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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.
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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...
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!
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...
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.
...around the late 50's, early 60's in the USA.
I found her photo in an old 1950's Elvis fan magazine, so I think it kind of fits in with the vintage photos I've been working with recently!
I really need to get the hang of drawing hair...
I was asked to design a flyer to send around to local schools advertising the Gigantasaurus workshops and parade as part of the Dorchester Festival.
I'm usually quite literal with my work, preferring to work from life and observations, so it was a bit of a challenge working in a different style!
I did a few illustration's for my friend's website, I'll be sure to let you know when it's up and running!
Here's a couple...
Cat on a mat.
Damien Hirst's 'For the Love of God' diamond skull.
Stephen Fry.
Did this on a bit of a whim, and it's not finished yet. But it's based on a photograph an amazing book I got for Christmas, 'The Empire of Death'. Life's been a bit busy, so I've only just gotten around to looking at it properly. A must for anyone curious about macabre and morbid, it's filled with beautiful photographs and facts about charnel houses and catacombs around the world.
I know, my camera skills are terrible!
I was a bit of a dorky kid, and over a period of maybe 2 or 3 years I used to spend many a weekend scavenging charity shops and jumble sales to collect old books and annuals. In the end I accumulated 100+ dating from the 1900's to the 1980's, which are now getting dusty in an old trunk in my room. While I was photographing a few of the annuals to put on my Etsy, I rediscovered some of the articles, stories, and beautiful artwork. Times have changed!!
Starting from 1954, the photographs speak for themselves...
