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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

This morning, I finished the first Giraffe of my Giraffe commission, and made a start on the bottom left Giraffe. Their faces are so full of character and I love creating the contouring. Graphite pencil on A3 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #wildlife #AnimalArt #giraffe

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

I thought I'd show you the whole drawing composition, so you can get a sense of scale. I should be able to start the second Giraffe in the bottom left corner next week. Graphite pencil on A3 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #wildlife #animalart #giraffe #weekend

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

This little Otter, which I've called Star Gazer, was requested by the UK Wild Otter Trust for their November online auction fundraiser. Graphite pencil on A5 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #wildlife #otter #charityevent #animalart #pencilart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

I was so sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Jane Goodall at age 91, yesterday. Jane was considered the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees, having studied the social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees for over 60 years.

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

This early drawing of Mia looking out the window was one of my first cat drawings. It went on to win Highly Commended in the SAA Beginner Artist of the Year 2023. It will be part of the Louth Art Show in October 2025. #art #artist #pencildrawing #cats

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

'Night Guardian' is now finished. Graphite pencil on 8 x 5.5 inch extra smooth bristol board. Photo reference Les Liddle. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait #lions

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

"Watching, Waiting" is now finished. This little Macaque will be my submission for the Explorers Against Extinction's Sketch for Survival 2025. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol board. Reference Susan Roghair. #art #artist #pencilart #pencildrawing #drawing #wipart #wildlife #portrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Today, the longest day, 21st June, is World Giraffe Day. Longest neck, longest day celebration This drawing of a Giraffe has been donated to the Association of Animal Artists charity auction, helping to raise funds for the Wild Welfare Carity. #giraffe #giraffeconservation #WorldGiraffeDay

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

The sunlit trees in the background of this Long Tailed Macaque is finished. Tomorrow, I'll make a start on him proper, what I call stage-2. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol board. Reference photo Susan Roghair. #art #artist #pencilart #pencildrawing #drawing #wipart #wildlife #portrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

When finished, this Lioness will be donated to the Association of Animal Artists' Charity Auction in August. Graphite pencil on 8 x 5.5 inch extra smooth bristol board. Photo reference Les Liddle. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait #lions

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

As I edge closer to finishing the background, it reminds me how Macaques have been described as a species on the edge. Not only living on the edge of forests, rivers, seas, and at the edge of human settlements, but, perhaps on the edge of rapid extinction. #art #artist #pencilart #pencildrawing

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

'Pucker Up' my little Giraffe drawing for an August charity auction is finished. Graphite pencil on 5.5 x 8 inch extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Dave Scanlon. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #wipart #portrait #giraffe #giraffelove #giraffeart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

This is 'Joy & Regret'. It is the depiction of two opposing emotions coexisting together, the Joy of life with the Regret of captivity. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol board. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait #chimpanzee #AOTY

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Hope you all had a great weekend. My Chimpanzee artwork 'Joy & Regret' is almost finished. One more day. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Andrea Neuhaus #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait #chimpanzee

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Got a bit more done today. Tomorrow I'll be starting the muzzle. Work in Progress. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Andrea Neuhaus #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait #chimpanzee

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

A quick progress update on the Chimpanzee, 'Joy & Regret', which, represents the coexistence of two opposite feelings, Joy & Regret. In this case, the Joy of life and the Regret of captivity. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait #chimpanzee

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

It's been three years since I picked up a pencil and started drawing. I don't get to post cat portraits very often, so I thought I'd celebrate with the four cats I've had the honour of drawing over that time. Have a wonderful Bank holiday Monday. #art #artist #pencildrawing #realism #pencilart #cat

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

I just found out (from a fellow artist) that, 'Distant Shores' has won Best in Show in the Camelback Gallery 'Artists Invitational 11 Art Awards'. Graphite pencil on A3 extra smooth bristol paper. Reference photo Zukiman Mohamad. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #seascape

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

After working in the garden today, I made a start on the Chimp. I always start with the darkest darks, so, first finger done! Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Andi Neuhaus #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

Hope you're having a great Bank Holiday. Love seeing and being sent photos & videos of my protraits being gifted. This is the family portrait of Great Grandma and her Great Grandsons being gifted to the boys Grandma. #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #art #artist #portrait #localbusiness

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Made great progress on starting this Chimpanzee wildlife portrait today, outline, and background done. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Andi Neuhaus #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart #portrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

You're probably asking, John, what did you do for World Art Day? Well, I finally finished the family portrait commission. Graphite pencil on 24 x 16.5 inch smooth bristol paper. Reference photos client. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #portrait #portraiture #WorldArtDay

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Today, 11 April 2025, is International Pet Day. To celebrate, here's a small selection of my recent pet portrait commissions. #art #artist #pencildrawing #portrait #internationalpetday

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Getting close to finishing this wonderful family portrait. I'll spend the next few days on Great Grandma's blouse before finishing her hair and some areas I'm still not happy with. Graphite pencil on 24 x 16.5 inch smooth bristol board. #art #artist #pencildrawing #realism #wip #portrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Did you know that today, 8 April 2025, is "Draw a Bird Day". To celebrate the joy of art and the beauty of nature, people across the globe are encouraged to draw a picture of a bird. If you have drawn a bird, why not celebrate with me by sharing your drawing on social media. #drawabirdday #art

