Animal Art Adventures

Another (adorable) Labrador!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:28:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:54:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:17:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:47:00 +0000

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.

The last two!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Inquiring Mind
Coloured Pencil, 23.5cm x 35cm
(With mount: 37.5cm x 48cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Have been looking back over previous posts to see when I started the Dutch Auction and couldn’t believe it was back in May – where does the time go! I started with six drawings and almost five months later, four have gone to good homes and we’re now down to the last two. So if you’ve been following, and are interested, this could be your last chance to get an original drawing at a great price. ‘Focused’ is now down to £100 and ‘Inquiring Mind’, £110. Both drawings are double-mounted ready to frame. If you would like more details on either drawing or are interested in purchasing then please email me.

Focused
Pencil, 25.5cm x 20.5cm
(With mount: 39.5cm x 33.5cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:13:00 +0000

Flea
Coloured Pencil, 10.5"x8"
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Just popping in quickly with the final scan of Flea, who is now finished and awaiting approval. Coloured pencils are staying out as next up on the drawing board ready to be worked on is a lovely black Lab – I predict a challenge with this one!

Flea

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:12:00 +0000

Flea
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Still working away on Flea and hope to have her finished over the next few days. I have another couple of portraits to do after this and then I am not entirely sure where my life will take me artistically after that. Without going into detail, I have had to change things in my life and there is a lot I will need to consider and think about in the coming months, especially with my art. I therefore won’t be accepting any more commissions until October/November 2012 and thought I should really mention this now on my blog as I’ve been getting a number of enquiries. My website will be updated too as soon as I can sort out a publishing problem I’m having with it. Feel quite emotional after that!

Flea
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Running behind again with Dutch Auction news, sorry, but hopefully you will know how it works despite my failure to keep you updated on time. There are three drawings left, all at greatly reduced prices and with a further £20 off this week - they are ‘Focused’ (£120), ‘Inquiring Mind’ (£130) and ‘Eye Contact’ (£65). This is the last chance you will get to purchase ‘Eye Contact’ (below) at this price as next week it will be removed from the auction and remain on my website at the original price of £225.

Eye Contact
Coloured Pencil, 27cm x 19.5cm
(With mount: 41cm x 32.5cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Jack Russell Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:37:00 +0000

Flea
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Have made a start on a new coloured pencil portrait of a very lively, so I’m told, Jack Russell Terrier. So lively that she wouldn’t stay still long enough to be photographed and ended up having to be held in the end. Even so I think the resulting photo is full of character and hope I can portray this in the finished portrait. Love her name too, Flea – seems just perfect for her somehow.

Moving onto the Dutch Auction - there are currently three drawings still available for purchase and they are ‘Focused’, now down to £140; ‘Eye Contact’, down to £85 and ‘Inquiring Mind’ at £150. As always, if you would like details or are interested in any of the above please email me.

Pointer

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:43:00 +0000

Pointer
Coloured Pencil, 38cm x 28cm
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

It has taken me a lot longer than I thought it would to do but I’m pleased to say the Pointer is now finished and I don’t even feel the need to tweak bits here and there – and I have looked! All going well she will be making her way to the US by the end of the week. Another drawing I will be sad to see go but really happy to have had the opportunity to do.

Quick auction update now. If you have been following this you will know that prices have dropped another £20 on all drawings. ‘Focused’ is now £160; ‘Eye Contact’, £105; ‘Inquiring Mind’, £170 and ‘Morgan’, £70. This is the last chance you will get to purchase ‘Morgan’ (below) at this price as next week it will be removed from the auction and remain on my website at the original price of £250. A reminder of the other drawings available and which is which can be seen here.

Morgan
Coloured Pencil, 32cm x 18.5cm
(With mount: 46cm x 31.5cm)

Pointer update

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Pointer, Stage 4
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Making slow progress on the Pointer but I am getting there and not panicking (yet) about getting it finished in time. It’s very much been a portrait where I have jumped around doing bits here and there, going back and forth over various areas building them up but not quite finishing them and continually moving around the drawing in this way. This is typical of the way I work and more often than not will do a drawing this way rather than finish one area to completion before moving onto the next (though I am known to do this also dependant on how I feel at the time). So why tell you this? I’ve had a few people ask if I can explain my process and while I’m more than happy to do this I’m left questioning if I have a process or method as such and have therefore been giving it a lot of thought while working on the Pointer, trying to think how I can break what I do down. There would certainly be a lot of stages:) Even if I can include more in-progress shots and let you know what has been done, colours used, etc. It has been duly noted anyway.

Pointer, Stage 3
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Auction news now with it being Monday. Prices on all available drawings have been dropped by another £20 which means 'Focused' is now £180, 'Eye Contact', £125, 'Morgan', £90 and 'Inquiring Mind', £190. If you would like details on any of these drawings please drop me an email.

