Redesign and Diary 2011 Project

Well, seeing that I took the time to have a little bit of a change about on my blog page I thought I should really put up a new post as well.

In terms of arty suff my main focus over the past few days was to complete my submission for the Diary 2011 Project .

I am so pleased to be part of this project, there are some wonderful artists taking part. I think the finished product is going to be far to nice too write in!  Ah well - another lovely book to be kept for best. I seem to be building up somewhat of a collection!!

My page date was 23 October to be illustrated 8" x 3" greyscale.  I chose to rework of a piece I did a number of years ago trying to weave in an autumnal feel to the illustration. Did it work? I hope so - what do you think?

I am delighted to say that I have the opportunity to submit a second page. I am working on this now - the date 13 June. My little darling's birthday so something to do with a panda could therefore be a fairly safe bet ♥♥

Horoscope & Squirrel - ATC latest

I have received word that Roxanne @ Willowing & friends has recieved the ATCs that I send her for the April swap so I can post the details of the cards I made for her.
The theme for April was Horoscope and AN Other. As Roxanne's starsign is cancer I worked my design around this, looking through archived images of the earliest images of the representation of 'the crab'.
My design was worked in mixed media - pen & ink, watercolour, gouche and acrylic. It was finished by coating in acrylic pearlescent ink and then finally in acrylic varnish. This gave the card a shimmer effect and blended in sharp edges.

ATC 1 - Horoscope

For the second card I decided to create a painting of a squirrel - I have no idea why (I guess I just enjoy painting animals). This was initially going to be an inked sketch - however I started working with some vivid gouache colours and decided that I liked the effect of a heavy application of a combination of gouache and acrylics. The work was completed by some more delicate brush work which took the place of ink (as ink can sometimes be particularly difficult to apply effectively over acrylic paint). To complete the card a couple of coats of satin varnish were applied to add a sheen and protect the paint.

 ATC 2 - Squirrel

Doodlebug

A quick biro sketch that I may (or may not) rework and incorportate into an illustration or painting for the future - sometimes I just can't help myself scribbling (apparently it has been scientifically proven to assist in concentration !)

British Wildlife Sketches - Otter

This otter is the latest of my wildlife sketches.

I am still contemplating whether to work it in ink and wash or leave as is as a pencil sketch as I have a dreadful tendency to overwork art - I suppose knowing where to stop will come with further practise and experience. 

Hope you like ♥

Back to basics

Recently my work has reverted back to basics.  I get most enjoyment from sketching and from pen and ink drawings with various types of washes. Subconsciously I have been moving back towards these mediums for a while and have found that the pleasure that I get from my art has intesified - hopefully it can be seen in the results. This is my latest piece 'Making an Entrance' worked in pen and ink with a watercolour wash.