Artwork by Pete Harding
Jake’s House
I am a 74-year-old former gym teacher who has been fiddling with pencil and pen and ink drawing for years. I am self-taught, and have sold many prints over the past 50 years, mostly pen and ink. I also have had a few contract drawings and even a painting in mixed media from time to time. I have entered contests before, but have never won one. Came third a couple of times. The NHL purchased one of my drawings to give to Wayne Gretzky as a wedding gift way back when (Montreal NHL office). Avon hired me to design their 100th anniversary commemorative print, and the Canadian Mint awarded me third in the Stanley Cup Silver Dollar design contest. I live in Montreal, Canada, and tend to focus on West Island subject matter, although I have done drawings of the Cape May, New Jersey region.
I tend to be too meticulous, and seem to be in a rut with my drawing techniques. Now that I am retired, I draw or paint every day, when I am not refereeing some football game, or playing softball. I have 2 sons, and 5 grandkids, and they all live nearby.
I have taught art classes in high school, and at the local community centre. I like the Drawing Academy concept, and the encouragement it provides to budding artists.
I would like to win at least one competition in. my life, if only so I can show off to the grandkids what a great success I have become…lol. People should vote for me because I am getting old, and they won’t have a chance to do so for much longer.
I hope this covers all the bases, and I hope that this is the one I’m finally going to win.
Thanks
Hello, Mr Harding,
I am one of the very fortunate Avon representative to receive your drawing for Avon Canada, on their 100th Anniversary I never knew till now who actually did the artwork, but I’m glad that I researched till I found your name. This artwork has hung on my office wall, above my desk since 1986 & I am very proud now to say it was done by a Canadian artist. I had only been an Avon rep for 3 years, when I was at the top of my district when your artwork was given out. I am very proud & honoured that I was the fortunate one at the time to get your work. I’m still working too & will be 71 this year, so we have more than one thing in common. I see your work every day, that I sit at my desk & contact my customers. I just wanted to say “Thank you” for creating a treasure that I personally will never sell, it will be handed down to my daughter, who vows to keep all my Avon awards. I too have 2 children & 3 grandchildren. I sincerely hope that you win the award for your talented work. Awards mean more than a lot of people understand, it’s just the fact that you are honoured for the work that is your passion. Good Luck, Pete, I’m routing for you!
Marilyn Rody, Hanover, Ontario