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Hope it's not an April fool 😉 l received an email this morning from Art & Color 365 magazine informing me that one of my three submissions, Izzy, Joey & Highland Majesty, has been shortlisted for their 2025 Pets Art Competition. 😁 #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #petportrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

This week's #ThrowbackThursday, 'White Swan', is a piece that sold at last year's Association of Animal Artists online charity auction. Graphite pencil on 6 x 4 inch extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #graphitedrawing #portraiture #realism #wildlife #wildlifeart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Well, these two best buddies are finished. So, before I make a start on the third and final portrait of Great Grandma, I'm off for a long weekend break away. Hope you all have something great planned for the weekend. Graphite pencil on A3 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #pencildrawing #realism

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

I reckon one more day working on the two brothers, then I can make a start on their Great Grandma. This is a special commission for the client as her Grandma passed away last year. Work in Progress. Graphite pencil on A3 smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wip

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

I had another productive day with the boys today. So, I'm on course to have the eldest brother finished by Friday. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wip #portrait #portraiture

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Today, I finished up Knox. I'll put him aside now, then take a look on Monday before sending him off to the client. Have a great weekend. Graphite pencil on 8 x 6 inch extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #animalart #petportrait #petportraitcommission

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

I had a really productive day on the family portrait today. I'm always amazed as a line drawing starts to lift off the page, especially when I have this fella smiling at me. A joyful day and looking forward to tomorrow. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wip #portrait #portraiture

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Although a smaller format, building the layers to achieve the dark areas takes a lot of time and patience, but the lighting effect is worth it. Knox, graphite pencil on 8 x 6 inch extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #animalart #petportrait #petportraitartist

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

I managed to finish up my little Fawn in the undergrowth. My goal for this piece was to create a sense of depth, which, I think I achieved. Let me know what you think. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

This week's #ThrowbackThursday was a book cover commission for Fantasy and Si-Fi auther, Beth Schluter, for the book 'Dark Realms' Graphite pencil on extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #graphitedrawing #portraiture #realism #dragon #Fantasy #fantasyart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

This week, I managed to get the foreground started, which, as you can see, has added more depth to the drawing. Work in Progress. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Davina Shelter. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife #localbusiness #wipart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

I love adding the nose to a portrait. It creates a sense of depth to the drawing. Graphite pencil on A5 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #animalart #petlovers #petportrait #petportraitartist #petportraitcommission #localbusiness #wip #wipart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Today I got a bit more of Knox's hair done and started shaping his nose, adding a little bit of depth to the portrait. Still a ways to go yet. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #animalart #petlovers #petportrait #petportraitartist #petportraitcommission #localbusiness #wip #wipart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

The best part of drawing a portrait is rendering the eyes. It adds that spark of life. This is my current commission, Knox. Graphite pencil on A5 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference client. #pencildrawing #pencilart #petportraitcommission #wip #petportraitartist #realism #animalart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Now that the background is complete, today I started to work on the little Fawn. Hopefully have him finished by the end of the week. Work in Progress. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. Photo reference Davina Shelter. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #wildlife

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Finally finished this atmospheric Seascape of two shipwrecks, which I've called 'Distant Shores'. Graphite pencil on 11 x 16 inch (A3) smooth bristol paper. Reference photo by Zukiman Mohamad. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #graphitedrawing #seascape #seascapeart

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

My latest art project is a Seascape. I managed to get some more of the large wreck done yesterday. 'Distant Shores' graphite pencil on A3 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #graphitedrawing #wip #seascape #realism #wip

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

For this Throwback Thursday here's three white animals in graphite pencil; Sheppard the Westie, Charlie the Cavalier King Charles, and a White Swan. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #realism #animalart #throwback

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

This is Hugo, my daughter's little dog. I drew Hugo as a gift for her birthday. I thought this was a wonderful pose. Graphite pencil on 8 x 12 inch smooth bristol board. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #graphitedrawing #realism #animalart #petportrait

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

This is 'Double Trouble', this piece sold at a recent animal art exhibition. Graphite pencil on 8 x 15.5 inch extra smooth bristol board. #art #artist #pencilart #pencildrawing #graphitedrawing #animalart #racoon

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

Once I had the confidence, I took on my first portrait commission from a friend who asked me to draw his grandson. This is baby Matthew. Graphite pencil on A4 extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencilart #pencildrawing #portraiture #portrait #realism

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

My second portraiture study was this hair study again completed back in 2022. I called this piece 'Elegance'. Graphite pencils on A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inch) smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencildrawing #pencilart #pencilartist #pencilartwork #portraiture

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John Hanley @johnhanleyart.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

'Soulful Eyes' is an eye study I completed back in 2022 using a Noelle Otto photo (pexels). However, I got completely immersed in the texture of the knitted headscarf. Graphite pencil on A4 Winsor & Newton extra smooth bristol paper. #art #artist #pencilart #realism #portrait #pencildrawing

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