Last portrait for 2010

Tino
10'x8' Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was good to you. I don't have a big family unfortunately (though some people may say that is a good thing:)) so it was a very quiet, but enjoyable, one for us at the Hardie household this year - just me and my kids! Spending time now relaxing and making the most of what's left of the holidays before I throw myself back into drawing and painting - first portrait of 2011 is going to be a painting so looking forward to that. Thinking a lot too about my goals for next year and what I want to achieve but more about those hopefully in my next post.

I have one more portrait to share with you before the year is out as you can see above. I actually finished this one back at the end of November but couldn't show you at the time as it was to be a surprise present for someone - delighted to say they were very happy with it. Vizslas are another breed that I love drawing but I can struggle with their colouring before I'm completely happy - reds are always difficult to get just right with coloured pencils (or is that only me:)) I did take a couple of in-progress scans while working on it...........

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed and supported my work throughout the year and I hope you will continue to enjoy my art here in 2011. Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR - here's hoping it's a prosperous one for us all!

Saluki

Teruh
12'x10' Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Has it really been that long since my last post!?! Top of my goals for 2011, which I will be thinking more about over the Christmas break, has to be better time management and to stop procrastinating so much. In my defence I have had a lot of unnecessary 'things' thrown at me this year, not art related, that has unfortunately (and frustratingly) taken up far to much of my time than I care to think about. As has all this snow we've been having recently - I've had a shovel in my hand more times than I have my pencils I think!

So while I've been a bit quiet here on my blog dealing with 'things', I have been working away at the drawing board when I can and completed a couple of portraits. One is of the Saluki you see at the top of this post, called Teruh. Normally I would have blogged the stages as I worked on it but, as time got the better of me, will show them together here incase they are of interest to anyone.

Farley finished

Farley
12'x10' Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

The portrait of Farley is now finished and has been for over a week but thanks to Blogger having a wobbly I couldn't upload any images at the time. And then of course it slipped my mind later!

I am currently trying out new papers for my coloured pencil drawings as, after years of using Fabriano Artistico hp watercolour paper (and shouting its praises to all who asked), I've decided it is too 'off white' and cream coloured for my liking - I want a paper that is a lot whiter. I probably would have quite happily carried on using the Artistico paper had it not been for my wanting to try Mellotex. Mike Sibley, who needs no introduction and whose work I greatly admire, uses this paper as do more and more pencil artists it seems.

Mellotex did take a bit of getting used to as it was so smooth but what I liked straight away was the whiteness of the paper and the fact that this in turn made getting prints of my drawings so much easier - made my Artistico look yellow in comparison! I encourage any artist who hasn't tried this paper to give it a go - you wont be disappointed. The range of darks you can achieve with this paper is reason alone - lots of lovely blacks:)

Unfortunately it is just too smooth for my coloured pencils hence my search. Farley has been drawn on Fabriano 5 described in Jacksons catalogue as 'a very white paper ideal for botanical work'. Sounded ideal, and still being a hp watercolour paper I knew it would have enough tooth to take all my many layers of pencil. But, for some reason or other, I didn't enjoy working on it and found it hard going. I still got the results I was after only I had to work harder to get them. I'm not an expert on papers but did wonder if the fact it was mould-made using 50% cotton rag as opposed to 100% in the Artistico could make a difference. I'm probably way out and clutching at straws but it is the only difference between the two papers, besides the colour, that I can see and it would be interesting to know. Maybe I got paper from a bad batch, who knows.

I will try it again but for my next portrait, which I'm currently working on, I'm back to the Artistico this time in extra white. No problems to report with this paper so far (still not as white as I'd ideally like but thats being picky) and there are a few more out there I'd like to try. Especially one from a fellow coloured pencil artist that I hadn't come across before and, thanks to him, have small samples of to scribble on and play around with.

I am working hard on my next portrait but unfortunately can't show you how this is progressing (yet) as it is going to be a present for somebody and it could ruin the surprise. I will of course post the stages as soon as I can.

