Shelby Healey

Something that always makes me happy is to go walking through the woods and so I've been happily spotting a lot of mysterious, woodsy photographs lately on Etsy. I thought I'd share my favourites. What about you? What is guaranteed to make you feel happy? I'd love to hear.

Happy May!

2011-05-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

A beautiful, secluded garden I spotted on a recent walk. I'm so envious!

Hurray, it's May! To celebrate a wonderful start to the month I am having a print sale in my shop!

Inspirations

2011-04-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

A far cry from my usual bright colour palette, I've been taken with blueish grey lately. I love the little shots of colour in unexpected places.

COLOUR ALERT

2011-03-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

This blog is becoming less and less about my own art and more about the wonderful stuff I keep coming across! One thing just leads to another and before I realise, an hour has flown by. Oh well, it's nearly Easter and I should get some time to create. Meantime, these beauties by Jiha Moon are really uplifting, no?.

Spring Feeling

2011-03-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Rosie's Bed by Judy Pfaff, 2009, cut, burnt, and perforated bond and Crown Kozo paper, joss paper, sheet music, silk and paper flowers, honey comb packing material, wire, fishing line, coffee filters, ink, kite parts, 91 x 91 x 6 inches

De Los Floresby Judy Pfaff, 2010, dyed and folded Japanese papers, print matter, artificial flowers, gourds, coffee filters, 91 x 91 x 6 inches

I've been greatly inspired today by the wall sculptures of installation artist Judy Pfaff. If you like this work check out her website.

Animal artwork

2011-03-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, two weeks since my last post, how time flies!! I have been working on a commission today. I don't usually 'do' animals but who can resist a pink giraffe ? :D

I'm feeling inspired by Stanford Kay's colour palettes. Aren't they beautiful paintings?

Succulents

2011-03-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

As I have said before, I love succulents! I am lucky to live in a place where I'm pretty much surrounded by their gorgeousness. I just had to create a painting around them.

Smile

2011-03-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

This made me giggle this morning. See more excellent stuff over at Hugo Lugo.

(via BOOOOOOOM! )

Little Paintings

2011-03-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

I have been doing everything but painting lately and missing it badly so I dragged myself away from the computer yesterday and created these two little pictures. The top one is on illustration board and the other is on canvas. I'm going to play around with some more colour schemes.

Pink and Green

2011-03-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Saw these beautiful sights on my stroll today. Too pretty not to share.

Short and sweet

2011-02-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Love this. via FFFFOUND!

Spread Love, New Work

2011-02-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

Finally, a new painting! We've had a few dull days here so I had to wait to take some photo's. I love these jewel like colours. The painting will be available in my shop later today.

My Latest T

2011-02-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

To break up all the photos... I love all the colourful beauties in this treasury!!

Confetti on a Huge Scale

2011-02-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

The Almond Blossom in La Palma was unbelievable. I just could not capture it with my camera. When I got out of the car to take some pictures, the sweet smell was overwhelming! Everywhere was pink, heaven for me. It was like someone was scattering confetti from the sky.....

La Palma

2011-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time on the beautiful island of La Plama. More to come.

Commission

2011-02-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

Before I go on my little break, I had to finish a commission.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

40 x 16 x 1.5".

Birthday Celebrations!!!

2011-02-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

To celebrate my birthday on Friday, my little family is taking a trip here to La Palma. No computers allowed!!!

Who needs 'em when you've got sights like this to see?

I am trying to persuade my boys to come sightseeing on horseback. Hopefully we'll see some of these 'extinct' giant lizards.

and we WILL be heading to the almond blossom fiesta as described here. It's MY birthday after all!!haha

If we don't consume too much local wine we'll be doing a lot of walking too.

To celebrate my birthday I'm having a print sale. Head over to my shop for details.

Back soon with lovely photo's.

Watercolours

2011-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what's happening to my work. I have either painted in acrylics or created collages for years now. I've never really had enough patience for watercolours but that's all I have wanted to use lately. I think that all the research I have been doing for my art classes have sent me on a different route. I am drawn to realistic work at the moment and feel compelled to paint the natural things that I find on my walks. It may take a while to find my own watercolour style or maybe I'll move onto something else. I'll try and go with the flow even though it feels a bit weird!

