The meeting with Bloomsbury went well – but basically, for the foreseeable future I’m occupied by being a writer for that particular project. So this – I’m not sure how much I can say yet – but these wee-uncomfortable children are part of an initial stage of character development for a project that I hope I’ll be workingContinue reading “To Pee or not to P”
Author Archives: Natalie Eldred
Grotsby in Black and White
I’m experimenting with black and white because Grotsby might appear first as an older children’s chapter book, and in those the illustrations are often black and white or just two colours. Will try the two colour version next. Generally though – it’s been a while since I’ve drawn him (other than line sketches) so it’sContinue reading “Grotsby in Black and White”
Work in Progress
I’m sure I’m not meant to be doing it like this. I just love drawing people (and things) doing stuff, in different poses, with different expressions… I reckon I’d have made a good old-style animator. You know, back in the day when they animated page by page and line-tested everything first. I say I shouldn’t beContinue reading “Work in Progress”
A Hairy Bean with Dreadlocks
I’ve not blogged for a while. This is mainly due to starting a new teaching job, which I am very much enjoying but is taking a fair bit of my time. I also have a fair few other self-employed jobs which I am also trying to find time for – so poor old Grotsby-Snot frequently getsContinue reading “A Hairy Bean with Dreadlocks”
Sketchbook: Summer People Sketches
So – a few sketches of people here and there from this summer. Some at Brighton Pride, some on a train journey through London and some on the beach at Mersea, Essex. I’d quite happily draw all year long, but mostly you have to talk to people – (of which, I’ve done a lot over summer). WhilstContinue reading “Sketchbook: Summer People Sketches”
Sketchbook: Alpacas and a Caravan
A few recent sketches from the Shottisham Campsite in Suffolk. It’s a lovely place to stay. You can see alpacas for a start, but also chickens and a vintage caravan or two – amongst much else. The campsite owners run a smallholding and here you can read the very excellent blog about their exploits managing a smallholding and campsite. You’llContinue reading “Sketchbook: Alpacas and a Caravan”
Nikisi Power Figure
My sketch today at The Horniman Museum & Gardens does rather look like a furry jacket-wearing man engaged in a very distasteful phone call. In fact it is a 19th century wooden Nikisi Power figure of the Kongo people (as you can see from my notes). The furry jacket is made from nails. Hand made ones, lots of them.Continue reading “Nikisi Power Figure”
Quite Good for a Doodle
Further to the ‘monsters and dogs’ post, I have been doodling the character of Monster – who I think is a little girl canine, some sort of scruffy terrier-whippet mix. I’ve been enjoying creating a form, a character on the page, WITHOUT using line. The form emerging out of tone. I’ve been exploring what IContinue reading “Quite Good for a Doodle”
Monsters and Dogs
My local illustrator’s group meets about once a month and we set each other briefs. Due to being on the MA I’ve been spectacularly bad at completing any of these mini-projects but I am determined to try now that the MA is finished (I got a distinction by the way, I’m pretty chuffed). Anyway ourContinue reading “Monsters and Dogs”
Sketchbook: Waiting for the flight from Dubai
Above are the figures as drawn in my sketchbook. I have been meaning to try drawing people in a slightly exaggerated way, and an airport appears to be a good place to do this. It’s only a mild exaggeration, a gentle characterisation…although here some are more exaggerated than others. In the image above I’ve extracted theContinue reading “Sketchbook: Waiting for the flight from Dubai”
Natalie Eldred 