German Shorthair Pointer

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:38:00 +0000

German Shorthair Pointer, Stage 2
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Still playing catch-up, so apologies for the late post. Going to jump straight in with Dutch Auction news to start with – ‘Intrigue’, I’m delighted to say, has been sold and is therefore no longer available leaving ‘Focused’ (£200), ‘Eye Contact’ (£145), ‘Morgan’ (£110) and ‘Inquiring Mind’ (£210) up for the taking. Prices have dropped another £20 and I know there are a few interests and people following so don’t leave it too late and perhaps lose out if interested in a piece.

Drawing board news now (very quickly) and a couple of in-progress images of what I’m currently working on. It’s a coloured pencil drawing of a gorgeous German Shorthair Pointer with lots still left to do. Busy, busy, busy:)

German Shorthair Pointer, Stage 1
A Work in Progress
Copyright Laura Hardie

Just quickly ......

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:12:00 +0000

Intrigue
Pencil, 25.5cm x 21.5cm
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Monday again! I had hoped to have some in-progress shots of the drawing I’m currently working on to show today but it’s still in the early stages. Time hasn’t been on my side unfortunately so not as much drawing getting done as I’d like. Going to lock myself away for the rest of the week to catch up.

Drawings in the Dutch Auction have dropped another £20 today which means Intrigue (above) is down to £190; ‘Focused’, £220; ‘Eye Contact’, £165; ‘Morgan’, £130 and ‘Inquiring Mind’, £230. You can see all drawings and how the auction works here.

Dutch Auction Update

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:38:00 +0000

Eye Contact
Coloured Pencil
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Is it just me or are the weeks getting shorter. Either that or I’m getting worse at managing my time effectively as I always seem to be playing catch-up with everything lately - like doing this blog post which should have been done yesterday! It’s just a very quick post too so I can bring you up to date with the Dutch Auction – prices on all drawings have dropped another £20 with ‘Eye Contact’ (above) now £185; ‘Focused’, £240; ‘Intrigue’, £210; ‘Morgan’, £150 and ‘Inquiring Mind’, £250. If you are interested in any of the drawings in the auction and would like more information please feel free to drop me an email.

It's Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Focused
Pencil, 25.5cm x 20.5cm
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

I don’t have a new drawing, in progress or finished, to share today although I am working on one of a German Shorthaired Pointer in coloured pencil. I felt I should have something to show though as my post feels naked without an image so I’ve put one of the drawings currently in the Dutch Auction up – it being the reason for this post after all.

Monday means prices on all drawings have dropped £20 and ‘Focused’ (above) is now £260. ‘Intrigue’ is down to £230, ‘Eye Contact’, £205, ‘Morgan’, £170, and ‘Inquiring Mind’, £270. To see these drawings again just scroll down slightly to my earlier post.

Dutch Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:10:00 +0000

Ok, back to the Dutch Auction and the ‘bit of news’ I mentioned a couple of posts back. I’ve decided to change things slightly and have a multiple auction where everything in my spring clear-out is up at once rather than doing it one drawing at a time as I have been up to now. How the Auction works other than this will stay the same as before.

All art works are signed, original pencil or coloured pencil drawings (by myself of course:)) that I won’t be using for upcoming Exhibitions or competitions and therefore thought I would offer them by way of a Dutch Auction. There is nothing wrong with them and they are not damaged in any way, and nor do I dislike them, I’m simply making room for new work while giving anyone who likes my work the chance to buy it at a greatly reduced price. Drawings also come double mounted/matted ready for framing.

So that just leaves the drawings themselves. ‘Morgan’ has been in the Auction for a few weeks now and as of Monday this week is down to £190. Joining him is………

Intrigue
Pencil, 25.5cm x 21.5cm
(With mount: 39.5cm x 34.5cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011
Starting price: £250

Focused
Pencil, 25.5cm x 20.5cm
(With mount: 39.5cm x 33.5cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011
Starting price: £280

Eye Contact
Coloured Pencil, 27cm x 19.5cm
(With mount: 41cm x 32.5cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011
Starting price: £225

Inquiring Mind
Coloured Pencil, 23.5cm x 35cm
(With mount: 37.5cm x 48cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011
Starting price: £290

Should you be interested in any of the above and would like more information please drop me an email.

Stuart

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:13:00 +0000

Stuart
8"x10", Pencil on Fabriano Artistico Paper
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

Drawing time has been compromised slightly thanks to T in the Park – well the run up to it at least. A lot of running around with daughter to get last minute essentials and now looking forward to them all coming back, including child, caked in mud! She enjoys herself so that’s what counts and I will be reminding myself of this when I’m knee deep in muddy clothes and chiselling off caked mud from her wellies.

Stuart is officially finished - he has been approved so no changes to be made and I’ve refrained from tweaking. It’s now back to colour with a coloured pencil portrait and painting to do next.

