In Conversation with Sheila Anderson Hardy

In Conversation with Sheila Anderson Hardy

What led me to become an artist?

I was lucky to be brought up in a beautiful Scottish village by the sea. As the youngest child with much older siblings, I spent my preschool years having to amuse myself, and drawing became my obsession. My gran was “arty” (a skilled embroiderer), and she spent her summers with us. She encouraged me to look at nature and to draw it. My parents were less than enthusiastic about my choice to make art my career; however, I was determined, and I persisted; I gained a place at Glasgow School of Art.

My 4 years at art school were pivotal. Surrounded by such talented people was daunting at first but crucially it taught me not to compare my work to other artists! Be inspired by other artists, but never copy!

London became my home for many years where I continued to develop my art career, married, had children, and taught part-time. I moved back to Scotland nearly 10 years ago.

The beautiful Scottish Borders where I now live have given me fresh and endless inspiration. I quickly re-engaged with the vibrant Scottish art scene. I now show in select galleries across Scotland. I am hugely encouraged by having work selected 4 years running by the RSW Annual Open Exhibitions at Royal Scottish Academy Edinburgh. I was proud to be elected as an associate member of the Society of Graphic Fine Artists just 3 years ago.

ScotlandArt Gallery are currently showing the 3 artworks which were selected for the SGFA Annual Exhibition at the Mall Gallery London last month. Being an artist is a lifelong quest and you never stop learning.

 

Favourite Medium?

That’s a hard question to answer as I love varying my practice by using different media. Whether it’s drawing with charcoal and pencil, sometimes my subject or my mood might call for the delicate translucence of ink or watercolour. I may also experiment with mixed media. My favourite media tends to be the one that I am currently working with! As I have to choose one, I would say working in traditional oil paint on canvas. Its slow drying time, buttery texture, and colour clarity, I find delivers far more in terms of techniques than water-based acrylics. (Also…the smell of turpentine and linseed oil takes me back to my days in those beautiful Macintosh designed studios in Glasgow School of Art!)

 

Most valuable piece of advice?

Over the years I have received much useful advice on technique, materials, etc. However, I think it came from my art school tutor, the late Robert Stewart, “Make marks every day, draw every day.” …and I do. Also: Persistence, follow your own path. Patience, calmly get on with your work, even when it might go out of fashion! Passion, for your work and what you are trying to convey through your work. Discipline, keep going.

 

Something I would like others to know about my work?

My work comes from a genuine concern for nature and our place within it. I am a passionate conservationist. My work draws attention to the often-overlooked aspects of our declining wild spaces where essential elements, wild plants, and animals are under threat. I aim to emphasise, not only the beauty, but the importance of the small things which make up the bigger picture.

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