i know the sadness

I don't know what it is about shops at the moment, but they seem to have unintentionally become a theme.

 I ADORE this place; Patricia's. It's in New Mills, our 'local' town. I've been driving and walking past it in awe for some years. And, always, thinking 'I have GOT TO draw it'. I was saying as much when I drove past, a couple of weeks ago, with some friends. They said 'do it, do it now! Or otherwise you'll drive past one day and it'll be gone, boarded up, renovated'. I know it's true. There was another old hair salon in another local town (the town where I drew the flower shop in the last post), very similar to this, called Cynthia's. It had net curtains and polystyrene mannequins wearing bonnets and baskets full of dried flowers and Easter chicks (not, real ones). I almost came to a stop every time I drove past it  - which always pleased everyone else on the roads. Anyway, I drove past one day and it was gone. It had become a shiny new beauticians. I was sad. Very sad.

Anyway, yesterday, I finally stopped outside Patricia's, parked up and got my pens out. There's such a melancholy about these old places. As I was drawing I could hear the ghosts of yesteryear filling the place with chatter and gossip, as it would have been it's heyday. Damn, I'd LOVE to have a look inside.

Since I posted the, above, sketch on Facebook I've been informed that "it  (Patricia's) belonged to the beautiful Patricia Pott, she sadly died in the 80's and her husband, who recently died left it exactly how it was. How romantic is that? Pat was a lifelong member of New Mills Amateur Operatic Society and a lovely lady". That's exactly how I'd imagined Patricia (thanks for confirming it Alison).

A couple of other things about the drawing. People often ask, when looking through my sketchbooks, "what do you do if you go wrong?" Well, two answers; collage or, as in this one, draw over it! You maybe be able to see the ghost of another drawing under Patricia's. Somehow that felt fitting. Also, whilst making this drawing I decided that I was going to buy Patricia's and keep the facade exactly how it is. Behind it I'd have a modern swanky studio and gallery, but up front nothing changes. 'Cos we really need these old places on our High Streets.

Oh, OH! And, when I finished drawing I went to adjust my car seat and saw this piece of paper on the floor. I don't remember writing it, but it is my writing. I am a sucker for a great quote and have to write them down where and whenever I hear one. I'm guessing this was something I heard on the radio. It was just one of those moments though. You know? Just one of those moments.

Plus, it was a ready made title for a blog post.

well, we slept underneath all the stars and we talked about girls seen from afar

You might have seen both of these before in photos, on my blog, but I'm very happy with them and so I thought I'd post the scans. They are both from February's Dr Sketchy's circus evening in Sheffield. I still feel I'm a beginner when it comes to life drawing so when it goes well I feel particularly chuffed with myself. We have another event happening next week, so if you are in the area and would like to come along details can be found HERE. It's great fun.

PEN QUESTION: Right, folks, it's that time when I ask you for some help again. I'm looking for brown pens - just like the colours I've used in these drawings. Brown fine liners. Preferably with a variety of nib sizes. They need to be water and light resistant. And I need to buy them soon. Very soon! I would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance, penpals.

i got a deal for you right here

A couple of new additions to my Etsy shop here. Above, an original drawing I made a couple of years back. It is actually my kitchen table which also doubles up as my work space. Read more about it HERE.

Below, another original, a brand new little drawing of this poorly saggy old owl. Go on, give him a home. He can be found HERE.

what am i doing here? what am i doing here?

I made this drawing on the plane home from France a couple of months back. This girl, who I was sitting next to, slept for most of the journey and so I got to draw her a few times. I added a bit of colour when I got home. I can't decide whether I like it or really dislike it, but hey ho - that's the way it goes.

A huge thanks for the big response to my last post about protecting one's artwork online. It seems that watermarking is probably the best option but I'm still undecided. I'm not a fan, in all honesty. I always want to give the viewers of my work the best way to, er, view my work. I guess, I now have to weigh up the options of watermarking, resizing images or just continuing to post as I always have.

