Illustration Friday: 'Whisper'

'We know each other's secrets.'

Medium: Watercolour

This wasn't going to be my entry for this week's Illustration Friday. I had already finalised my sketch for my original picture when I changed my mind. I've been thinking about Chihiro Iwasaki whom I dearly love, and this painting was inspired by her beautiful art.

( I know birds don't whisper, but I like the idea of a child and a little bird swapping secrets in their own made-up language.)

Sketches

A couple of quick sketches using a biro (and the back of sheets of copy for editing, hee). I keep forgetting how much fun it is to just draw when the urge strikes.

  My beautiful niece, Raisa, and her (allegedly) crazy hair

A brave and wonderful lady. This is just a quick study and I'm hoping to get a few more photo references to use for a proper portrait

I probably have hundreds of these little biro sketches, scattered all over the house. I know, I should really learn to be more organised, or at least scan the darn sketches before entropy takes over my desk so I'll at least have them to work with when I sit down to paint. Sigh.

Anyway, my latest Interview with an Artist is coming soon. I'm really pleased with how this interview has turned out, as my interviewee's art is simply stunning. You'll get to meet her next week!

What's your favourite position?

While painting, I mean. My ideal one is sitting down, especially when I'm working on little details. It just helps my hand to stay stable.

Most of the time, though, I find myself standing while painting. Today, for instance, I was working on this 8" x 10" painting standing up, cradling it upside down in my left arm while holding the brush with my right hand. (Insert wish for a nice, sturdy easel.)

Not the most comfortable position, but then again, I've been working on four paintings simultaneously, one of which has taken up the whole dining table (insert wish for own studio):

This is my space painting for a special little boy, and I'm finally nearing the end! I thought I could work on this during half-term but alas, I was too ill to concentrate on such a big painting. Anyway, I can finally see where this picture is going (although knowing myself, that might still change a couple of times) and I just can't wait until it's done and ready to go to its owner.

Oh, a little bit of news: Due to popular demand, I shall be bringing back my artist interview series! I already have a few interviews lined up and boy, I've been jumping up and down with glee and excitement because these artists are truly amazing!

Valentine twins

A watercolour portrait of my friends, Clare and Kate, for their birthday. Two wonderful, smart, vibrant, caring, big-hearted women born on the most appropriate day for them, the 14th of February, forty years ago.

Illustration Friday: 'Wool'

Ah, wool. One of my favourite things in the whole world. I just had to illustrate this topic!

I have a dress pretty much like the one in this painting. I bought it at the beginning of winter last year and when I got it in the post, I wasn't quite sure whether I'd keep it or not. It was a lot thicker than it looked in the online catalogue. It's 100% wool and fully lined. I never thought I'd be able to wear it, but since January, we've experienced sub-zero temperatures quite a few times, thanks to the great crazy British weather. Now I'm really pleased that I decided to keep my dress.