Drawing Lines

This year got off to a very busy start and for some reason I have let my blogging habit slide. So here is a long overdue post which may go some way to explaining my silence. 

I made another colouring book! 

(Actually, I've now made 5 colouring/activity books and contributed to 4 others, but I can't talk about them all yet...)

For now I give you The Colouring Book of Edinburgh, the second in my series of colouring books published by Birlinn. I had to whittle it down to 23 locations, so there are some notable absences but the book features most of my favourite places in my favourite city in the world. You can buy it online or in Waterstones, Blackwells and many independent shops.

I'm just finishing up the third and final book, and feeling quite sad at the prospect of the project being over. There's a lot of love in the little lines. Luckily I have some new commissions on the go and will be running some fun workshops over the next few months. I'm also finding time to get started on some personal projects. I'm off to the Botanic Gardens with my sketchbook and a coffee. It's research, ok?!

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!

The Colouring Book of Scotland

I've been out of the blogging way for a while now...my time seemed to get swallowed up with working on lovely things I should have then been blogging about. But no excuses! It is hard to know where to begin filling in the 6 month gap, but I'll start with one of the most exciting projects I was lucky enough to work on.

Following my Art Adventure book I was asked by publishing house Birlinn to create a Scotland themed colouring book suitable for all ages. Voila - I give you: The Colouring Book of Scotland

I chose to depict a number of landmarks, landscapes and buildings from across the country with a map detailing the route that would take you to each of the 23 places. 

 Stromness

 Tobermory

Edinburgh

I'm feeling very pleased with the end result and also very lucky to be creating images that people are able to enjoy and add to themselves. I like the idea that people familiar with Scotland will recognise places special to them, as well as first time visitors being able to discover these places anew - and spend time chilling out and colouring in.

The Colouring Book of Scotland is available to buy online, in numerous Waterstones stores and in many lovely independent shops.

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Art Adventures

About a year ago I met up with the lovely people at the National Galleries of Scotland and we chatted about making a book. The idea was to create a colouring and drawing book that visitors of all ages could take with them around the galleries. As if by magic (but really thought lots of meetings and drawing and printing) there are now copies of this actual physical book available for sale online and in shops!

Here are some pictures to prove it:

Keep an eye on their blog for a wee post about the book. There is also a brilliant exhibition on right now at the National Gallery showcasing the work of some incredible illustrators, and I'm lucky enough to have my sketchbooks from this project on show alongside it. Go check it out!

Colour me happy

If I had to pick a way to spend a Sunday, I'd probably just do loads of colouring in.

So today I was at Edinburgh International Book Festival doing just that. With the help of A LOT of lovely people, we transformed this:

(my doodles of Edinburgh city centre)

Into this:

(a riotous colourful map full of new doodles and characters)

We did this over two and a half hours, which involved much chatting and singing and laughing. I heard a cracking joke about a cow from a three year old, but I don't think it should be repeated in public. 

The turn out was better than I could have hoped and the crowd ranged from tiny tots to grandparents. Everyone did a great job and seemed to get really absorbed in the activity, confirming in my mind my long held belief that colouring in is brill. It's therapy!

Every time I look at the maps I find another wee detail or character:

(The famous monkey of Usher Hall)

(Some tiny superheroes and a bird hanging out in Princes Street Gardens)

And to top it all off, many of the artists signed my 'guestbook' with self-portraits! This is now hanging proudly on my studio wall.

Good effort team. And thank you Book Festival! See you next year :-)

7 (and a half) Reasons To Take a Child to Edinburgh Book Festival 2015

I love Edinburgh. But I love it the most in August. (Sorry September to July Edinburgh, it's not your fault. It's just that in August you treat us all so blooming well, and this year looks to be no exception...) When the Festival and Fringe descend in all their crazy, noisy, spectacular glory I will seek refuge in Charlotte Square for as many of the 17 days of the Edinburgh International Book Festival as I can.

During the festivals of 2012 and 2013 I was an employee of EIBF, selling books in the Children's BookShop - easily one of the best summer jobs I have ever had. Despite no longer working there, I have poured over this year's 'Baillie Gifford Children's Programme' with as much care and attention as I did when my job depended on it. Having compiled an extensive list of events I am very excited about, I have whittled this list down to 7 of my favourites. All that's left is to borrow my sister's children and get us tickets while there are still some left!

1: Jacqueline Wilson, 1.30pm Sunday 16th (Age 9-12) £4.50

I have loved Jacqueline Wilson's books since the age of 9 when I became obsessed with Double Act (and the notion that somewhere out there I might have a long lost identical twin). She has written over 100 novels and is an inspiring and engaging speaker.

2: Are You Sitting Comfortably?, 10am Monday 17th (All Ages) FREE

Vivian French takes this session. I'm sure I don't need to say more, but if there is a young child (or adult for that matter) who hasn't yet experienced storytelling, poems and songs from this amazing author, then they are truly missing out. 

3: Debi Gliori's Big Draw,  11am Saturday 22nd (All Ages) FREE

This year's Illustrator In Residence is Debi Gliori. Her latest books feature 'Alfie', who joins the many loveable characters Debi has created over the past 25 years. Today she invites children of all ages to decorate Antarctica with penguins, seals and other creatures. I'm THERE.

4: Nick Sharratt, 1.30pm Saturday 22nd (Ages 4-7) £4.50

Remember when I said I loved Jacqueline Wilson books? Well this love can largely be attributed to the colourful, bold illustrations of Nick Sharratt. In this event he will tell the audience about his latest book through drawing, playing, and generally be a genius.

