Bits from the sketchbook

Merry

I went up to London a few weeks ago and did some quick observations on the train.

 I also held an alcoholic teaparty for my nearest and dearest. Treats included homemade sushi, vegan cookies (for my vegan guests), mini baked potatoes with chives and cheese, and an array of drinks served in teapots including a green tea, pear and vodka cocktail, a rose tea and vodka cocktail, and a trusty teapot of Pimms! We all had a merry time drinking cocktails from teacups and playing Happy Families...until ring of fire got involved and we ended up at the local pub belting out Robbie Williams on karaoke. My kind of night!

Treats

Just a couple of things I've come across in the last week or so...

I found this awesome copy book from the local Curiousity Center for a mere 50p. I love how much effort the original owner's gone into copying the illustrations! I think it dates from the 1800's.

Also my mum presented me with this amazing art book from 1905.

And look, an old cat lady!! Found at the local tip by my friend.

Sweethearts.

Pen portraits of cute people I found in the old photo albums.

We have a plan.

Crisps, tea and brainstorms can only mean one thing... WE HAVE A PLAN!!

All will be revealed soon...

Best Ever

Oh my, so my flatmate came home with the best find EVER the other day... 

Two albums full of original family photographs from the 1800's!

This lady kept popping up in various photographs...

Lady

She's not quite finished yet, but for some reason it's taking me ages to get around to completing the hat, collar and blouse. To be honest I'd quite like to start on a new project, or at least come up with some direction for this one. But I've been a busy lady lately what with starting my new job and um...enjoying the Summer. I'm sure I'll get back in the swing of things soon!

Old Romance

So I finished off another bridesmaid!

Seeing as I've used it so much, I may as well show you the bridal party that became my models. I found the photograph along with a ton of old family photos in a warehouse that sells possessions from house-clearances. How sad is it that treasured memories can end up in a bargain basket... 

Also look what my flatmate found me! How lovely. I can't wait to do something with it.

Onwards and Upwards

So this month was full of unexpected ups and downs, which has left me with little time or motivation to do any illustration work. But I finally got my act together and have started on two child bridesmaid portraits to go with the creepy wedding lady. I have no idea what the purpose of these portraits are but they've been fun to do and it's nice to be doing some painting again, so for now that's the only purpose I need.

Wedding Belle

This is just a personal painting, something to fill my day. Based on a photograph of a 1920's wedding. It is also unintentionally one of the creepiest paintings I've ever done. Her eyes follow you across the room. Definitely one to be kept hidden under a blanket.

Beginnings

So I've finally kind of settled into the new flat, found myself a job, the boyfriend's moved back from Uni and life's looking pretty good at the moment.

The flat dates from the 1700's and I love how old and wonky everything is. It's situated right in the town centre and I love the view from my little third floor room.

Illustration work's been kind of hard to concentrate on at the moment, but here's a little sneak preview with what I'm working on...

I'm also lucky to be living with a talented bunch. Chris is an illustrator and you can find his illustrations at Everything is Fine, and Luke's a guitarist in the band Kill the Conversation. Click on the purple links and check them out!

A Tad Overdue...

I have been SO crap at posting recently. Being made redundant and signing on to a new flat in the space of two days have put me a constant state of heightened panic which has left me with little time to do anything remotely productive. Therefore I have spent the majority of my time moping, job-searching, moaning to friends and boyfriend, drinking copious amounts of fruity cider and doing absolutely no packing lest I somehow jinx myself.
However, today I spoke to the new landlord who's told me I'm absolutely fine to move in. Yay!
If you'd like to help me with my rent, why not check out my Etsy Shop and treat yourself to some Bowie owls, a personalised cat portrait, or a zine or two? Click HERE to check it out!

I managed to scrape some time together to do a couple of little watercolour illustrations. Still painting from old photographs. I can't wait to have a desk so I can start using acrylics again! Terrible quality, I had to take photos using my old camera as the scanner lead seems to have misplaced itself...

Also a big hello to my new followers! And thanks for the lovely comments. I shall check out your blogs over the upcoming weekend :)

Lunchbreak

Oh God knows why. I have an alarming amount of cat paintings now, all based on vintage photographs of grumpy cats forced to look silly and cute. Maybe I can make some kind of deep and meaningful project out of it yet...

I also found this unfinished Michel Roux Jr portrait floating around my sketchbook. I think I was meant to give it to my mum who has a tiny little crush on him, but I never really liked the way it turned out. I'm still not sure about it...

A Board

I've been playing around with posters for the A-Board at work. Thought I'd try out some free-hand typography as I'm generally quite rubbish at it. They're nothing spectacular, but I'm quite fond of them...

Our graphic designer Colin got hold of it and snazzed it up for me. I think it's turned out pretty well!

Cheeky

I found a load these cheeky photographs in Dorchester Market. They're reproductions, but I've never seen anything like it. I love how tame they are in today's standards. Here's my favourites!

And here's a small sketch of one for my ever on-going project...

Payday Temptations

Some of my favourite buys from the last few weeks...

My beautiful suitcase I picked it up at the vintage market in Bridport. I work right next to it, so unfortunately the temptation can prove to be a bit too much! I can't wait to store shoes and what-not in it when I move into my new flat over the summer. I love that it still has the original labels on! (Excuse my manky, old carpet...)

My 1960's Miss Selfridge shoes from Bridport's Vintage Quarter. I'm in love. The only heels I can actually walk in! Although does anyone know any tips on breaking in leather?

Detail from my 1970's pale blue Peter Pan collar dress. I found it for £1.50 in a charity shop and was absolutely chuffed. Although everyone tells me I look like an old-fashioned nurse when I wear it...

And my adorable mini willow-pattern cup and saucer to add to my ever growing collection.