living with a teenage, hormonal daughter:)

It’s not been a good year for me as regular readers of my blog will know but I’ve had some amazing support from people both here on my blog and through personal emails which I want you to know gave me much needed strength and confidence when I needed it. I’ve appreciated each and every comment/email – every one encouraged me to keep going through what I wont deny has been a very difficult and emotional period of my life - so a huge, warm, heartfelt THANK YOU to you all.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all who follow and read my blog a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Here’s to 2010.

More Cocker Spaniels

'Rab'
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

It’s snowing outside, Christmas songs are playing continuously on the radio as I work, presents are all wrapped and under the tree, plenty of mince pies are being consumed but I’m struggling to get into the festive spirit – it just isn’t happening this year. I normally love Christmas too.

I’m still working away on the Cocker Spaniel portrait and need to get this finished before Christmas. As you can see, Rab is now finished and I’ve made a start on Rhu.

'Rhu'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

And how they are looking together so far .......

'Rab and Rhu'
Copyright Laura hardie 2009

Spaniel update

'Rab'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Just popping in briefly with an update to show that Rab now has both ears and the beginnings of his neck area. Nearly there. Providing I don’t spend too long Christmas shopping, he should be finished tomorrow.

Back to colour

'Rab'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Another Cocker Spaniel and this time he is one of a pair I am working on. I don’t think I’ve come across a breed of dog that has such variations in coat colour and markings – I’m assuming, after doing a bit of research, Rab is an orange roan but please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

Weimaraner

'Weim'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

I had a bit of a break last week (well from the drawing board at least hence my lack of posts) even though I had every intention of working on my next Cocker Spaniel. I should maybe point out that it wasn’t laziness on my part but down to the fact that I don’t as yet have a reference photo to work from. It wasn’t a problem though as there are always things to keep me busy and it gave me a chance to catch up on a lot of chores that needed doing.

I did find time to pick up my pencils and make a start on one of the Weimaraners I’ve been promising to do for long enough. I just loved the expression on his face – so full of attitude and mischief – and hope that I’ve captured that. It was certainly my aim. Still a long way to go with this drawing and I’ll be working on it between commissions so it might be a while before you see it finished.

I’ve also become one of the millions who are now on Facebook and I invite you to join me there and become a Friend (link is on sidebar). Only problem is I’m spending way too long on there now but what a great way to meet new people and other artists and see their artwork. If I take longer to finish a piece I’ll definitely be blaming Facebook:)

Woofie

Woofie
10x8 Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Finished. Neck area is now complete, and it has gone through the usual scrutinization process over the weekend to see if anything needs added, removed, lightened, darkened or tweaked a bit here and there. He is now awaiting approval and then I can add the final touch – my signature.

This weekend also saw me (at long last) adding PayPal buttons to my website which didn’t turn out to be as harrowing as I thought it would be. Actually it was all very straightforward – too straightforward if I’m being honest, which now makes me question if I’ve done it right and if they're actually going to work. If only Photoshop were as easy. Anyway, with my buttons added I now have my ‘Shop’ up and running. Here you can purchase limited edition prints, prints of your portrait, original artwork and eventually greetings cards. It is still a work in progress as I will be adding to it over the coming weeks but it’s a start and you have to start somewhere as they say.

Something else I have added to my website that may well go unnoticed if I don’t point it out, is a new portrait size. I have decided to go smaller and introduced an 8”x6”. It will be interesting to see how this goes and if it actually turns out to be a popular size.

Cocker Spaniel update

Woofie
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Made some more progress on the ears and, other than the odd touch-up here and there, would say they are finished. It never ceases to amaze me just how time consuming drawing all those curls can actually be but I do admit to a feeling of great satisfaction when they are finally done:)

Not much more to do now – just the neck area, which I’ll hopefully finish tomorrow.

Cocker Spaniel

Back in May of this year I, along with a few other artists, donated a portrait as a prize in a raffle run by Cockers Online who were running a charity fundraiser to benefit the Oldies Club. Very briefly the Oldies Club look after elderly dogs and help to find new homes for them so that they can see out their days in a loving environment. The winner of my raffle was Woofie whose portrait I have made a start on this week.

