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:)