7 Random Things

2011-01-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

I've been awarded a 'Stylish Blog' award by the very kind Jenny Blair, writer of the fab 'Love and Peas' (pssst, there's a giveaway over there at the mo) blog and so I am going to share 7 Random Facts about myself ( why not?!) and I will be forwarding the award on to 7 more 'Stylish Blogs'.

1.There seems to be a thing for naming kids after cars in my family. That's me above, the Shelby Mustang. (Mustang would've been a much cooler middle name than Michelle, c'mon mum!) My cousin is called Austin Healey.

2. I live on a little island called Tenerife. I came here on a whim 8 years ago with my boys and a rucksack each. We've been here ever since.

3. When I was little I was sure that if you unscrewed your belly button, your bottom would fall off. (My brother said he'd seen it happen.)

4.My son is a giant. 6'4" aged 14, yikes. If his feet grow any bigger I'm gonna have to start making his shoes.

5. I would love, love, love any one of these beautiful creatures as a pet.

6. My first crush was on Adam Ant, wasn't yours? I'm sure I had this actual picture on my wall.

My next was Rowan Atkinson in Blackadder. ?!

7. Rainbows make me smile. Double rainbow are pure magic.

My Stylish Blog awards go to

Emily Parkes

John The Healing Seed

Jennifer August Wren

Rachel Awes All I Did Was Listen

Juliette Crane

Keeping Mind and Body Together

La Marquise des Anges

I hope you all can play along and share 7 random facts.

Painting Cacti and Succulents

2011-01-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Been out walking again

So Lucky!

Like. Wow.

Baby Ghosts

Tiny Cacti. My latest craze. Not like they're in any shortage on this island.

Etsy Goodness

2011-01-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

I am in such a lovely treasury wonderfully curated by wehrhouse. It made me feel all spring like and happy!!

I have also worked back into a painting that I felt needed a little more depth. I added some collage elements. What do you think?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

I hope it's full of magic!!

A Little Break

2010-12-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

My little family are planning a short break in the new year. How I would love a stay in a treehouse like these in Sweden.

Great views hey! Mind you, as a few people pointed out, wouldn't birds fly straight into these? Maybe this would be better

or this?

wow

maybe we'll just go camping in the forest...Happy Holidays all

Treasury

2010-12-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

There is so much good stuff on Etsy. Here's my latest treasury

Smile

2010-12-22T04:16:00.000-08:00

My friend buys the best presents ever! I couldn't catch my breath when I opened this lovely package!

It is from Pip Studio in Amsterdam. I'd never come across them before. They have a wonderful website.

Made my day anyway!

Magic

2010-12-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

Love this

Cute Critters

2010-11-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

This image has failed

No, but really, how cute is this? Take a look here. Thank you so much to Cutiepie Company for including my Fennec foxes in this supersweet collection! It made me smile ))).

I came across this Sketchbooks in Schools fab website tonight whilst doing some schoolie research. A little bit about the site,

"Sketchbooks in Schools aims to promote, inspire and enable the creative use of sketchbooks in primary schools. Sketchbooks can be a vital tool to encourage creative and critical thought and action across the whole school, and beyond the art curriculum.

There are lots of great sketchbook ideas and personal sketchbook pages from artists such as Naomi Cotrufo

Isabella Whitworth

Yumi Okuda

And plenty of great quotes from schoolchildren as to why they love using sketchbooks...“I like working in my sketchbook because I can learn and test out new skills as well as putting my own take on the world. I love doing my own work in my sketchbook and creating work that I can be proud of" Vanessa Hill

Great fun!

Little Houses

2010-11-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

I love the aged look of the colourful houses perched on the hills here. I use crackling varnish to create a layered, worn appearance.

I put my work up on the wall a lot so I can check out the composition and colour balance from a distance.

I put some bronze highlights in to catch the light.

So Good to be painting again ! :)

Lush

2010-10-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

All that walking in forests (and a school holiday!) inspired a painting. Now in the shop.

Happy Hallowe'en!

Walking in Tenerife

2010-10-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

My man and I have been trying to do something active on our day off together. For the last two weeks we have been out walking. The photo's above were taken on a walk from Arona to Ifonche

Hardcore farming, NOT for the fainthearted. This was on the path in the Anaga mountains. Absolutely. Breathtaking.

There are many houses built into the mountainsides. Until the 1990's, they were without electricity.