Woofie
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Woofie is actually the first in a run of four Cocker Spaniels I have to do (two single and one double portrait) which means lots of curly ears in store for me. I spent today working on Woofies ears and as you can see I managed to finish one and make a start on the other – only eight and a half to go (not that I’m counting:))

Twiggy

Twiggy
10x8 Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Twiggy is now finished and, if I can say so myself, I’m really pleased with how she turned out. This is one of those times when the drawing looks much better than the scan unfortunately, but then I’ve always found graphite drawings difficult to scan or photograph (as many of you will know:))

Although somewhat unorganised, I’ve been spending more and more time at my drawing board recently which I’m glad to report, and I’m feeling a lot more motivated with loads of ideas running through my head - both on the creative and marketing side. Lets hope they materialise and I don’t spend all my time procrastinating. The weekend has also seen me doing some much needed updates to my website – nothing major, still the same layout etc, but I want to get my ‘shop’ area up and running so have been working on this. Providing I don’t have any problems with adding PayPal buttons, which I very much doubt knowing my past history with technology, I’d like to say I should have this finished by the end of next week. Wish me luck:)

Puppy in pencil

I’ve been working on Twiggy, a Great Dane puppy, for the past couple of days and I’m happy with the progress I have made so far. I say this because I seem to be so unorganised lately that half the time I don’t know whether I’m coming or going.

Twiggy
Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Twiggy is only a few months old in this photo looking extremely cute and adorable don’t you think? I have seen slightly more recent photos of her and what a difference in size – mind you she is a Great Dane and has a lot of growing to do.

Harry finished

Harry
12x10 Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Thanks to one thing or another Harry’s taken longer than I originally planned but I’m pleased to say that he is now finished and awaiting approval.

Next up on the drawing board is an adorable Great Dane puppy. I’ll more than likely spend all my time fighting urges to get a puppy myself while I work on this portrait – I know my daughter would be delighted if I succumbed.

Harry

Back to my colour pencils though not a lot of colours to be seen in my next portrait – lots of greys and black are the main ones being used here.

'Harry'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Something quick(ish)

'The Look'
8x8 inches, Pencil on paper
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Another graphite drawing except this time I set myself a challenge – to complete it in 4 hours or less. I can easily spend up to 6 times longer than this normally on a drawing (coloured pencil even longer) but I wanted this one to be more of a sketch. This meant of course leaving out a lot of the detail that I love putting in and, as it turned out, couldn’t completely leave out. It’s almost as if my hand has a mind of it’s own:)

I wouldn’t call the finished portrait a sketch as such although it is much ‘looser’ (for want of a better word) than I would normally do – maybe a ‘refined sketch’? I failed to complete it within the time I set myself and took 5 hours 15 minutes instead – oh well, there’s always the next one and there will be more.

Prints

'Black on White'

Pencil on Fabriano paper

Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Things are really busy, both behind and away from the drawing board, which is probably a good thing for me just now – less time to dwell on personal issues. Something I’m slowly working my way through (and organising) is my huge ‘to do’ list. One of the things on this list was to finish my pencil lab, which I did over the weekend and I’m really pleased with how he turned out – even more pleased to score something off as done:)

Another thing, which has been on my list for what seems forever, is to start doing prints of my work. Regular readers of my blog will be well aware of this and will have read about the (many) problems I’ve experienced along the way. But, I’m delighted to say, that all is now good and ‘Black on White’ can now be purchased as a Limited Edition print. The first of many if all goes to plan.

It comes in two sizes – small (225mmx174mm) and medium (280mmx205mm). Printed on specialist fine art paper with archival quality inks for long lasting quality, each print is hand signed by me and comes mounted ready for framing. Further details will be shown on my website as soon as I find the time to update it but should anyone be interested in enquiring about a print in the meantime please feel free to contact me via email.

Staying on the subject of prints I am also offering a print service to my customers (past and present) who wish to have one or more prints made of their portrait to give to friends or family. I’ve made prints from a few of my past portraits and have to say I’ve been really pleased with the quality and detail. Again, details will be put on my website but I can be contacted via email in the interim until this is done.

Finished

Bruno
10x8 Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Bruno is now finished and has been for a couple of days but worryingly I’ve been experiencing problems with my computer so couldn’t post earlier. I hate it when things start to go wrong with my computer and I don’t know the reasons why as I always think it’s just a matter of time before it crashes on me. It’s a new(ish) computer too so wouldn’t have thought things could go wrong so soon – I’m keeping everything crossed it’s just a technical glitch.

