Story Time

In my job I do a lot of different things. I have lots of hats and I seem to be wearing them all in equal measure. And sometimes all at once. 

People should wear more hats.

This year so far, in addition to the drawing (more book covers, colouring books, activity books and even a wee picture book coming soon...) I have also been working with students of all ages helping them with their own illustration projects. And witnessing their extraordinary talent. Taking a time out from my studio and from the art college last month I hit the road with the wonder that is author Vivian French. We visited schools and libraries across Aberdeenshire in an epic 5-day stint of bookmaking and storytelling as part of Portsoy Book Festival. 

Our trip was inspiring, hilarious, and though-provoking. I came away feeling lucky to have met so many talented and enthusiastic young people and also full of ideas and inspiration as a result of seeing their artwork and hearing their stories. But these events also reminded me that when we are young we have a fearlessness in our approach to telling stories and making marks on paper that seems to diminish as we get older.

Next stop for me (after some much needed studio time) is more schools visits as part of Boswell Book Festival next month. I hope I can keep wearing all my hats, including the one that signifies we still have enough funding to ensure that creative activities are available to all children and in all schools. 

We're Half Way There...

I'm making an image of a fairytale home (familiar and not-so-familiar) every day for 100 days. Today marks the half way point! So here are some images so far...

Check out the rest on my Instagram!

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?!

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

Roll up! Book for sale!

Yesterday I held a colouring in and drawing workshop at The National Gallery of Scotland and officially launched my book. Yup, An Art Adventure was launched!

So there you go. If you like drawing, colouring in, looking at art, making art, art galleries, exploring Edinburgh, or all of the above then I reckon this book is for you. Grab a copy online or in the gift shops at all four of the National Galleries in Edinburgh.

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!

Paint. Everywhere.

When I came to art college in 2011, I was pretty much clueless when it came to using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. I learned how to add colour and texture digitally to my drawings. This meant I could easily change colours or composition and add or remove elements from the artwork. I liked it. This is the way I work almost all the time now I'm out there freelancing and whatnot.

However, I've begun to realise something: I miss painting. Recently I've found myself pouring over images by some of my favourite illustrators (including Debi Gliori, Alex T Smith, Quentin Blake, Oliver Jeffers) that are paintings created 100% by hand in the 'real' world. No computer necessary (well, apart from the magical part where they go from artist's studio to the pages of books all over the world...)

So, I decided to step outside my nice neat comfort zone and see if I could paint something. Something that wasn't awful. The jury is out on that one, but it doesn't matter because I had fun.

I started with a pencil sketch for a wee story I've been working on:

Then I took to the lightbox and got my paint on! On everything. Face, hair, floor and a little bit got in my mouth. Painting is messier than I remember.

I took photos as I went! So paint also got on my phone, add that to the list.

Here is the finished article - Harold the tired (but colourful) owl and his noisy neighbours:

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.