Happy New Year!

A few of my hi-lights of 2011. In no particular order.

I got new tattoos, I entered competitions and won a few, I went to London and got to see a Dodo skelleton (I adore dodos), I graduated, I have find a new "style" I like to work in and i've got new additions to the family: Lizzy and Alan. I also volunteered, had two jobs, been poor, felt rich, enjoyed coffee,been to festivals.

I hope you all have a very happy 2012!!!

The Art Swap.

I know i'm being naughty in showing this before Audrey recieves it...but I don't think she follows my blog (yet hehe) so I don't think she'll see it. Even if she does it's not the end of the world! We both illustrated the theme " Winter". My definition of winter is sharing a hot drink with a good friend on a cold day.

Please let me know what you think.

I think i'll create more pieces like this...animals doing human things (anthropomorphism). I love it!

Inspiration from Christmas Gifts!

My wonderful pop up version of Guess How Much I love You
by Sam McBratney and Illustrated by Anita Jeram
One of my favourite illustrations from Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson.

A beautiful little illustration in Oliver Jeffers' newest book Stuck.

It's Christmas!!!

I suprised James with a stocking full of treats!

These are some of the lovely gifts I recieved! Lots of wonderful books and sweet treats! I'm very lucky!

Christmas tree, Oh christmas tree!



My accidental pompous Christmas face!

Due to being busy with my two jobs i'd not felt very christmassy. This made me feel sad as I love christmas and always get into the holiday spirit! I had a long day yesterday but when I got home I was met with mince pies, home made sausage rolls and clean bedding. James and I watched the Nightmare Before Christmas and some TV programmes including a Morcambe and Wise Christmas special!

I woke up feeling very festive and excited as I had hidden a stocking for my loved one. It's been a lovely day filled with family, presents, food and good tv and crackers! Looking foward to the big meal!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas present.

Many apologies for the terrible photo. I cannot be bothered to use my tempermental scanner right now. I'm too tired! But here is a little character illustration I have made for my Mum of her Mum and Dad. That is a little photo of the beautiful couple. I'm going to find a nice frame to put it in. Hope she likes it!!!

My shelf and corner of Inspiration.

My wonderful necklace by the talented Marta Dlugolecka!
I have a bucket of dinosaurs thanks to Hayley! I love it :D
Part of my rock collection.

My beautiful shelf and wall with art by: Oliver Jeffers, Camille Rose Garcia, Emma Carlisle and Hannah Wallace!

If I wish Hard Enough...

I'd love it if in the new year I can get my new story drawn up beautifully and sent off to publishers...i've been very fortunate in friends and their advice and it would be down to their kind words and inspiring positivity if I get published.
I would LOVE to get published. To see my book in print. To see smiling children and parents read it. I've always loved children's books and I can remember being tucked up in bed and demanding to have the BFG read to me. I remember also drawing from Quentin Blakes' illustrations and drawing up my own stories as a child. I want this more than anything...though a house would be nice too :p and a proper studio...i'm waffling now.

I've finally put the decorations up. Got work pretty much all week.
Hoping to get presents bought this week too. Can't wait!
The bird decoration I won from the Landbaby at the bluecoat.


Pretty foil trees!

Christmas cards and dangly snowman.

Decoration my Mum lovingly made :)

I also went to a meal with some of my favourite people and we exchanged Secret Santa gifts! Here are the beauties!




It was nice to relax and eat and talk rubbish whilst giving and reciving gitfts! Grace got me an awesome book called, " The Creative License" and two jars of flavoured coffee...chocolate caramel and vanilla...i'm a little mad for the vanilla one and sing: " COFFEE coffee COFFEE coffee!" when i'm on my break at work.

Lionel??

Lionel with colour.

I'm driving myself mad.
Character design usually does this to me...it's hard to know when to stop...to know when i'm finally happy with a design, as i'll love a design and change my mind about it the next day. I'll keep on drawing and see how it goes.
I do quite lie this little guys face though.

Sneak Peek.

I'm currently doing an art swap with the amazing Audrey Malo.
This is just a snippet of a rough of the image I have created for her in the theme of " Winter ".

(I will add an attachment to her blog at somepoint...just want to make sure she doesn't see this yet! :) )

Lionel.

This is Lionel the Lion.
Hand drawn and digitally coloured.
This is one of the character designs I really like...he's on his way to being a winner! What do you think?

Mr. Sloth.

I've been very busy with jobs and such. I'm tired but I made sure to do a few drawings when I got home. HERE is a little character i'm currently working on. His name is Steve. He's very happy to meet you!

Monkeying around...

This is my drawing of a Golden snub nosed monkey. They're beautiful and creepy at the same time...and they tend to look pretty sad.

I scanned my picture in in an "illustration mode" and it came out like this! How fun!

I would like to create something with a little more substance as I keep drawing animals just because I love them. Maybe i'll create some playing cards/snap cards or a poster for a zoo...any suggestions???

Also if you would like to do an art swap with me please leave a comment!