A Day Out

It is a holiday here in the Canaries, Canarian Day in fact so everyone was out and about, enjoying the sun, the bright colours and the random patterns.

The Animal Alphabet Challenge and Cat Health

I thought my D is for dog was looking a little too realistic to sit with my other animals so I have redone D with a colourful, patterned duck. I was trying to keep my palette neutral but the pink just sneaked in there.

On a happy note my cat seems a lot perkier and looks like he'll pull through. We very nearly lost him to 
Feline hepatic lipidosis  He had only gone without eating for a few days but his liver had turned fatty in that short time probably due to an earlier pancreatic problem that hadn't been diagnosed. If you have a cat it's worth reading the link above. Here is Jeremy with funny socks on and a saggy little shaved belly.

Get Well Soon Jeremy

My cat is very poorly and I've been rather distracted. I made a pattern for him in the hope he'll be chunky like this again soon xoxo

Early Illustration Friday

My submission for Illustration Friday. The theme is 'Early', not immediately obvious I know but I was thinking along the lines of being early for a party, hence everything is still laid out in a nice orderly fashion. I like an odd assortment of chairs myself, don't you? Please click on the image for a clearer view.

Christening Cake and Animal Alphabet

I've been keeping busy the last couple of days. I do love to bake (and eat!) pretty cakes and was asked to bake a christening cake for today. I haven't had much practise with large cakes and I wasn't brave or equipped enough to go down the fondant route so I stuck with vanilla buttercream and lots of flowers

and a cross being as it was a christening cake and all.

Then I just about got time to make create two new animals for my alphabet.

Yikes, Friday has almost rolled around again. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun.

Inspiration, Marie Desbons

Oh wow, I love, love, love the illustrations of  Marie Desbons. I wish I understood french so I could read her gorgeous blog. I'll have to make do with admiring these pictures...The picture above is called 'Mon Petit Habitant' and was created when Marie was pregnant, how sweet is that!

The pinky red and greens are really stunning in this picture and I like the simplicity of the flowers in the foreground against the detail of that vintage looking pram. Beautiful!

Illustration Friday 'Equipment'

You don't need too much equipment to make a good cupcake! Just a quick entry for this weeks Illustration Friday. I've been feeling under the weather all over the weekend and am not quite 100% but I do quite like the simplicity of this picture.

The Animal Alphabet Challenge

I have set myself an animal alphabet challenge! I don't often use animals in my work and I use a lot of bright colours and patterns so it will be quite a challenge but fun too. Here's to C and D and E...

Houses

I took these photo's up in the north of Tenerife a while ago. I really like the traditional lace curtains and massive old windows. I wonder what's inside? I'd love to have a nose around!




I picked up this leaflet in Barcelona years ago. The brights on the neutral background get me every time and I love the lettering. I used this as colour inspiration along with the photos of old Canarian buildings to start an idea today.

Pingg

My ecards are now available over at Pingg.com I couldn't be happier with how they look. Pingg is an online invitation and announcement website were people can choose a unique design from the work of artists, photographers, illustrators, stationery co's and other creative geniuses. In return, artists have another medium in which to share their art with hosts and their guests, and spread their work to thousands of eager party-goers and serial-holiday-greeters.

Illustration Friday ' Fearless'

This is my submission for Illustration Friday. This weeks theme is 'Fearless'. I played around with inks for the background on this one as I often go for a plain white or solid colour.

I spent a while this morning looking through some of my favourite childrens book illustrators. Here are just a few that I find hugely inspiring.





The wonderful Mary Blair.






The fabulous Don Madden.

The amazing Brian Wildsmith.

Organic Veggies

I have lots of lovely photo's today. I've been to one of my favourite places. A place where I get delicious organic veggies




and herbs.


A place where there are beautiful flowers


all around.






And lots of hilarious animals!



This lucky guy lives here with lots of hens.



And sweet Mary the duck lives in here with 2 terrapins and 2 iguanas!



Isn't she beautiful?

Paint Your Picture As You Go

Paint Your Picture as You Go

If only I could reach you

Put my hand close to your heart

Let you know that all is well

That your life’s a work of art

If only I could teach you

To paint your picture as you go

Dream your dreams as big as mountains

That you climb them as you grow

Are you looking for direction

For my wisdom, for my cue

Then ‘tis to listen to your own path

Know yourself in all you do

poem by Jo Gopsill

I've been working on some illustrations for a friend who writes heart warming poetry about children. Like to hear more? Feel free to leave comments, we would love to hear what you have to say.

They Draw And Cook

I'm so chuffed! I just found my illustrated Falafel recipe over at 'They Draw And Cook' If you haven't checked out the website already you should, it's great fun.

What I Wore Today

I go for comfort in my clothing and I'm naturally drawn to bright colours. Sometimes I end up looking like this. I thought it worthy of 'What I Wore Today' Flickr group post.

Illustration Friday 'Cocoon'

My submission for Illustration Friday. The theme is cocoon. It just got me thinking about being all cosied up in a sleeping bag maybe camping in the woods or something. Of course I'd bring my cat for the adventure or he'd feel left out.