Until next time!

Racing

2010-10-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

'Racing' for Illustration Friday. This is a paper collage. I never had a go kart but I wished I did and don't you just love those old gumball machines?

On a different note, I'm an avid follower of the Smitten Kitchen blog and just had to try out this recipe for Cauliflower Cake. I admit it sounds a bit dodgy, cauliflower and cake don't go, right? Wrong. This was and still is (2 days later) delicious. It looks like a thick omelette at first but on day two the texture is decidedly cakey. Even my meat eating men raved over it. I didn't have the black sesame seeds but it worked well without.

And for dessert, I've been wanting to make some Millionaire's Shortbread for ages. This stuff is insanely sweet, I dare anyone to attempt to eat more than a tiny morsel.

Yum!

Collections

2010-10-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Beautiful succulents from Succulents Galore

My students are starting their first personal project in a couple of weeks under the heading 'Collections'. To inspire them I made a presentation of pictures I had gathered under the theme. I am feeling pretty inspired myself and think I may just tag along on this one!

Found over at the most wonderful All The Luck In The World blog

Exquisite pencil sculptures by Dalton Getty, more this a way

Beachcombing Pretties over at Quercus Design

Cakes don't come much prettier than at Lauderee

The, Oh So Talented Nathalie Lete!

Holly Farrell paints THE most charming still life pictures

Cool collection of pen nibs by Alice Gabb

And I could not forget the wonderful works of Wayne Thiebaud

Decisions, decisions...

2010-10-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

Jeremy just can't decide, flip flops or trainers, beach or run?
What would you do?

Just Pretty

2010-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

I see these (can't remember what they are called!) on my morning walk. They're so calming blowing in the breeze.

I love the colours and shape of this edificio:))

My friend's new addition to the family. Apparently he will grow as big as a pony!
(He has the tiniest horns hiding in that fur.)

Just pretty things.

Acrobat

2010-09-21T03:54:00.000-07:00

The theme for Illustration Friday this week is 'Acrobat'. So good to find the headspace to create again! I'm off to check out the other submissions....

Botanical

2010-09-18T04:41:00.000-07:00

I knew my new job as an art teacher would take up an awful lot of time and prevent me from producing my own work for a while, and it does, but I am loving it so much and the research is one of the best parts. I'm learning all sorts of things and discovering some wonderful artists. I have been doing some still life classes based on plants with the students and this led me to search Etsy for 'Botanical' under the art section. I found some lovelies. The gorgeous dark print above is by ashleyg.

These 'Magic Mushrooms' are by Illumino. I love the colours and shapes.

'Succulent' is an original by Leelaford. This shop is bursting with beautiful colourful pictures of plants and flowers.

LeiLiLaLoo is a favourite shop of mine and there is a sale going on at the mo. The pictures are so bright and cheery, such fun titles too, this one is 'Alice is Looking for her Dottie Dress'. Lovely!

Illustration Friday 'Dessert'

2010-09-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

What could be better than a huge slice of cake? Ok, maybe a few things! But I do love to bake and make cake collages. This is my submission for Illustration Friday. It's not so new but I've been so busy with preparing for my new job as an art teacher for some time now. I officially start on Wednesday and I'm hoping once I settle in I'll have time to create again. I've found some great teaching resources on the web but if anyone has any suggestions they will be gratefully received :)

Day 27

2010-08-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Whoops! almost a week slipped by without a post. This morning I made sure I got up early so I could fit everything in and I'm so glad I did because I saw this beautiful sight.

day 21 fig

2010-08-21T08:09:00.001-07:00

Day 19

2010-08-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Day 17 Morning

2010-08-17T01:43:00.001-07:00

Day 15 Breakfast

2010-08-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Day 13

2010-08-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a very short break in the north of the island. We stayed in a beautiful finca which came complete with two seriously cute kittens. It was so hard to leave them behind but they clearly have such a good life there with all the guests feeding them and a wonderful garden to play in.
Check out my new Etsy shop widget on the right there, get your own at craftcult!

Day 12 Triphid

2010-08-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Day 11 Fiesta

2010-08-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

day 8 Lunch

2010-08-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Day 6

2010-08-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Day 5

2010-08-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Look up, look down, look all around. What a lovely surprise to find this beauty in between cracks in the pavement.