More on Farley

Farley
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Still working away on Farley - was hoping to have him finished over the weekend but had to down tools thanks to the cold of all things. My boiler decided it had had enough and as a result we had no heating or hot water (technically still don't - long story!). To say I was frozen would be an understatement and it really didn't matter how many woolies I threw on as it made no difference. So the majority of the weekend was spent under the duvet trying to stay warm. I do think I'll need to invest in some thicker jumpers (and fingerless gloves so I can still draw) should something like this happen again. Fingers crossed it doesn't.

Farley

A quick post as I have lots to do this afternoon/evening, but wanted to show where I am at with the Rough Collie portrait I'm currently working on. Meet Farley, or at least some of him ........

Farley
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

I could have got a better scan looking at it now on screen but it'll pass - better ones in next post!

Update: Not so good image removed and better one put in its place - feel a lot better now:)

'New' blog!

A Work in Progress
Coloured Pencil on gessoboard
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Couldn't resist playing around with templates in Blogger and give my blog a bit of a make over. I'm happy with this template (for now:)) but may make a few small changes here and there over the next couple of weeks. I know you can add pages for example, and I want to see if I can do this - hopefully it should be simple enough! Staying on the subject of my blog I'd like to draw your attention to the link to my Facebook page (on the sidebar to the right) and encourage anyone interested to follow my work and goings on there too - I tend to update this page slightly more frequently than I do my blog for some reason.

I've made a start on my next portrait, which is of a Rough Collie - not enough to warrant a photo for my blog just yet but those will follow over the next couple of days. I always find the start of a drawing takes the longest time as I find my way around and get to know my subject. I prefer the middle stage when everything seems to 'flow' a lot better.

The image in todays post is my Lab on gessoboard started back in September and currently still a work in progress. I'm still deciding what exactly I want to do with the background and if I should be brave and go for silver leaf in places. Need to give it lots more thought as I'd hate to ruin it at this late stage.

Holly finished

Holly
12'x10' Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Progress on Hollys' portrait has been slow and I had hoped to have her finished last week but, as always seems to be the case lately, life got in the way of that. And I'm still having problems with my computer which didn't help! Now need to play catch up with my next portrait:)

Holly

Working away happily on a commissioned portrait of a Cocker Spaniel by the name of Holly and thought I would show you where I am at with it (looks a bit strange without her nose:)).

Holly
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

It's been a while since I have accepted commissioned work, having taken time out for the majority of the year, but I'm delighted to say that I am now taking orders again from anyone that is interested in having a portrait or looking for an original work of art. Contact details etc, are on my website.

I'm Back!

A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

My computer is now in working order, thankfully, but not without its problems along the way. I won't go into those (all very boring!) but I'm delighted that nothing important was lost and I didn't have to buy a new computer. It's still a work in progress restoring it back to the way it was before it crashed but I'm getting there - well almost! It's now looking more and more likely that I'm going to have to re-do my website with a new web builder programme as, despite searching high and low (for hours), I cannot find my Frontpage software disc anywhere. Very, very frustrating. At least I knew what I was doing in Frontpage!

But enough about my computer and an update of what I've been up to at the drawing board. My 'experiment' drawing using coloured pencils on gessoboard is now finished - will get a scan of this soon to put on my blog. I'm currently contemplating a background for this one as I'm not liking the white of the board left as it is and would like to get silver leaf in there somehow. I can't help thinking it would work with this piece somehow - if done right of course. Need to give this some more thought.

I'm also close to finishing another pencil drawing of a Labrador (a yellow one this time, see above:)) There are a few areas I need to 'tidy-up' here and there before I'll be happy to call it finished. As with a lot of my dog drawings, it was the expression on his face that attracted me to this pose - one of wonderment and curiosity. I can almost feel him trying to work out what it is that has captured his attention - I love it and it's so typical of a Lab. It also makes me smile seeing his face looking out at me every day - will be sad to see this one go!