Portrait update

Bruno
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Just popping in briefly to give you a quick update on how Bruno is progressing. I’m pleased to say that he now has both ears in and that they are more or less complete – all those curls have been time consuming to say the least.

Off now to work on his neck area – I love picking out all the colours that can be seen in white fur.

Start of a new portrait

Back to colour and a nice, small dog to start with to get me back into drawing with my pencils again. It feels like an eternity since I last put pencil to paper and I’m pleased to say the enjoyment, at least, is definitely still there. My motivation is not the same but then that is to be expected under the circumstances (she says trying to convince herself) and I’m confident this will return when it’s ready. Hopefully along with my ‘artistic inspiration’.

'Bruno'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Moving on

'Black on White'
A Work in Progress

I should really start by offering my sincere apologies to all who follow or read my blog for the long delay between posts – thank you to those who have emailed concerned at my whereabouts, it’s nice to know I’ve been missed. I’d only intended taking a couple of weeks break, which to start with were fine, but just when I was preparing to throw myself back into my portraits life got in the way – and sadly none of it good.

Unfortunately I am not a strong person and someone who I loved and trusted for many years literally took it upon himself to destroy life as I knew it and while he was at it crushed what little confidence I had left. Trying to cope and make sense of his hate, all of it completely undeserved, has been a feat in itself and so hard to deal with that unfortunately my art (amongst other things) has suffered in the process. But, as the saying goes, life must go on and I do have commissions sitting waiting for me to complete. At this point I’d like to say a huge thank you to my customers who have been very patient, supportive and understanding at this time - it is much appreciated.

Things will take time to recover and I have to accept that fact and as a result I wont be working on my commissions as much as I’d like for the foreseeable future. Posts may therefore be a bit sporadic over the coming weeks/months but I do hope you stay with me as I’m not giving up on my art and will definitely be continuing with my blog.

During my summer break I did make a start on the above pencil drawing of a black Lab and actually don’t have much more left to do on him – his left leg needs finishing and various touch ups here and there should see him done. I love working with graphite pencils and should really do more with them – I actually have a reference of a Weimaraner that is screaming to be done in pencil so watch this space. First though I have a gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Bruno to do in coloured pencils and he is on my drawing board as I write, slowly coming to life. All going well I should have some progress shots to show in the next couple of days.

Golden Retrievers finished

Cody
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

After my usual tweaking of bits here and there and adding the final touches I’m now happy to call Cody finished. It’s been a while in the making but hopefully, after seeing both dogs together in the completed portrait, the wait has been worth it for their owner.

Gypsy and Cody
16x12 Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

I’m taking time out from the drawing board for the next couple of weeks and giving my pencils a rest, as it is my ‘holidays’. Sadly I’m not going somewhere hot and exotic, or anywhere nice for that matter, just simply taking a break – we all need one now and then as I'm sure you'll agree. Not sure if I can call it a proper break though as I’m hoping to spend some time on the business side of things like marketing and updating my website – the kind of things that need doing but are always pushed to one side. I will of course be doing them at a leisurely pace, as it is my holidays after all.

More on the Golden Retrievers

A quick post to let you know that despite all the disruption I've had over the past two weeks I am still here busily working away on Cody, the second of my Golden Retrievers. And just to prove it here are a couple of progress shots.

Cody
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Getting there slowly but surely - another couple of days should see him finished.

Golden Retriever update

Gypsy
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

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My lack of posts lately will tell you that I’m still not finding the time I’d like just now to work on the Retrievers but I have been picking up my pencils whenever I can - one of the big advantages of working with coloured pencils. Gypsy is now finished, or at least she is for now as I may well tweak bits here and there at the end.

Before I start a portrait I like to sit down with my reference photo, colour charts and pencils to pick out what I call my ‘basic palette’. This is quite simply the colours that I see in the fur and think would work. I always end up adding to this with more pencils as I work on the portrait and can easily end up with triple the amount I started out with. As a few people have asked me what colours I have used for Gypsy I thought I would show you the chart I have sitting on my drawing board next to my portrait (tidied up especially for my blog as it’s not normally so neat). This shows the colours I chose at the beginning and had next to me when I began the portrait. You should be able to click on the image to see it more clearly.

As I said earlier, I always end up adding pencils as I work my way through the portrait and it was no different with Gypsy. Other pencils I used were Putty Beige (Prismacolor); Bistre Bistre and Terracotta (FC Polychromos); Bistre, Taupe, Bronze, Ivory, Golden Brown, Vandyke Brown (Derwent Artist); French Grey 10% and 30% (Luminance). A limited palette really when I consider the amount of pencils I can sometimes end up with.

