OK, here is one of those examples of taking a drawing too far. I think. I really should have left it as it was. And, now, I'm even contemplating laying down the shadows, in the version below, on each and every one of the woodland hair accessories. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Bit annoying, though. 
So, it's here again. Yeah, it's that time of year. I do have a drawing I want to post but as this photo, quite randomly, turned up in a Christmas card (that's my mother for you) it suddenly seemed more appropriate. Hope you all have a wonderful time, just like I am having at my first birthday.
'Woke up this morning with love in mind, 
The inspiration for this drawing was a weekend spent, watching back to back episodes of the Mighty Boosh, with my niece. It was a typical weekend for a couple of boghouse rats. Holed up in a dark bedroom. The curtains drawn. Not leaving except to use the toilet or to stock up on supplies. Taking it in turns to lie on the bed or the sleeping-bag-plus-mattress-combo that we'd set up on the floor. And supposedly, taking it in turns to stock up on snacks. Well, one of us taking more turns than the other. Happy days.
This fiver was really interesting to draw. All those lines and creases. As unique as a fingerprint.
draw something yellow
draw your palette 
I believe that, in the past, I have vowed to never ever draw anything that incorporated a light design on a dark background ever again. It really is a bugger. If you don't believe me have a go.
Everyday matters #200. Draw something lucky.
Tell me, is there anything wrong with driving through the hills, blubbering ones eyes out to Elbow? Apart from not being able to see the road, of course. But, apart from that?
So the final final page of my Moley. The Sepia One. That's it.
This is the final page of my first ever Moleskine (the sepia one) finished. This drawing felt like going over old ground and was a real struggle. But, no surprises there. I'd put a few circles on the page a long time ago, and then left it at that. So, I was forced into continuing the badge theme. I always knew that the final page was going to be a real battle. I have issues with ending things.
Step Two. Yeah, that's a good idea.
Step Three. Yes, I'm loving this.
Step four. I knew it was a good idea.
Step Five. Of course, now I'm committed to this.
Step Six. I couldn't just give it up now.
Step Seven. How long exactly have I been doing this?
Step Eight. Seriously.
Step Nine. I AM getting rather irritable now.
Step Ten. I'm losing the will to live. 
Step Eleven. I'm considering murder.
Step Twelve. Finished. Thank f**k for that. 
I have noticed that Illustration Friday's theme this week is 'Opinion'. So, as I finished this yesterday, I'm calling this my contribution. Some might say I should have given up on this drawing a long time ago. But as you can see I'm of the opinion - I mean the naughty kid who drew on desk is of the opinion -that it's better to burn out than fade away. Me and this drawing. Totally burnt out. Never again.
Regular visitors may have noticed that I don't draw too many people. I find it quite a challenge. I am never happy with what turns up on the page. I do practice at it, though. Behind the scenes. I just don't share. But what the hell. So, here's John and Paul. Lennon and Weller, that is.
I have just finished the first sketchbook. These a couple of the better ones (I know, imagine the worse!). I know that when it comes to drawing people, photo realism is definitely not for me. So I tried out a technique I heard of on Danny Gregory's blog, some time ago. It's the one where you draw the portraits upside down. Not me, I wasn't upside down, silly. You turn the photo, that you are copying, upside down. It's really really good fun. So, even when the drawings turn out crap, at least you've had a good time. 
To this;
For this;
This weeks sees a couple of projects come to fruition for me. This is one I am particularly chuffed about. Yes, it's my drawings, on Moleskines! That can mean only one thing; I have joined the AMAZINGLY cool group of artists at the TOTALLY awesome (I've never actually said that word aloud. I am British, after all. It would sound ridiculous.) Modofly.
It's been one of those weeks where life just gets in the way of art. It's kind of depressing. In fact, all of the news, these days, seems so damn depressing. You can get really dragged down in all that. Especially if you are a glass half empty kind of person, like me.
(Click on image to view)
I forgot to mention, in my last post, that I would be away this week. It was all the excitement about my 'dates' with Stephen Stills. Of course, they weren't really dates (only in my head) I just went to see him playing live. Tonight I'll be dating Alan Partridge. Then in a couple of weeks Paul Weller. It's all go when you are so popular. I don't know how I keep up.
Hey folks, I'm in a bit of a rush but wanted to post something before I go. I don't have the time to add the links that I wanted to add. I may get to add them at a later date. Seriously, I should have left the house five minutes ago. Why am I always late for everything? That's a question I will ponder for the zillionth time while I drive through the hills. To my second date in a week with Stephen Stills. Ok, it's not quite a date. I'm just going to see him in concert.
Now be honest, are you laughing at the cat paw? It's a bit rubbish, isn't it? Did you even know it was a cat paw? I actually drew around the actual paw. Which, as you can imagine, the cat was thrilled about. I nearly lost an eye for this drawing. And you're laughing. Thanks a lot.
The Sepia One.
The Ballpoint One.
I'm really not happy with this, it seriously isn't working. There are bits of it that I like, for example, the train ticket and the fiver. The rest, however, is a mess. I'll keep you posted on this one. It WILL change.
The Diary.
Some of you may recognize this. It's the pocket at the back of my diary Moley. The drawing is an oldie. But I like it, so thought I'd post it again - while I'm on the subject.
Ok, kids. I'm back with you. Really, I am. Thanks for continuing to visit even though there hasn't been much new work for you to see. It's going to be all about the Moleskines over the next few weeks. I've got some endings and some new beginnings to take care of.
Nearly there, folks. I've nearly finished the children's book drawings that have been taking up all my time over the last couple of weeks. I'll tell you more about it in my next post and then, I promise, back to 'normal' drawing and posting.
Click on image to view.
A little while ago I asked you where you may find all the items in THIS picture. The answer is, of course, they are all things that you would find in a pixies hat. Obviously. Fortunately, I mean unfortunately, nobody won the million pound prize I was offering.
As I said in the last post, I've been moonlighting over at our MoleyX group recently. Whilst I'm loving this project hugely there is one downside. You cannot post your drawings when you've finished them, you must wait until the next person in the chain has received the sketchbook.
I find that quite frustrating. The waiting to post. I was the kind of kid that would go hunting the house for hidden Christmas presents when there was nobody at home. I WILL open early birthday pressies. And then stick all the wrapping paper neatly back together if need be. So, what I'm saying is, this part of the project is testing for me.
This is my contribution to Juj's Moley. In my opinion, these little Moleskines don't seem to scan that well. They usually look better in photos. Luckily, I love messing around with the camera. Unluckily, I end up having to try to pick the best shots from about 80 snaps. I am not exaggerating. Even now, just as I'm about to click on 'Publish Post', I'm still undecided as to whether I've chosen the right ones. I'm rubbish at making decisions. But, hey, that's another song.
Anyway, you can see the full set of photos HERE or visit our MoleyX blog HERE. You decide.