Stuart

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:59:00 +0000

Had a few problems with Blogger and trying to post last week so couldn’t show you the in-progress shots of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier I am currently working on. Not to worry though, I’ll put the three I have taken up today and it just means there is more to look at (hoping that’s a good thing:)) There is still a couple of days work left to do on this one provided I can stop tweaking which, incidentally, I’m terrible for doing.

I have a bit of news for the Dutch Auction which I am currently running and will do a separate post on that but for now I can’t forget ‘Morgan’ which, as of today, is down to £210!

Checking in......

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:57:00 +0000

And catching up!! Have started work on a pencil drawing of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier but it’s still very much in the early stages despite my good intentions of aiming to have it half finished by today. What started out as being a couple of ‘busy’ days away from the drawing board turned into more and simply means I’ll need to work that bit harder next week – still remain positive that I’ll have it finished in time so not panicking yet. Should definitely have some in-progress shots to show early next week.

One of my busy days was spent at the Royal Highland Show, which I always try and go to each year mainly because it’s now tradition but it’s also a great, if somewhat expensive, day out. I like to call it a mixture of work and pleasure and one year I hope to, no, will have my own stall there. I always go laden with my camera (the work part) looking for suitable reference photos of the animals on show for later use in my drawings. This year they (as in officials) made it difficult as for some reason lots of areas were cordoned off to the public unless you had a white wrist band – not sure how I go about getting one but have made a note to self to find out! So lots of zooming in with my camera was needed and only highlighted the fact that I want/need a better lens. I did manage to get a few good photos of Clydesdale horses that I really liked and can definitely see me using in the future but can’t help thinking how many more I could have had if I had a new lens……... obviously:)

'Morgan'
Coloured Pencil, 32cm x 18.5cm
(With mount: 46cm x 31.5cm)
Copyright Laura Hardie 2011

As of last Monday there is a new drawing up for offer in the Dutch Auction with ‘Curiosity’ now sold and currently on its way to the US. It’s a coloured pencil drawing this time of a Morgan horse titled, believe it or not, ‘Morgan’. Drawn on Fabriano Artistico paper the image size is 32cm x 18.5cm and with mount (it comes double mounted/matted) the overall size is 46cm x 31.5cm. Regular readers of my blog will know by now how the Auction works but for anyone new and for those who can’t quite remember it basically works as follows ……

1. One drawing at a time will be auctioned here on my blog.
2. Every Monday the price will drop by £20 until it is either sold or reaches a predetermined and undisclosed reserve price and taken out of the auction.
3. Purchases will be made on a first-come-first-serve basis. Notifications should be made by way of email (see my contact details on sidebar).
4. Payments are accepted by credit/debit card via PayPal or cheque (UK bank accounts only).
5. Postage is an additional cost and will be determined by your location.

The starting price for ‘Morgan’ was £250 and as I’m going to be too busy drawing tomorrow to find the time to do anything else, including blogging, will drop the price by £20 a day early to £230.

Stella

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:10:00 +0000

And she’s finished! Now just needs to be approved and she can be on the way to her new home. Always feel a bit sad when a drawing goes as I get used to whoever I’m working on looking out at me from the drawing board every day – will have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier followed by a Jack Russell Terrier to do that soon.

With it being Monday I can’t forget the Dutch Auction of ‘Curiosity’ which is now in it’s seventh week already. Where has the time gone! As of today the price has dropped by another £20 down to £80. This really is a great chance to take advantage of my ‘spring clearout’ and get an original, signed pencil drawing at such a low price. It won’t be up for auction much longer and, if it doesn’t sell, will be taken out and will only be available to purchase from my website at the original cost. So if you've perhaps been wondering 'should I, shouldn't I' for the past few weeks take advantage now before it's too late.

I’d like to finish this post by welcoming all the new followers to my blog as I noticed I now have 900! I honestly didn’t believe I’d get anywhere near half that when I started blogging and I'm delighted you like my work enough to come back and see what I’m up to next. A very happy artist indeed:)

Stella update

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 11:34:00 +0000

Working my way slowly across Stella’s body and you can now see the star-like marking on her chest. Next update should see her finished.

Stella

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:36:00 +0000

Have been busily working away on this drawing as it needs to be finished, approved, mounted and posted by Thursday of next week at the latest. My lovely model is Stella, a Lab/Boxer cross, and she got her name because of the white star-like marking on her chest. Not sure if you can make it out at this stage of the drawing but it is there and should be more clear in the next update.

I took the image below before I worked more on her face and neck and thought I would post it for anybody who is interested in how my drawings come together.

Dutch Auction Week 6

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Pencils are busy and not a lot of time so just a very quick post to say that ‘Curiosity’ is now down to the bargain price of £100. Get it now before it goes!