Sketchbook Antics

Every now and then I jot down ideas for future paintings in my small 15x15cm sketchbook. I've been wanting to work on a straight portrait for some time but haven't been able to pick a suitable subject in which I can provide a narrative in the painting of things to occur in their future.

After some very quick sketches I decided upon Boudicca (not Bodicca as I have written) as my subject, via Eowyn in The Lord Of the Rings. I'm hoping that in the future I'll be able to make a start on this historical portrait and experiment with under-paintings and concentrated watercolour inks. Also I want to super impose images of war and poison as if the viewer can read Boudicca future in the painting. Note I have also given Boudicca 'nose room' which I decided to do after reading James Gurney's post on the subject.

For those that do not know of Boudicca here's a short history from the BBC website.

I haven't fallen down a hole...

 
I've been drawing a painting solidly for the past two weeks but for now I still can't post the fruits of my labour on this blog. As consolation I've posted a photo of my drawing board in it's current state, swamped with Momo & The Totobrats illustrations.

New Gallery Addition

Just a quick note to say I've now created a gallery page for some of my Editorial illustrations ('Editorial' tab at the top). The eagle-eyed may have spied it already but if you haven't please have a browse and leave comments.

Momo & The Totobrats Update - I've now finished another two double page spreads, 6 more illustrations to go.

Swindon Open Studios

 Sea Of Ideas

Watercolour / Drypoint / Pen

This year I have been invited to take part in the Swindon Open Studios at Artsite. Artsite is a contemporary art space and community based in the Wyvern Theatre square in Swindon. At the moment I don't know any details, but what I can tell you is the second half of 'Sea Of Ideas' is currently on show in Artsite's window gallery alongside other well known local artists to promote the event this Summer. If you're in Swindon why not root it out? If you have no intention of visiting Swindon click here instead to view the Open Studios Blog.

My Blog Evolves

Some of you may have noticed how much my blog has changed in the last two weeks. If you haven't had chance to, please browse the new gallery page. I'm planning to expand on the pages element in blogger so I can have editorial and children's book galleries just a click away. For now I hope you like the new look.

I'm still plowing the the Momo & The Totobrats furrow and it's incredibly tempting to show you the shoots and in other cases the finished crop of illustrations but alas I am legally obliged to keep them hidden. At the moment I'm on illustration number 22, so over half way but still lots to tend to.