Clova

'The portrait that inspired it all!’

Black Lab: A3 portrait, completed in graphite pencil

Framed: Antique Oak

It is this glossy black lab that I photographed in North East Scotland that I have to thank for where I am today. Hannah de Haan Fine Art stemmed from her portrait, which was drawn as a birthday present back in 2011. It was the first time I had really put pencil to paper since completing Fine Art as part of the International Baccalaureate at Malvern College in 2007… little did I know what would come from picking up that pencil that Summer!

I love her complete look of relaxation as she lies with her owner on the beach. I wanted to capture this in the portrait along with the glossy wrinkles of her coat.