Plus, I have to work out how to use Photoshop, which, I can tell you, is NOT coming easy. So, bear with me, and excuse my images being too big, too small, unreadable, etc. And, excuse me for being an ignoramus.

way past the stars

Yesterday, for the first time, in a long time, I finally sat down and drew (is that a word?). I mean really really drew (why does it not sound or look like a word?). Or, I lost myself in a drawing, that's what I'm trying to say. I let the drawing direct my pen and just went for it. I went nuts all over the page. I love it when that happens and it's been too long since it did. I wanted to draw how it feels to be hyper creative. To the point where sleep escapes you.

So, here's a bit of a milestone for me (I seem to have been hitting these milestones left, right and centre recently);  this is my 700th blog post! SEVEN chuffing HUNDRED?!! How did that happen? I'm flabbergasted (now, there's a word I love and do not get the opportunity to use often enough).

I'd like to ask for a little advice, folks. Since inheriting this new laptop, and all it's programmes, I am trying to learn Photoshop. For a long time (for about 700 posts) I've been concerned that the size of the images I've been posting are MASSIVE. They've been stolen and printed on all sorts of products. I have, for the first time, here, posted an image that (I hope) is not printable and pinchable (now that can't be a word). Does that spoil your viewing experience? Is this the only way to protect my work? What do you think about it? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

And, thanks for all the visits and comments over the last seven hundred posts. Did I mention that this is my seven hundredth post?

i guess i'll call it sickness gone

Here's another sketchbook spread that, until now, had remained unposted. I made this some time last summer at my friend, and drawing companion, Lynne Chapman's house. Lynne was planning a workshop that she was giving at last year's Urban Sketcher's Symposium and used some of our Sketchcrawl group as guinea pigs.

I've made no secret that I've been finding it difficult to get into drawing for some time. Jeez, I've been banging on about it for months. It's funny though, it's only when I am out drawing with other people that it's not an issue. I actually enjoy that more than when I'm sat at home drawing, doing my own thing. Perhaps it's because I'm stretching myself. I dunno. But, I do know this; the little drawing of a typewriter, and the bike actually, have pleased me more than anything else I've drawn in quite some time. They were drawn in a totally alien way to how I would normally draw (water colour pencil was put on the page before I drew the shapes in) and that's exciting.

Maybe it's time for a change.

well let me tell you 'bout the way she looked, the way she'd act, the colour of her hair

The evening after I got back from France I went to a Dr. Sketchy event in Sheffield. It was called 'Drawn of the Dead' and  had a very spooky zombie theme.

After the high of the exhibition in Clermont Ferrand, and the way I've been feeling recently, it was EXACTLY what I needed.

 Not only did I get to play with my pens but also got to catch up with my sketching buddies, which was long overdue.

Really, really, enjoyed the evening. But, then, I always enjoy Dr. Sketchy. Music, wine, friends, drawing and zombies. What's not to like?

tell me, have you seen me?

Friday night saw the first ever evening meet for our Sketchcrawl Sheffield group. And, what a gorgeous art filled evening it was. We started at the preview evening of illustrator Mick Marston's stunning exhibition, Outlook Gloomy, with  Bright Intervals, at Pete McKee's ultra smart little gallery in Sheffield. It's a really clever, funny and oh so stylish exhibition and if you are in Sheffield you must visit. I insist.

Afterwards, we met up with some other sketchcrawlers and continued our evening at a Moroccan restaurant, Ottos. Coincidentally, the first time I visited Pete's gallery, some months ago, I made a sketch of the restaurant from my car (above). It was because of that sketch I ended up booking this place. You see, iillustrated journals can come in very handy in so many ways; from passing five minutes in your car to booking somewhere to eat!

Anyhow, whilst it was not so easy at a table filled with cutlery, crockery, glasses and drinks I managed a couple of the drawings. And, I'm sure we'll do it again.

just singing a song

 Jeez, I haven't blogged for ages. In fact, it's taken me over a month to post these drawings. I made them on July the 14th which was International Sketchcrawl day, or Worldwide Sketchcrawl day, or something like that. Our drawing group, Sketchcrawl North, were in the gorgeous village of Tideswell for the day. For some absurd reason I was to organise the day and the weather was not looking good. So, before everyone else arrived I went to the church (or Cathedral of the Peak) to check that it would be okay to sketch in there - should the sun not come out.

