IF - Safari

Howdy howdy, 

How is everyone doodling this week?! As you can see, I have been massively self indulgent this week in interpreting the theme Safari...

Why not? Thats what I say Gosh Darn It! I have wanted to draw a Scarlet Macaw ever since a beautiful photo of one appeared on my wall of inspiration...

Also, I have been reading the amazing book 'Water for Elephants' and been stolen away and heavily influenced by their menagerie. (Read it! read it read it read it, you will thank me later...and read it before you watch the film, which is also very good, well done Pan Face Cederic Diggory, sterling job!) 

So... Don't be shocked if circus paintings start appearing, AND I am off to my cousins circus themed wedding next week!!!! Exciting! It would be madness if circus work DIDN'T start appearing! 

I also have been looking to push my page composition and angles which I managed to get into this piece. The three little chappies holding onto the balloons don't look quite so sure of the situation as young Mr Macaw. I have subconsciously named this picture 'Escape to Africa'. Even though I'm pretty sure all these animals aren't even from the same continent. However, upon arrival (...and they will get there, by jove!) the friends will all live together helping each other out! Hurray!

Love it!

Have a splendiferous weekend full of all your favorite things!

Nats x

I.F. - Beginner

How do? 

This week I have dug out the ink pen I bought with good intentions many moons ago. Anyone who knows me will know that I have a love for line work, and really get excited about the works of the likes of Quentin Blake, Rackham and E.H. Shepard. Unfortunatly, I am power mad and superbly over bearing on my own line work, working with a tiny brush and ink, ensuring complete and obsessive control over EVERY LINE!

So... 

'NOT THIS WEEK!' I thought to myself and armed with an impulsive and decidedly disobedient ink pen, I have had a go at a style I would like to experiment with more. Admittedly it took much more paper and patience to get an image I am happyish with, but persistence is my middle name!...and by the 5th attempt my old militant methods started to sneak back...gosh darn it! 'Back fiend! Back I say!!!'

Needa hows, here is my image for 'Beginner' for the Friday Illustration, the little chap doesn't seem too fussed that he got snagged whilst out partaking in a spot of Cheese-Thievery...

Any advice/ criticism on this one would be great! In this style, like a little mouse learning to pilfer dairy products, I too am very much a beginner!

Cheers! 

Have a great week chaps,

Nats x

Illustration Friday : Lesson

Life Lesson 1

Morning! The sun is shining, the world is round and I spent yesterday drawing and painting monsters...life is good. 

I interpreted this weeks 'lessons' theme as 'sibling lessons'; Older siblings trying to impart knowledge on the too eager and unwilling to listen young'uns.  I am sure my brother and sister will sympathise, 

even now... 

But thankfully they have not given up on me yet! 

No monsters were harmed in the making of this image, unless they got tummy ache from all the chocolate I had to use to bribe them to stay still long enough to draw them. 

Righto Chaps, back to work....

Hope you all have a spiffing week,

Nats x