Next up is a Cocker Spaniel in coloured pencils.

Computer Problems

My computer has annoyingly decided to crash on me so until I know whether it is fixable or not I will be offline for the next few days (possibly more - unless I can separate my daughter from her laptop!). This of course means I can't answer emails, etc, but will reply as soon as I can. Computers! Why do they have to give up on you?!?!

A Lab or two

28cm x38cm, Pencil on Mellotex
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Drawing number 3 (still trying to think of a title for this one) is now finished and can hopefully join Devotion and Patience at an exhibition in aid of Cancer Research here in Edinburgh later in the year. I will give details of this nearer the time for anyone who might be interested in going along.

My painting plans didn’t quite materialise after a disastrous start saw my attempts end up in the bin followed quickly by any enthusiasm I had left for it! Painting isn’t alien to me having done many in the past but it’s been a good few years since I’ve used my brushes and I found the whole experience frustrating. I just need to get used to them again and make paint like me. More patience would help too! I’ve not given up and I am going to go back to them as believe it or not I really do want to paint.

Still in ‘experiment mode’ I thought I would try coloured pencil on gessoboard instead and, after a bad start where I hated everything about the combination, I’m starting to like it. Saying this I’m not sure I’ll attempt another drawing on this surface simply because it doesn’t suit my way of working. I like to build up my values and tones through many layers of pencil and you can’t do that with gessoboard – I can get three, maybe four, layers at most. I also like my detail and couldn’t get as much of it in as I’d like which I thought was a good thing to start with as I’ve often talked about ‘loosening up’ and being less detailed but my hands say different. I guess you draw the way you draw and that is that.

Reflection
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Black Lab No 3

Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Wish my eyes were what they used to be 20 years ago! I’ve been noticing lately just how easy it is to over strain them if I spend too many hours drawing, and I’ve the headaches at the end of the day to prove it.

Not too much more left to do on my latest black Lab and then I’m going to put my pencils away for a while so I can play with paint again. I’ve been promising myself for long enough that I would dust of my brushes and I’m looking forward to it – I even have my first board drawn up ready to go but admit it looks a lot more daunting than a blank sheet of paper somehow.

And for anyone that's interested here are a couple of 'in progress' shots..........

Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Patience

Patience
29cm x 21cm, Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Two down, one to go – drawings that is, for the exhibition I’ve been going on about in previous posts. I’m really enjoying working on this small series of drawings (and soon paintings) but need to get more Lab reference photos to work from I think as I’m running low.

I’m calling this piece ‘Patience’ as it reminds me so much of our dog Zara when she was at puppy classes. She would have to sit about 5 feet away from a very tasty, tantalizing treat that I’d placed on the floor and not touch it until I gave the command. She would have her eyes fixed on me the whole time, quickly checking now and again that her treat hadn’t moved, and willing me to let her get at it. It was hard not to feel a bit nasty when doing this, especially when she started drooling at the mouth and stared at me with those big brown eyes of hers. Really do miss her.

I’ve made a start on my next drawing – another black Lab but a different model. And just as handsome too! Should have progress shots of this to blog over the next few days.

Another Black Lab

Devotion
29cmx23cm, Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

I’ve not had much time to draw lately as I’ve let everything away from the drawing board get on top of me to the point of feeling almost overwhelmed by it all. As a result I’ve been feeling run down and definitely not myself. The good thing about working with pencils is I can pick them up and do bits of drawing here and there when I can and put them down as quickly – no need to worry about clearing away things like paints and cleaning brushes. Only problem with working this way is drawings take even longer to complete! My daughter started back at school yesterday so hopefully I can get myself back into a routine and start working on my ever-increasing ‘to-do’ list.

I finished the black Lab I was working on and started another that I would say I am half way through drawing. I’ve included a couple of progress shots to show the stage I'm at with this one.

Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

It is my intention to enter both drawings (hopefully a third if time permits) to an art exhibition held here annually in November in aid of Cancer Research UK. Which reminds me – must fill in my entry form and get it posted!

Starting something new

Didn’t quite manage to finish the horse drawing as it got to the point where I was having to force myself to work on it and my motivation just wasn’t there. When I start looking for things to do after only 10 or 15 minutes of drawing, it’s best I put whatever I am working on to one side and start something new - this way I don’t end up rushing to finish it and possibly ruining it in the process. Hopefully I can go back to my horse at a later date with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm.

I’ve been thinking for some time now about doing a small series of Labrador drawings and paintings and it was really a case of finding the right reference material before I could make a start. A friend of mine has a gorgeous black lab and I was able to photograph him while visiting recently – not the easiest colour of dog to take photos of but got a few good ones for me to work with and I don’t have to go far should I need more. So now I have my references I can begin!

Thought I’d start with a pencil drawing (no surprise there then:))

A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

There are a couple of exhibitions coming up that I want to enter work into this year so need to start looking into these and filling out the various entry forms. Then of course there is the question of what drawings/paintings to enter so I’d better get organised!

Studio updates

Contemplation
Pencil, 26.5cm x 33cm
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Note to self – I REALLY must stop neglecting my blog! Once again I find myself falling behind with posts and, short of laziness, there’s really no excuse for it.

As you can see from the above photo, my lab is now finished and is currently at the printers as I write, along with Black on White and Seriously!, ready to be made into Limited Edition Prints. After wasting many hours, paper and ink I decided that graphite was just too difficult to scan and print myself and that it was best left to the professionals!

I’m also delighted to say that two of my drawings, Anticipation and Daydreamer, have made it onto a gallery wall and can be seen at the Stockbridge Gallery in Hampshire. The Stockbridge Gallery specialises in dog art and I feel privileged to be amongst some great artists there.

I plan to keep adding to my collection of dog drawings but do want to include other animals along the way. So to start, I’m currently working on a horse that’s not too far from completion now – actually the more I look at it the more I can see that needs doing so it could take a bit longer than I think! I’ve included a couple of progress shots.

Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Labrador

A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

If I were to choose a favourite breed of dog to draw I think the Labrador would come out tops ……. just! There are many breeds I love to portray but I definitely have a huge soft spot for Labs. I’m currently working on a drawing of one who seems to be enjoying a quiet moment to herself, lost in her own world of doggie thoughts. A bit like me at the minute with having so many things in my life to sort out and make decisions on – lots of moments where I am deep in thought, planning what best to do next.

There’s not too much left do on this drawing but enough that I may have to leave it to start something new and go back to it at a later date as I think I need a bit of a change. You can see a couple of progress shots on my Facebook page.

I had a great day out at the Royal Highland Show with my daughter (and camera:)) on Friday and, as always seems to be the case when I go there, have come away inspired – this time to do lots of paintings! I still have a couple of pencil drawings I want to do but I’ll definitely be dusting off my brushes after that.

Boxer finished

Boxer
26cm x 19.5cm, Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

After what seems like forever working on this drawing my Boxer is now finished and I’m really pleased with how he has turned out. As I mentioned in my previous post, I know this Boxer well and the expression captures how I know him best. I’ve yet to think of a title for this piece, often the hardest part, and there are a few ideas floating about my head – just need to decide which fits him best!

Away from the drawing board I have been working on my prints which, let me tell you, has not been easy. Graphite is not only difficult to photograph or scan but a nightmare to print too it seems. Lots of hours, paper, ink, tears, frustration, anger and choice language just to try and get the print to look like the original! It can be done, I know it can, and I wont settle for anything less – I’m a lot further forward thanks to a fellow graphite artist (thank you Nolon) although turns out I need a new scanner. Not really a surprise as it has been something I’ve been looking at getting for a good while now and could explain why my scans are not picking up all my pencil strokes, especially the lighter ones. Just as well my birthdays coming up:)

Boxer

I’ve made a start on another graphite drawing and beginning to wonder if I’ll ever use my coloured pencils again! It feels almost strange doing one pencil drawing after the next having worked almost exclusively with coloured pencil for the past 6 years, but at the same time I like not having to think about colour and instead just concentrate on the tones. I find pencil very relaxing – exactly what I need just now. Picasso had his Blue Period and it looks like I'm having my ‘Graphite Period’:D Just as well really, as I’ve packed my coloured pencils away, amongst other things of course, ready for when my daughter and I move house.