When I got there I found a group of musicians practicing for a rehearsal they were giving, as part of Buxton Festival, later that day. They said that as long as we were quiet we could sit in on the rehearsal. Well, there's nowt quieter than sketchers.

The musicians were called The Frolick, a Baroque band, and they were amazing. I must say that I've never really heard this kind of music, and to be honest would never have chosen to listen to it (well, you know, I'm a Neil Young kind of gal) but it was an absolute privilege. And it was a lesson to me to not dismiss things before giving them a go first.

Needless to say we didn't move from the church the whole afternoon.

Some quick sketches of members of the band;

I absolutely love drawing to music. I always have but there's something about live music that is so exciting to draw to. I love the way the music becomes part of the drawing to the point, sometimes, when you lose yourself in it, the subject no longer matters. I dn't know how to explain it. I'm not so good with words, that's why I draw.

A big thanks to The Frolick for letting me, and my drawing friends, experience that.

does anyone know?

Where does the time go, eh? I've such a huge backlog of stuff to post; drawings from one of Lynne Chapman's workshops; the International Sketchcrawl day illustrations; an exciting new collaboration; a step by step update; details about an exhibition in France I've been invited to participate in (SO very excited); a couple of secret projects that I am definitely NOT allowed to mention (can I keep my mouth shut?!);  and all manner of other bits and bobs.

For now here's a couple of sketches from a Dr Sketchy I attended the other evening. These are always such fun events. I hope that shines through. They are just a great excuse to play with your pens.

Back to regular posting tomorrow.

time passes

For one reason or another I have found myself spending quite some time in various cafes and tea rooms over the last couple of weeks. It, of course, is no hardship. I am not complaining. In fact, it's passion of mine. I love food. Good quality food, that is. I just don't usually get enough of an opportunity to eat out being a poor artist.

I like to think I have high standards when it comes to these types of eateries. For me a good cafe, or tea room, must have good homemade fare, locally sourced ingredients (wherever possible), good coffee and a laid back vibe. These drawings are from a couple of the local cafes I've been hanging out in recently. As you can see, for one reason or another, some experiences have been better than others.

you gotta roll with it

 These are the final couple of drawings from the rock n roll day last weekend. Actually, there's also a motorbike but that might take some time to finish. I must say that I'm pretty pleased that in just one day I produced so much stuff.

 I'l let you into a secret about the car below; it most definitely wasn't that shape. I started off at the front of the car, which was going okay. Not great but okay. Then I realised that there was absolutely no bloody way I was going to fit the whole thing onto the page. It was, after all, a big long Zodiac! So, I had a decision to make and, yes, I did. I squashed the whole thing into the space I had. Ah well, as long as we keep it to ourselves nobody else ever needs to know.

 Throughout this drawing I was thinking of my friend France Belleville and her 'ladies'.

jive talking

So, here's the last few drawings, I'll post, of the jiving (thanks, Elaine!) from the day I spent at the1950s event at Crich Tramway Village. This was a really great excercise in drawing people. You have to work quick - especially when the music was as fast and furious as this. Emmercing yourself in the whole atmosphere and getting caught up in the pace, and the beat, comes through in the drawing. I hope. I couldn't get enough of this whole scene; from them rockin on the dance floor to them watching from the sideline, waiting to be asked to dance.

c'est si bon

I love Dr. Sketchy. I really do. Last night was another great session at The Greystones in Sheffield. We got to draw some stunning models to an Eartha Kitt soundtrack. What could be better than that? I was right in the zone too and produced a load of sketches. Sketches I'm pretty chuffed with. Here's one. It's my (ahem) prize winning drawing of the fabulous Miss Hells Belle. I'll post the rest soon. Cheers!

side-streets that you slip down

I've finally finished the drawings for the production of James and the Giant Peach at Buxton Festival.

