Phoenix for Illustration Friday

Two versions of phoenixes, the top one is done in oil pastels, the bottom with dry pastels.

Researching the story of the phoenix, I discovered that it is based in Egyptian mythology, on a bird the Egyptians called the benu, or purple heron. Hence the bottom image.

However, Greek mythology mentions that the bird has red and even gold feathers, as does Fawkes, Professor Dumbledore's phoenix. So, I decided to draw both.

Which do you prefer? I think I prefer the red one.

Painted for Vicky

This was painted for my friend Vicky for her birthday.
Acrylics on canvas. It was also my first ever commissioned piece of work!!

Drawing practice

This is my attempt at copying a Kandinsky, dry pastels on black card.

Happy Holidays to all!

moments of peace for illustration friday

Most of my family is scattered around the globe and I don't get to see them much. I won't be spending Christmas with my parents or my brother, but I will have some of my family with me. This is them, catching some moments of peace. Paul and Caesar...merry xmas guys! And Happy Holidays to everyone out there.

Drawings as gifts

Here are a couple of drawings I made as gifts. The first is a pastel drawing based on a photo of boats taken in St Ives, made for my friend Mad. To see the photo, click here.

The one below is a drawing of a Bantam Rooster that Paul's Dad sent me a photo of as a possible drawing subject. Paul's Dad keeps one, and several chickens in their large garden in Cheshire.

Help for Illustration Friday

"Help!! I'm so adorable I can't stand myself!!" says Caesar the Dancing Christmas Cat. "Will you give me an extra portion of Christmas dinner please?!?!"

Sketching at the Porthminster Beach Cafe

Having a drink at the Porthminster Beach Cafe, St Ives, watching the dogs playing on the beach, and drawing each other.

Photos from our trip can be seen here.

Some sketches from St Ives

Just back from a gorgeous, even though blustery and wet, long weekend in St Ives. Here are some sketches I made from our visit to the Tate Gallery there, situated fabulously overlooking Porthmeor Beach. These sketches are my (rushed) attempt at capturing the appreciation for three of the works I saw there that I loved most. From top to bottom: a Barbara Hepworth sculpture, a Ben Nicholson painting and a Roger Hilton drawing.
For a look at the original Hepworth sculpture, click here. For a look at the original Nicholson painting, click here. I couldn't find a link to the specific Roger Hilton I copied above, but for a link to the exhibition of his work at Tate St Ives, click here.

More drawings and photos to come soon.

the cat of peace and happiness

In his headress and robe of Peace...cos life ain't all doom and gloom.
Peace Miaows to all.

single line drawing for inspire me thursday

This one is called "she smiles, but she lies" and...















I'm calling this one insomnia, which I had pretty bad last night.

Can you tell I'm not having the best of weeks? Can't wait till it ends and the weekend begins, when we take a beautiful train ride down to Cornwall and see the ocean.

Pen & ink single line drawings. For other, better drawings, check out inspire me thursday.

Might for Illustration Friday

"If only I could figure out how to show Trixie I have a soft side", Howard thought. "Oh well, this new miracle balm for crustaceans might just help."

Jar reads "softening balm for hard shells...try a little tenderness".

Soft Balm is available from Crustacean Health Clinics everywhere, no prescription required. Contains all natural organic ingredients. No harmful side effects reported.

Pen & ink.

Stillness for Photo Friday

Three images of stillness from St Ives in Cornwall. The first, deserted sand dunes at Lelant in February. The second, the reflection of the sun on a sandbar in the ocean off Porthminster beach. The third, a shot from Barbara Hepworth's studio, kept in the same condition she'd left it since her death.