Day 4

2010-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Day 3

2010-08-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Day 2

2010-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

This was my sweet Nan's teacup and saucer. My mum recently brought it over from England. I was looking carefully at it today and realised how beautiful the bottom of the cup was. My Nan inspired my love of baking for which I will always be grateful.

Day 1

2010-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's rather windy here today so my 1st photo for August Break looks a little out of focus, but still very summery and I only had to step 2 minutes from my house to find this beautiful tree. I'm so grateful to live in such a beautiful place.

The August Break

2010-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

For the month of August I'm taking part in The August Break with Susannah Conway and oodles of bloggers. The idea is to take a photo a day and record it on our blogs. It's a bit of fun and a way to be more present throughout this summer. I've been getting into the swing of things and my little camera has been everywhere with me for the last few days.

Anyone fancy joining in?

Lazy

2010-07-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few things making me feel like this at the moment! I'm hoping a break will refresh me. I aim to be back soon with new artwork!

SPRING feature and a Giveaway!

2010-07-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

The lovely ladies over at the group blog called SPRING contacted me recently and asked me to take part in one of their monthly features. SPRING is a site all about inspiration in bloom. Each month they do video chats about different topics that are inspiring for a creative, intentional life. This month they are covering the topic of self-care and they have featured my artwork to illustrate this! My Bathtime print is up for grabs so have a wander over there for a good old read and a chance to win a freebie.

An Oasis

2010-07-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

I rested in this little oasis at market yesterday. It's hot here at the moment. We are in the middle of what's known as a 'calima' . The air is full of dust blown over from the Sahara and it increases the temperature. Not particularly pleasant for the lungs either but it will blow over in a day or so. I think I'll stay shuttered up in my little house 'til then.

Illustration Friday 'Diary'

2010-07-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

My Diary for this week, putting it down like this makes me realise what an easy life I have! Until I start work in September that is....

Illustration Friday 'Giant'

2010-07-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

My submission for Illustration Friday,'Giant'as in giant hills like the one we climbed up to watch sunset the other evening...

It was really stunning, though I did feel a little queasy at the top, it's a long way down....

New Bags For The Girls

2010-07-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

I made my turquoise and pink loving friends some new summer bags. Aren't they pretty? and the bags are alright too!

Good Stuff

2010-07-04T03:01:00.000-07:00

Found via Audrey Hepburn Complex wow, that girl has such good taste

Bonjour Hello's Flickr stream (also found on Audrey Hepburn Complex's Tumblr )

The Small Stakes

Zalita's Flickr stream ( I think I need to bake some cupcakes!)

Hand Tranfers from Cox and Cox

Cat Cafes are increasingly popular in Japan. I found this fascinating ...'In an increasingly childless and aging nation, cat cafes fill a void. The more fortunate Japanese are the middle-aged couples who cradle Dachshunds like grandchildren at car dealerships and the young women who hand feed their Maltese puppies on park benches. For those who live with long work hours, no-pet apartments and work-related travel, there are cat cafes.' Just look at those attentive cats, I'd like to think they are listening to a wonderful fairy tale but I reckon someones got some tasty food there.

Illustration Friday 'Satellite'

2010-06-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme for Illustration Friday is 'Satellite' and so for the last few days I have been singing Lou Reed's 'Satellite of Love'. I created a love filled collage, satellites beaming love down to earth. Lou's song wasn't so cheery, in fact it was about being cheated on by his girlfriend, poor Lou.

Etsy Love

2010-06-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Oh how lovely! My work is in two great treasuries. The first sleepy themed one is full of sumptuous reds here
Thank you Noni Bam

and the other is bursting with sweet and playful finds, check it out here
Thank you daisy flores!

The Invitation

2010-06-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ah Bliss! I spent the afternoon in my studio for the first time in what seemed like ages and came up with this collage. I'd been inspired to create a picture with butterflies landing on me for a while after reading this (love that blog!) however it turned into a sort of garden party picture but that's fine with me!. It's now in the shop. The title of this picture is also the title of this inspirational book by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. 'The Inviatation' begins with a poem...
'It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive..'
I think I'm going to read that book again now.

Paisley

2010-06-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme for Illustration Friday is Paisley. I'm not sure where this idea came from but I quite like it! We've got visitors over at the moment and day trips and football (!) have sort of got in the way of creating. But I did get round to making something...