These two drawings depict the two stages of completing a deadline.
Above; panic = trying to get all the work in on time.
Below; bliss = all work in on time (ish).

There are three performances of the James production, in early July,so, if you are close to Buxton then bring your kids along. I can't wait for it, myself. It'll be a new experience to see my work as backdrops. How exciting. I hope to post some photos from the event.

You can get your tickets HERE.

close my eyes and drift away

Here's another little spread from last Sunday's sketchcrawl in Sheffield. The weather was a bit on the wild side so we ended up drawing in a couple of pubs. A perfect way to spend a wet and windy Sunday afternoon.

I can't quite decide whether to add some colour to this. The Delerium Tremens sign was purple with a pink elephant which could work. But you never know.

This drawing was made in the little mini Moleskine sketchbook. This book had sat unused, on my shelves, for at least a couple of years. I never thought I'd like using it. I thought it was too small. But it's really grown on me. And whilst I always take the larger sketchbook with me, on my travels, I love having the option of this little one too. It's just really cute.

If you are interested you can take a peak at the drawings I've made in this book so far HERE.

i drag my feet like everyone

Why do I find a broken bench so moving? Yes, because I'm a bit odd. And, yes, I'm a hyper-sensitive fool. But, apart from that, why is it so moving?

And, one more thing; whatever happened to Gomez? They were amazing.

all our yesterdays

 Do you ever have those drawings which, you feel, spoil your sketchbook? I do. I always view my sketchbook as a whole, as opposed to a series of individual drawings, and so when one of the drawings goes wrong it really depresses me (I know, I know, I should get out more). This is what happened with the drawing above. I did say, in a previous post, that there was no way I was going to show it on my blog, but what the hell. Plus, I've heard that sharing the work that didn't work out helps you grow as an artist (not that THIS artist needs to grow anymore; I no longer fit into any of my jeans).

Anyway, I made this drawing at the Imperial War Museum on one of our recent sketchcrawls. Now despite somebody telling me that 'it was the best drawing of a flame thrower that they'd ever seen' (I think (I know, rather) that that somebody was taking the Michael) I just couldn't stand it being in my book.

 So, armed with a Pritt stick, a page I tore out of my Moleskine diary, a rather blurry photo of the wall of suitcases (yes, a wall of old suitcases. How amazing is that?), memories and buckets full of inspiration from the museum I set to work. I'm really pleased with the outcome. But, you know, why stop there? While I had the Pritt stick to hand I thought I'd go the whole hog and make a secret foldy flap thingy that hides yet more suitcases. In colour. And why not?

I can now live with my sketchbook again, and am safe in the knowledge that nobody will ever know about the awful drawing hidden behind a wall of suitcases.

Oh.

for we're like creatures of the wind

Yesterday the weather was crazy. The rain was chucking it down and the wind was wild. Not the best day for a sketchcrawl. Or so you'd think. But we are hardcore Up North. We weren't going to let a little stormy weather stop us. No siree. So we went to the pub and drew there instead.

hidden in the back seat of my head

I've been given a couple of these lovely Moleskine Volant diaries as gifts in the past. They are things of beauty, but I've never really known what to do with them as I found them quite impractical as diaries. Plus I was always losing the individual months.

I came across this one the other day when I was searching the house for old receipts for my tax returns (which I got in on time, by the way). I found it behind the magazine rack. I haven't seen it since back in January 2010.

I think it shows that I wasn't sure what to do with them. It was filled with bits of this and bits of that. Back then, it seems, I even tried drawing outdoors. Well, I say outdoors but I actually mean in the car. I remember this day well...

We'd had a lot of snow that January. I'd made a trip to the bank and parked here where I almost always park. But this day was the first time I'd ever noticed the bulls head on the wall of this building. I felt the need to draw it, and did so in the ca rwith the heater and radio on. Yeah, you've guessed it I went to drive off after making this drawing and the car wouldn't start.

Anyway, since then I have come up with a for my Volant's, and I'll share that with you shortly. Cheers!