OATY, THE ILLUSTRATOR’S WHIPPET
Angela Harding with Oaty the four year old whippet.
Oaty and his owner Angela Harding live in the village of Wing in Rutland, where walks stretch across open fields. Oaty, a four year old whippet, moves lightly through the grass, alert to movement and scent, before taking in the wide views across the sheep fields behind the house.
Angela’s studio sits at the bottom of the garden, overlooking the gentle slopes of Rutland countryside. British birds and animals have long shaped her work, from the sparrows in the ivy to the blackbirds that patrol the lawn. Sketchbook in hand, she records what she sees in quick pencil notes, later developing them into more considered designs in the studio. Oaty is rarely far away, part of the rhythm of walking, watching and returning home again.
Oaty standing proud in front of his views of the Rutland countryside.
What’s your dog’s favourite walk?
An open field. I hire a local field which is secure and Oaty loves to do laps and laps. It is amazing to watch! It's certainly his happy place.
How well trained is Oaty?
He has had puppy training, however he is a rather cheeky pooch and doesn't always behave as well as he should…
Where will we usually your dog?
Curled up in his Charley Chau snuggle bed under a blanket or by the fire.
What’s your dog’s quirkiest trait?
Despite his long legs and size he is a real lap dog and will leap up for a cuddle at any opportunity.
What’s your dog’s toxic trait?
He has to be the centre of attention!
Where does your dog sleep? No judgement here!
He sleeps upstairs in his Charley Chau bed with a cashmere blanket, he is a dog of taste.
Is he a dog or best friend?
He is without doubt a best friend.
Oaty is a dog of taste, enjoying cashmere blankets and his Charley Chau bed.
From the garden to the picture window
Familiar garden birds, observed and sketched in passing, later take shape as considered linocuts in the studio. From the blackbirds that patrol the lawn to the swallows cutting across the sky above the sheep fields, much of Angela’s work begins just beyond the back door.
In collaboration with Brume, Angela has translated a selection of her designs into picture windows, printed onto architectural window film. Her birds, once held within the frame of a print, now sit directly against the glass, filtering light and reshaping the view from within.
Angela is very pleased with the result, "Working with Brume has been a sheer delight, I love seeing my work translated into these picture windows. The quality of printing and attention to detail adds a really special quality to them. This is the first project we have done together and we have plans to extend the range further". Bev Mills, founder of Brume, “When I was a child, ‘picture windows’ were about the view outside. This new incarnation turns that concept around creating an interior view that improves ambience for people wanting to have both light and seclusion.”
You can explore the range at brume.co.uk.
INTRODUCE A DOG OF THE NOTSWOLDS
If you know a Dog of the Notswolds you think we should meet, introduce us at hq@notswolds.com.