The subject of this drawing is a very handsome boxer called Hugo. I blame him entirely for my love of Boxers and it was thanks to him that we got our own little Boxer, Zara, who sadly no longer lives with us. This is one of those drawings I’ve promised myself I’ll do but never got round to doing! Not much left to do on him now.

A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Focused

'Focused'
25cm x 20cm, Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Summer looks like it has eventually arrived and, as you do, I spent the weekend making the most of the sun and socialising with friends – only problem is I’m now a lovely shade of red and a bit sore so must remember to apply more sun cream in future!

I’m not one to sit patiently at my drawing board when the sun is out unfortunately – I need to be out there enjoying it! This of course means less time drawing but I do spend that time constructively thinking of ways to market my art and about short term and long term goals I need to work towards. As I am currently unable to accept commissions this is the perfect time to research and think about what I want and need to achieve.

Being represented by a gallery was something I intended working towards and thanks to a very good artist friend who pushed me to do something about it that goal is now almost a reality. Not giving too much away until things are finalised, a gallery in England is very interested in my drawings which I’m delighted about. Certainly gives me much needed confidence to approach other galleries in the future.

My latest drawing ‘Focused’ above is of a Weimaraner – I just love drawing this breed so no doubt you will see more appearing in future pieces. There are progress shots of this drawing on my Facebook page for anyone that is interested.

Curiosity

'Curiosity'
24.5cm x 19cm, Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

I’m running a bit behind with updating my blog lately and seem to put everything art related on my Facebook page much quicker – probably has something to do with the fact I’m on Facebook all the time! I will need to try and keep on top of it in future though.

The Weim I was working on a couple of weeks ago is now finished, titled and ready for the framers where I will choose a mount for it.

I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to what colour of mount looks best with graphite, especially now with all the pencil drawings I’ve been doing. In the past I’ve always gone with a dark ‘ash’ or ‘coal’ grey and was very happy with this choice until another graphite artist, whose work I admire a great deal, says this ‘kills’ the drawing and that I should be using white or cream. I’ve tried this and personally think that because I have a plain white background to my drawings it is too much white and the drawing is lost. Even light grey doesn’t seem right somehow – looks ‘washed out’. I’ll maybe try double mounting this time with various greys and whites but can’t help thinking I’ll stay with my old favourites. Would love to know if you have any thoughts on this.

Another Weim

I do love Weimaraners and they certainly seem to be appearing in my drawings a lot lately. I’d have one if I could but also want a lab, boxer and cocker spaniel and unfortunately I just don’t have the room (or money:)) so I’ll need to be satisfied with just drawing them for the time being. I had to draw this one as soon as I saw the reference photo as I loved his expression and the intense look in his eyes – would love to know what it was that caught his attention.

A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Not too much left to do now and then it's onto .............another Weim!

Cocker Spaniel in pencil

18cmx28cm,Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010
(My thanks to Nicola McClure for the reference photo used for this drawing)

And he’s finished. Still thinking of a suitable title and need to give this some more thought over the coming week – the hardest part of any drawing I often think!

Not quite sure what I’m going to attempt next …….. I'm thinking another Weim. I have a couple of references of this dog that I like so just need to choose which to do first.

