Dom Hardy
The common thread throughout my life, when I reflect back, is that feeling of being ‘at home’ when out and about on Dartmoor. Whether it was the biking when I was younger, the treks I did during my time with The Royal Navy, or more recently, the tor climbing and letterboxing with my daughter, there’s a wonder, a curiosity and a peace that comes over me whenever I'm there. Every experience of Dartmoor is a different one, the light that plays over the landscape is ever changing, illuminating and captivating, the sense of mystery and stories untold.
As is life, my journey to where I am with art now has been a meandering one. I was the illustrator for my wife’s books; The Self-Care Project and Making Space, using digital art tools, before I ever picked up a paintbrush. My first foray into painting was dabbling with watercooler paints which led to me experimenting with gouache which I found to be more forgiving and it allowed me to drill in on the detail - the signature of my paintings.
As a self-taught artist - well, as self-taught as you can be from watching hundreds of hours of tutorials and reading countless books - I will never get bored of capturing the magic of Dartmoor, and all things nature, really, with gouache.
All of my paintings start with a photograph, followed by a pencilled sketch, and then the painting begins. Creating colour palettes and tones is something I particularly relish. I’m blessed to have a dedicated studio space, covered in trinkets, books, and art from artists I admire such as Robert Watts and James Gurney. You can find me there with a large mug of coffee and headphones on as I knuckle-down to paint, listening to something soothing and relaxing.
In recent times, painting has developed from a hobby to something I’m building a career around and that’s equally exciting and terrifying, in equal measures! There’s a growing sense of confidence as my Etsy shop has grown and people have returned to purchase more of my art.
Where's your favourite place?
A: Dartmoor - had you guessed?! 🙂
What's your favourite book and/or film?
A: My favourite film is Saving Private Ryan. I have two favourite books: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B Peterson, and Colour and Light by James Gurney.
What irritates you?
A: Closedmindedness
Who would you most like to meet (anyone dead or alive)?
A: James Gurney
Who is your hero/who do you most admire?
A: There’s not one single person but I have full admiration for people who have the courage to follow their dreams or goals, to explore the unknown, like Ernest Shackleton.
What motivates and inspires you?
A: Light. It mesmerises me the way it can transform and alter landscapes!