I have been working on a series of doodles, not quite certain where the impulse comes from but clearly it’s some kind of continuation of my new found fascination with architecture and home. It must also be born out of a need for escape which I might usually experience with travelling, visiting friends and generallyContinue reading “Sketchbook Sky Shanties”
Category Archives: Sketchbook
Allotment again
A sketchbook sketch, taken out of the sketchbook. I was struggling with the complexity of the scene but I used a combination of ‘blind’ contour drawing and using a slightly blunter pencil than usual. It seemed to work.
Allotment Sketches
Windy, sunny and rainy today. The light was constantly changing. I think I’ve managed to make the allotment look kind of threatening in this drawing. But I like it. A pumpkin patch. I have to say it was lovely drawing at the allotments today. I met a expert ‘allotmenteer’ called Fred, he’s had his patchContinue reading “Allotment Sketches”
Dahlias at the Allotment
Latest illustration based on an observed sketch drawn at Wivenhoe allotments. these will form part of an exhibition at Wivenhoe Bookshop in September, alongside a few quick observational sketches.
Recent Sketches
Just a range of sketches from recent trips out and about. I really like drawing people (and giant fantasy people in rocks, obvs).
Naples Feb 2019
I’ve just come back from a 2/3 day sketching trip to Naples. My mum’s friend visited Naples and described it as ‘a shit hole’. I can see her point. Naples is busy, polluted, dirty and smelly. Yet – there’s something incredible about it. It feels very foreign for a European city. It’s not particularly touristy.Continue reading “Naples Feb 2019”
Saas Fee
I just came back from a short trip to visit a friend who lives high in the Swiss Alps. My children skied on snow for the first time (and I marvelled at how fearless they were) and I skied – terrified and slowly – and despite all this activity (clearing paths, trying to build igloos)Continue reading “Saas Fee”
Making Charcoal
You could also call this process ‘method illustration’. After the phrase ‘method acting’ of course. I coined that term for the approach to illustration that is strongly advocated and encouraged on the MA. It’s the first semester’s topic and requires students to venture out & about with a sketchbook and draw on location. The ideaContinue reading “Making Charcoal”
The Fading Light of Summer
I’m blogging about these because I have been enjoying doing sketchbook-diary pages as a way back into working on my stories and picture books; after having recently moved house and my aunty dying in early June. It’s been a hectic summer and my children and I have been left a little with the feeling thatContinue reading “The Fading Light of Summer”
Honduras in 1997
In 1997 when I was just 26 and living in Bristol, I travelled to Honduras to stay with a friend who I’d shared a house with. We’re still friends now. I have rediscovered this sketchbook because I’ve just moved house and found all my sketchbooks in the loft. And when I say all my sketchbooks,Continue reading “Honduras in 1997”
Natalie Eldred 