Cocker in progress

I’m really enjoying working with pencil just now so decided to stay with it for my next drawing. Not only that but my subject is the gorgeous Rodaidh who you will be familiar with from my previous post. I wanted the focal point of this drawing to be his face with everything else not being quite as detailed. Not sure if I’m achieving this exactly though or if my hand knows how to do this - before I know it the detail is in. Loosening off now that I’ve made a start on his body – it’s funny because I find I have to think a lot more when trying to achieve less.

I've taken a few progress shots along the way which you may (or may not) find interesting.

A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Changes

'Anticipation'
Approx. 23cmx19cm, Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Still here – just! Things haven’t settled down as I’d hoped and, quite simply, life in general is a bit chaotic away from the drawing board not giving me much time to draw – lots of things thrown at me that I need to deal with unfortunately. As a result I am unable to accept commissioned work at this time and can't actually say whether or not this will be an option open to me in the future and I guess only time will tell.

I’m not giving up on my art altogether however, and instead I’m going to use this time (or at least what I have) concentrating on my own drawings and paintings and putting together a portfolio of work. It’s something I’ve been promising myself for long enough and I do need to do. What direction I want, and can, go with my art is still at a very early ‘not sure’ stage – I need to wait until things have settled down in my life and I have a clear head to make decisions with.

I needed something relaxing to work on, and of course the perfect subject, so chose to do a pencil drawing of a beautiful Cocker Spaniel called Rodaidh. The beauty of pencils is you can pick them up where you left off without any hassle and I do love to scribble away with my pencils – perfect combination! Rodaidh is not long finished and has now passed the ‘tweaking’ stage so is ready to be mounted and framed. I’m calling this drawing ‘Anticipation’ (thank you to fellow artist Karl Connolly for this suggestion).

My thanks to Nicola McClure for the reference photo.

Weim

'Weim'
Pencil, 25x22cm
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

I have been here, there and everywhere recently, both physically and emotionally. Keeping fingers crossed that things will settle down now and I can concentrate more on my art. I started by finishing my 5’x5’ entry to the Canine Art Guild members show and got it in just in time. I’m looking forward to seeing all the entries when they go online which I believe will be 1st April.

I also finished my pencil Weim drawing (above) and I’m so glad I have as I can now move onto something new without feeling guilty about it lying there half finished – I’m funny that way:) I will now sit on this over the next few days to see if anything needs changed or tweaked and if I can come up with a suitable title for it.

Not quite sure what I’m going to be doing next – really want to do some painting but somehow I think my pencils will win………..again!

Ruby

'Ruby'
8'x6' Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Photoshop frustrates me, always has – not being able to understand or master what it can do gets to me from time to time. Like today while trying to correct a terrible scan of the now finished Ruby. Can Photoshop even do that, correct something that wasn’t there to begin with - like add the missing pencil strokes the scanner hasn’t picked up or tone down areas the scanner has chosen to brighten and highlight (like the yellows in this case!). Maybe I’m being too fussy and things like this just bring out the perfectionist in me but I’m really happy with this drawing and only wish you could see what I see.

Off now to see if I can find something to draw in time for the Canine Art Guild Members show.

Another Lab

Its been a busy but non eventful week with one thing or another resulting in very little drawing time. Also spent too much time procrastinating if I’m being honest.

I made a start on Ruby, another yellow lab but much lighter in colour than Sandy, and was able to spend the majority of today with pencils in hand bringing her nearer to completion. I’ve tried to get a good scan of the progress shots but it just wasn’t happening unfortunately – a problem I have with all light coloured dogs it seems.

'Ruby'
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Like I said, not the best scan but hopefully there's enough there to give you an idea of what she looks like.

Sandy

Sandy
8'x6' Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2010

Sandy is now finished awaiting approval. I think my main problem with working this size (apart from my pencils needing to be that bit sharper:)) was getting used to it looking so small compared to other drawings I have sitting around – my Weim for one, his head is huge in comparison.

Saying this, it’s still a good portrait size and I’ve found I actually like working smaller. Just as well really as I’m now planning my entry to the Canine Art Guild members show where works are to be 5’x5’.