feelin' alright

A few posts ago I introduced you to the Swish hairbrush. Well, it turns out I've actually drawn it before. It's on this table. Can you spot it? The answer is on my book blog HERE.

Also, talking about the book blog, it has been voted as a Froudian website of the month. That makes me happy because Brain Froud is one of my illustration heroes. Faeries by Brian Froud and Alan Lee is most probably my favourite illustrated book of all time. For those of you who've never seen it, you really really should. It is a thing of absolute beauty.

back to the garden

Now that I'm getting back into the swing of things I also want to get back to updating my children's book on a blog too. Unfortunately that's one of those things that gets pushed down the old priority list when time is short. That's OK though. I've been living with this book for the best part of two decades, so it's not like I'm in any rush to get it finished. And, anyway, I kind of like it that way. It's having plenty of time to simmer whilst waiting for the right publishing deal to come along.

So, if you want an explanation for the rather strange drawing above then you'll have to tootle on over there. Enter the weird and, frankly, worrying world that's in my head by clicking HERE.

dragging a dragonfly

Well, here's the thing. About a month ago I made some half arsed attempt to lay down some plans for this year. Some drawing goals. But, the main one, the burning one, the one that I've been wanting to do for the best part of a decade I never even mentioned. It just seemed like such a massive job. I didn't know where to start. But I just cannot let another year pass without giving this a shot. I just cannot. It'll drive me insane. More insane.

So, I have to make a start. Right now. I've told you about this project before. In words and in drawings. It is the children's book that has been cluttering up my head for the last decade. It's not exactly a story but a whole world I want to share with you.

I think that the way I am going to do that is by starting a new blog just dedicated to the book. There I can reveal the whole story of how I happened to find out about this world and, essentially, begin to publish the book online. Until a publisher picks it up, that is.

What do YOU think of that? Does it sound like a good idea to you? I would be really very very grateful for any feedback about the idea. If I don't start asking these questions and making these steps now I might never do it. And, then all these field notes will go to waste or just continue to clutter up my already dazed and confused head.

Thanks in advance.

you been going through changes

I'm happy with this one. I hope you like it, too.
You have to click on this drawing to view it. Stick your beaks right in and have a proper rummage around.

you can't dance alone

Click on image to view.

Well, today is my blogs second birthday. I did have something planned for it, but didn't quite pull it off in time. Ambitious but rubbish, that's me. It will still happen - just not when I intended. Anyway, all will be revealed in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned folks. My excuse, for not getting my act together, this time, is that I am frantically trying to get some of this children's book down on paper. The aim is five drawings by the end of the month. Yikes.

This birthday is a good opportunity to say another big thank you to all you guys. For all the visits, the comments and the encouragement that you've given me over the last couple of years. I've learnt so much in that time. On lots of levels. It has been quite a journey. The fact that you choose to join me makes me happier than you'll ever know. Cheers.

i got the cat spit blues

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.

This a drawing from the children's book that has being living in my sketchbook, and my head, for the past decade. It took me five days to draw. When I'd finished it, yesterday, I put it down on the floor and went into the other room (I know, I know). When I returned the cat was sat on top of the drawing taking a wash. She looked up at me, shook her head and a globule of saliva plopped right onto the drawing. It is not waterproof ink. So I had an orange stain that I had to try to hide. I think I've managed it. It was the pencil in the jar - which had a fine wood grain before the spittle incident.

This drawing is on A3 paper. I usually work on paper half this size. I've just been to the print shop to get it scanned. I was going to take some photos and post them, but it needed scanning. I want you to stick your beaks into every nook and cranny. So click on the image to view.

I am a lonely painter...

I'm not well. I'm feeling very sorry for myself. Two viruses in a few weeks. My nose feels like I've had two red hot pokers poked up it. My throat feels like I'm swallowing razor blades which, incidentally, I've seen somebody do. It was on a street in Barcelona. It was impressive and yet disturbing.

So, I have not done any drawing this week. I pulled this one out of the archives. I created this little fella some years ago. It's not my favourite, but I like the overall composition and colour.

By the way, that was the guy's act - swallowing razor blades. It wasn't some terrible cry for help!

Dill

This is Dill.