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”
Tag Archives: Drawing
People from the Window – Tin Foil Litho
A few weeks back I made this print. I used a very home technique, Tin Foil Lithography. The colour has been added digitally. I have to say it was ENORMOUS fun. Here’s another – just the black and white image, no added colour. Both drawn from my sketchbook studies made whilst looking out of theContinue reading “People from the Window – Tin Foil Litho”
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”
Frustrated Face-Palm Mum
I’m working on a lovely wee educational picture book with Oxford University Press at the moment. I’ve been busy with the roughs stage, and then its been Christmas – and I’m not sure how much I am allowed to say about the book just yet, so I’ve been a bit quiet on the blog recently. Yet thisContinue reading “Frustrated Face-Palm Mum”
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”
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”
Sketchbook: Little Chimney Houses
From our apartment in Bologna I could see rooftops. Well, mainly one rooftop. I noticed, not immediately, this delightful way of making the chimneys. Perhaps it is a peculiarly Bolognese thing, I don’t know. Presumably it was done to prevent birds nesting on top of the chimney – except they look rather like inviting little housesContinue reading “Sketchbook: Little Chimney Houses”
Natalie Eldred 