5: To the Moon and Back with Petr Horacek, 3.30pm Thursday 27th (ages 4-7) £4.50

When I was studying at ECA we were lucky to have visiting illustrators talk to us about their careers and show their work. Petr's memorable visit had us all totally enthralled. He is a very entertaining storyteller, and his sketchbooks and picture books are full of hilarious images and characters. 

6: Alex T Smith's Animal Obstacles, 2.15pm Friday 28th (Ages 3-6) £4.50

Okay, so I am slightly biased when it comes to fairytales (and humerous re-tellings of), but I promise this isn't why this event has made my list. Alex T Smiths's illustrations are not only engaging and communicative, but they are also BEAUTIFUL. Oh, and he is also brilliant on Instagram and Twitter. Follow.

7: Illuminating the Art of illustration, 10.30am Sunday 30th (Age 14+) £7/£5

I wish I had attended this event as a 14 year old. Actually, at any age it's going to be brilliant.  Three of the most talented illustrators currently working in the picture book industry - Chris Haughton, Oliver Jeffers and Chris Riddell - in conversation about their work and careers.

(And here's the half)
Seeing as you are already there...I'm doing an event on site on Sunday 30th. Yup! It isn't in the programme but I will be there, with my giant illustrated map of Edinburgh and plenty of pens. It's free, and the map is really rather big, so come along from 11am-1pm and help me colour in and doodle all over it! 

In the meantime, here is a picture of what my desk looked like shortly after I found out this was going to happen:

Out and about

For the most part, the work I do is quite solitary. I settle in the studio and work away quietly (or not so quietly...when no one shares your office space with you Disney sing-a-longs are totally allowed). However, I have recently been pulled out of my isolation to take part in some exciting events. The best part? I am still allowed to call this 'work'...

1: The Book Launch

Never Bite a Tiger on the Nose was launched last week as part of the Bookbug Pirate pack. The lovely Early Years team at Scottish Book Trust held a launch event and exhibition in Methil, Fife. It was here that the book was written as a collaboration by Lynne Rickards and a group of parents. The project was set up by HomeStart Levenmouth and grew into a wonderful creative writing project, the result of which is this book that I feel truly honoured to have illustrated.

A bookbug session was held at the event and judging by the noise seemed to prove pretty popular with the children in attendance. Lynne read the story aloud and we then signed copies for everyone. This was strange to start with (you mean I'm allowed to write my name and draw a picture on your new book...??) but I quickly got used to it. I have decided I like signing books. And doodling in books. 

And I like book launches in general because there are also snacks.

2: The Nursery Visit

The next day I paid a visit to North Berwick Nursery to draw some pictures and read the Tiger book. I was welcomed by a bigger crowd than I had expected (roughly 70 wee ones aged 2-4, two of whom are my nephews Lachie and Struan). They were a very well behaved and creative bunch so I had an easy time of it. Actually, I had a great time! (I'm not bragging but even though it was my first day I was totally asked to play on the monkey bars AND invited into the den to hang out). I have a lot of respect for the teachers, they are incredible ladies who keep everything under control while also making it sooooo much fun.

I brought colouring in sheets and we drew our favourite foods...

...my plan was then to draw the food items and animals from the book. However, I quickly learned that these kids had some really cool ideas and actually it was much more of a priority for everyone that I draw a big pirate ship. And that this pirate ship had a resident cat, spider, Spiderman, and octopus. I think we all agreed it was the right decision.

3: The Art Competition

Recently I was asked to come along to The National Gallery of Scotland to judge an art competition. Having spent years entering my own artwork into various competitions (starting with Blue Peter at the age of 7 - no, I didn't win but yes I have a badge) I found myself on the other side of the table and I felt uneasy at being given this responsibility. This was swiftly eclipsed by thorough delight at the work I saw. The age category was Primary 1-3 and submissions had come from all over Scotland, displaying incredible creativity and imagination. So my delight was squashed a little by the difficult task of actually deciding on a winner. There are some very talented young artists in this country and I can't wait to see what they are capable of.

4: The Feedback Workshop

Aaaand finally with the help of staff at the Portrait Gallery I presented some work from a new project to the public in order to gain some feedback. I am working with the galleries on a colouring and drawing book, and at this stage we felt we should put a bit of the work out there and see what people thought. 

I spent Saturday afternoon at the Portrait Gallery, armed with pens and samples from the book and found that people were very keen to get involved. 

The response was overwhelmingly positive and I am even more excited about the book than I was before the event (which is saying something, I have been dreaming about making this book for a long time).

The past two weeks have been fantastic, I've met some brilliant people and learned a lot (mainly that I really like working creatively with people of all ages...and signing books). But now it is back to the studio for me, which is fine, I have missed the quiet drawing time and I have work to do! 

Plus I haven't sung along to The Little Mermaid in almost a month.

Art Rookie

So, it turns out there are some cool websites out there that help designers sell their artwork slapped onto lovely products. When one such site - Art Rookie - sent me a nice email inviting me to sell with them, I went for it! And now these patterns...

...and this one...

...and this guy...

...are all available on phone cases, mugs and cushions. See?

It wouldn't be very easy for me to produce these things myself, and now they are out there for sale online, which is very cool indeed. 

Why not take a wee look: http://www.artrookie.co.uk/EilidhMuldoon