Today we've gone floral!

I love this pairing of poppies with sea holly - they complement each other beautifully. I spotted them in a garden somewhere (it might have been Hidcote) and always had an idea of painting them so here it is - tricky but it gives an idea of it!

Today's painting - Denis having a snooze

Not long after we rehomed our ten year old ginger male cat, Denis (formerly 'Treacle') he began to test out various comfy spots around the house for snooze potential. The back of the sofa in the garden room is a favourite with just the right mix of warmth, company and safety from the dogs!

I've always avoided painting our own pets up to now mainly because I'm a perfectionist and felt I would never do them justice. But this daily painting regime has freed me up - this is another wee 6" x 6" painting in acrylics on Fabriano HP paper - I'm comfortable working in this medium as it's what I use for book illustrations but am starting to paint in oils more and more and will have a go at some little daily oil paintings very soon - the first 12 gesso boards arrived today so I'm good to go! Will also be trying a looser style but for now am doing what comes naturally.

Little Daily Painting

Just about to start trying my hand at daily painting - a new approach for me but something that's growing in popularity among artists as a way of producing lots of fresh exciting work and avoiding artists block! I'm working on a book project at the same time so I don't know how many days I'll manage to do it, but I love the idea of producing a piece of work that I will finish in one go, and not return to days later and fiddle with it! It's wee, just 6" square, and that's new for me too. This first painting is of Ninewells Wood in the Wye Valley, a favourite dog walking spot of ours

Ninewells Wood

... and some more new stuff!

The garden is so beautiful right now that I want to paint everything I see!

Just trying something new...

... a bit of a departure from my usual style but it was fun trying something new for Advocate's new portfolio!

 

Something new - Monkey Mischief!

I've been working this summer on illustrations for a November story for JC Decaux - and finally it is launch day!

So excited to see my work on digital screens nationwide! Here's what it's all about!

I'm rubbish at this!

Just realised it's a year and a day since my last blog post - that's totally rubbish and I need to be more disciplined! I've had a very busy year and have been working on lots of lovely book projects - too many to mention here!! So, after a wonderful holiday in Corsica, it's back to the drawing board with a cluster of new projects and a full diary now till the end of the year. This is the cover of I Want My Daddy - more adventures with Arthur Mouse who loves dressing up and learning all about the big wide world - just so long as his Mum (or Dad) is within cuddling distance!