21 September 2016

Picturebook Perfect

I'm taking some time this evening to look through some of my favourite picture books. Today I have selected some of the older books from my collection. The bold colours, geometric shapes and beautiful textures to be found in the illustrations in these books has hugely influenced my work and continues to inspire me in the images I create. Here are some of my all time favourites...



The Animal Fair, by Alice and Martin Provensen, 1962




Alphabet, by Alain Gree, (2012 publication of 1960s artwork)



The Illiad and The Odyssey, by Alice and Martin Provensen, 1956



5 September 2016

Summer Scribbles

So, illustrating colouring books has featured heavily in my recent activities - but I've also been busy with workshops, book covers, residencies and other doodling shenanigans.

Back in May, before the festival descended (and also just before I became a married lady) I escaped to the West of Scotland for a wonderful week combining a drawing residency at Dumfries House with creative workshops at primary schools in the surrounding area. During these workshops I was sidekick to the incredible Vivian French (author and all round wonder woman). We visiting three local schools, where we worked with pupils to make murals and write stories inspired by Beatrix Potter stories, and incorporating a 'Four Elements' theme. 





The results were on display at the amazing Boswell Book Festival's 'Bozzy Book Bang'. The residency part of my time here was in connection to the Royal Drawing School and allowed me the time, resources and inspiration to create a series of drawings and prints in response to the beautiful Dumfries House.






The two months following my Dumfries adventure whizzed by in a whirlwind of exciting new work projects, a pretty white dress, a fluffy new puppy and a (far too short) backpacking adventure. Before I knew it August had arrived along with Edinburgh's various festivals. 

This year I held an event titled:   'Tea, Cake and Colouring In' at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2016. Those three ingredients make for a pretty good afternoon in my opinion, but throw in a very eager and talented audience and some giant colouring in images we had ourselves a really fantastic event.






So, what's next? According to my diary (without which I would not have a clue where to begin answering that question) it is now September and I will be returning shortly to Edinburgh College of Art to work with the Illustration students. I also have a some new colouring book titles to be announcing and promoting soon as well as one or two other exciting illustration projects to keep me busy. Best get started!