Start of a new portrait

It’s turning out to be a busy week for me away from the drawing board so I’m not getting to spend as much time as I would like, or should I say need to on my next commission. It didn’t help that I struggled for some reason to get going with this portrait and spent a lot of time going back over areas I was unhappy with. I’m never completely happy with the very early stages of a portrait anyway as it goes through the ‘ugly’ stage - I often have to remind myself that it will improve and turn out the way I want. With this one I felt I needed a lot of reminding.

Thankfully, it’s passed this stage now and I feel a lot happier with how it’s progressing – at least I’m not continually going back over areas now:)

Here are the first stages of Gypsy, a gorgeous Golden Retriever. She is the first in what will eventually be a double portrait.

Gypsy
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Collies finished

Tetley
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

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It’s been four weeks in the making but with Tetley now finished and part of the group, the portrait is finally completed. It will remain on my drawing board over the weekend for me to look at and check for any ‘touch-ups’ that I think it might need. Then it’ll be a trip to my framers for the mount – I’m thinking ‘coal grey’ to compliment the dogs colouring but we’ll see.

Barney, Sam, Spike and Tetley
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

I have a few days left before I need to make a start on my next commission and for a bit of a change I’d thought about dusting off my paintbrushes to start a painting – what of though, I’ve yet to decide. But then again I’ve wanted to do a pencil drawing of my son for ages now so might make a start on that. Of course if the weather turns out to be nice there is the option there to take advantage of it. Decisions, decisions.

Nearly there

Meet Tetley, the last Collie in the line up. Over the last few days he has been slowly emerging from the paper and is now nearing completion – not too much more to do on him overall. All going well the next couple of days should see this portrait finished.

Tetley
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie

Another addition to the group portrait

It’s been over three weeks now that I’ve been working away on nothing but the Collies and when you spend that amount of time on a portrait you can’t help but get attached to it – at least I can’t. It will be strange not seeing them sitting there on my drawing board looking out at me every day and I will honestly be sad to see this one go.

Spike is now finished and joins the group.

Spike
Copyright Laura Hardie

Barney, Sam and Spike
Copyright Laura Hardie

Next up, and last of the four, is Tetley.

More Collies

Moving on now to Spike, the only black tri-coloured collie in the group. He adds a nice splash of colour to the portrait I think.

Spike
A Work in Progress

Second Collie finished

Sam
Copyright Laura Hardie

Two down, two to go. I’m not completely happy with the scan of Sam as it hasn’t picked up a lot of the lighter pencil marks in his neck area making it look ‘bleached out’ in places – the original looks better, trust me:)

And how Barney and Sam look together in the portrait so far.

Barney and Sam
Copyright Laura Hardie

More on the Border Collies

I’m still working away on the Collie portrait and so far it looks like I’m managing to only complete one a week. With four Collies in the group, this portrait should in effect take a couple more weeks to finish although I’m secretly hoping to have it done before then.

Sam was next in line for his portrait. Being very similar in colouring to Barney I was able to more or less use the same pencils which saved me some time at the start – I spend a lot of time before I start a portrait choosing the right colours and then proceed to add lots more as it progresses.

Tomorrow should see him finished and then it's onto Spike.

Sam
A Work in Progress

First Collie finished

Barney
Copyright Laura Hardie 2009

Haven’t the last four days been wonderful. It is very rarely we get weather like this – sunshine and blue skies from dawn to dusk – that I had to make the most of it. It could after all be our quota for the year, although if those at the met office are to be believed, we can expect a lot more throughout the summer months – lovely:)

I did manage to get Barney finished before my mini break from the drawing board which I’m pleased about. I’ve now made a start on Sam and should blog some progress shots within the next few days.

Making a start on the Collies

Next up on my drawing board is a group portrait of four Border Collies. The overall portrait will be 20x16 inches and in order to fit all four dogs into the agreed composition, which is based on a photo taken with them all in the back of a truck, each dog has to be slightly smaller than I am used to drawing. This is bearing in mind that the smallest sized portrait I do is 10x8 inches. It just means I need to keep my pencils that bit sharper to get all the fine details in.

First up, working left to right, is Barney. And the progress shots so far.

Barney
A Work in Progress