I don't know if anyone has come across these fruits before. My friend gave me heaps of them from his garden and told me to make something tasty so after some research I discovered they are called Phsyalis Alkekengi, Chinese Lantern or Groundcherries and they are delicious raw or baked in a crumble, which is what I did. I think they are such lovely things.

On A Bag Hunt

2010-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I love bags and I try to make my own when I get chance but lately I am so tempted to treat myself to one made by someone else. Here are some of my choices. Above the Auvenier XL bag iragranteco

The Elessa in light blue jean by milloo

Here comes the bride by out of africa

Or this dazzling purse by dazzling lanna .

I have already received some lovely goodies from Etsy this week, I bought some mineral make up goodies from orglamix which are great and I was lucky enough to win something from Sarah Culleton's gorgeous etsy shop. Being a cat lover I chose this cute purse and it arrived today! It may just be too nice to use. Thanks Sarah!

And on a completely different note... for any migraine sufferers out there... last night I felt a headache brewing and I was pretty fed up as they have been lasting up to a week lately and really hindering me going about my business. By this afternoon I had had enough and did even more research on natural remedies. I read that drinking a glass of water very slowly with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayanne pepper mixed in could help. I managed half a teaspoon and it burned my lips and made me feel sick for a while so I lay down and waited for it to wear off. Amazingly, my headache wore off too and I'm feeling almost normal a few hours later. It could be a fluke but I would recommend trying it. Let me know if you have any other remedies.

Hello Weekend

2010-06-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Just where exactly did that week go? I'm in the habit of going for long, brisk, early morning walks these days and I do see some wonderful sights. Did you spot the shoes on the signpost?

The hill that I walk up is called the red mountain and it was easy to see why this morning.

This pathway leads to a beautiful tiny cove.

When I got home I spotted this little fella hiding in my (very scratched up!) hubcap. Look at those little hands, what a cutie! Less walking and more creating for me this weekend I reckon.

Illustration Friday 'Trail'

2010-06-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

When I saw the title for this week's Illustration Friday I immediately thought of the story of Hansel and Gretal and the trail of bread that the children leave to show them their way home. This story has been written and illustrated so many times, I checked some of them out, here are my faves...

I love Jen Coraces' illustration's. The lovely book is available here

Fab illustration by Larissa Meek

Kay Neilsen illustrated Hansel and Gretel and Other Stories by the Brothers Grimm (1925) by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.

New Painting Hoopla

2010-06-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't painted for ages and I sooo enjoyed it today. I've just listed this on my shop and now I'm off to read this book by David Nicholls. I really liked Starter For Ten, perfect bedtime or beachy reading, you know when you really don't want to have to think too hard.
I have a few canvases lined up so I'll be back painting in the morning.

Illustration Friday 'Slither'

2010-06-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my illustration for this weeks Illustration Friday theme, 'Slither'. I must admit, I struggled a little. The word doesn't conjure up very pleasant images to me but I got there in the end with my snails slithering along to their holiday destination hence the sunglasses and hat. Click on the image to view it larger.

A Day Out

2010-05-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

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'

2010-05-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

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'

2010-05-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-03T14:55:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-03T12:07:00.001-07:00

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'

2010-05-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Ida Pearle

2010-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Oh my word, I've just come across the work of Ida Pearle. I can't get over the detail and the
compostition not to mention the gorgeous papers she uses. The following excerpt is taken from Ida's website. Towards the end of her time in college, she began making cut-paper collages as personalized gifts for friends. These collages developed into poetic vignettes, depicting the challenges and gifts of friends' lives, recast in a hopeful and magical light. Check out the intricate pieces in detail over at the website

My Heart on a String

2010-04-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

When my son was little he made me this picture. It's us sharing a heart! maybe that's why we look so scared... anyway, I love it so much and many years later it inspired this picture, 'My Heart On A String'

On a similar theme, with my new lace scraps and vintage wallpaper, I've been working on this picture over the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration son shine :)

Illustration Friday 'Ahead'

2010-04-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

'Ahead' my first submission for Illustration Friday. This is a revamped version of an older piece. Painted background, collaged figures, digitally enhanced. I like the new version and thought it suited the theme. I'd love to hear your comments!