We were delighted to catch up with girl boss and artist Lâle who recently captured our resident hound Teddy Maximus to pawfection. As a dog owner to Cockapoo Siyah, Lâle has a special talent for capturing the true essence of a hound.

After specialising in printed textiles at Chelsea College of Art and Design, Lâle designed soft furnishings at Conran for two years before becoming a freelance designer and artist based in London. We caught up with her so you could learn a bit more about the lady behind the pencil…

H: Lâle, your pencil drawings are exquisite, where did your love of art/drawing come from?

L: I’ve always loved drawing, It has always been something I did- from an early age I remember my mum sitting me down with a huge basket of pencils which kept me happy for hours…

H: So clearly, it’s always been in you, but if you weren’t an artist, what do you think you would be?

L: Interestingly, I’ve always been intrigued by science & the brain – so I was tempted to study Biology – but I realized last minute (the day I got my A level results!) that I needed to do art and to be creative. When I’m not being creative it makes me sad – it is important for me to do it as it makes me happy.

H: So how did you come to choose the medium of pencil for your art?

L: Pencil is so easy to use. I love that I can just sit down at my desk and start drawing – it’s me, some beautiful paper and a pencil. With these simple materials, I hope to capture the detail of animals and the beauty of nature.

H: We just love the way that you captured Teddy, what do you love about drawing dogs?

L: I love bringing to life their personality and unique character in a way that their owner recognizes the drawing as their dog. The best part of doing bespoke commissions, whether it’s their home, a plant they love or their dog, is seeing people’s reaction when they first open their drawing, and the messages I get afterwards – it’s the best feeling. I love hearing how pleased people are.

H: The true likeness and personality in your bespoke commissions clearly shines through, how to do bring to life the character of an animal so well?

L: I always ask for a minimum of three photos (5 is ideal) before I start drawing. This way I can see the dog from lots of angles. When I did Teddy I studied his little paws, fluffy ears and unique features across several of the photos you provided and brought them all together.

H: When you aren’t drawing, what do you like to do in your downtime?

L: We love a walk in Battersea Park with Siyah and a trip to the Pear Tree Café afterwards for their fresh yummy food! It is very dog friendly there and has a lovely casual atmosphere. 

Quick fire:

Fav artist: Kandinsky

Downtime is…walking Siyah

Favourite city: London/Lisbon

Your perfect dinner guest: My Husband

Dream holiday: Yoga – either near a beach or in the mountains

Fav food/restaurant: Vegetarian, Spring at Somerset House in London

Biggest extravagance: Quality materials and dog food!

Favourite book: Picture Books J and Any Human Heart by William Boyd

 Fav flower: Tuilps (my name in Turkish means Tulip)

 Thank you so much Lâle – it’s been such a pleasure talking to you!

If you are interested in bespoke commissions or browsing Lâle’s prints, head to her website or send her a message on Instagram @laleguralp We can’t think of a more gorgeous surprise for your loved one this Christmas!

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