polar bear trainer

2008-08-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am officially the worst blogger...IN THE WORLD EVER!

I am always reading blogs but never have anything to add to mine. Well, that's a lie, I am just lazy sometimes.

At the moment I am feeling a bit light headed with life and how quickly it is moving and changing. The gallery is going really well although it still feels fragile. You can get quite obsessed with work/life/money/goals but sometimes I suppose you need to just 'let things happen' and hope for the best.

I feel a bit like the girl in the picture above ... but with more of a gormless face at the moment.

:-)

2008-05-29T01:27:00.001-07:00

Back from holiday and feeling refreshed with a bit of a tan. Had a very relaxing time mainly doing a lot of this:

Of course, we had to take over at karaoke! Back to normality now with the Gallery etc. Seem to have 10 ton of work to do but that's okay. I have also managed to plant my veg at last! Hopefully, it will grow and we can look at getting some chickens!

2008-05-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

Well, since we opened our gallery lots has been happening. Apologies to all the poeple/friends who have emailed me recently. I haven't had a chance to catch up!

I am off to Spain for a week in the sun on Saturday. Hopefully this will give me an opportunity to relax, take stock of what's been happening these past few months and then work out how to move on. Oh, and get a lovely tan!

2008-04-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well, at last I can finally share my news. I didn't want to jinx it until we finally got the keys but my business with my Mum has now moved up a notch. On Thursday we got the keys to our first ever Gallery! It is situated in Yoxford, Suffolk and was once an art gallery so all the lighting etc is there already. We have now started moving in our bits and bobs and are busy painting walls, taking down shelves, building desks and finding great artwork!

On display will be a selection of fine-art, sculpture, prints and ceramics (only the very best of course!). So far, we have around 10 artists and are looking to open up on the first weekend in May so I am a bit nervous.

As you can see from the pictures the gallery needs new signage etc and there is a temporary sign in the window-luckily we can pull down the blind behind the window display at the moment as it's a bit of a mess inside with all our paint!

Oh...and it's going to be christened 'The Art Garden Gallery'......

More updates soon......

2008-04-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

2008-03-23T09:12:00.001-07:00

2008-03-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Changes, changes, changes....

At the moment there is a LOT of exciting things happening on the horizon. They involve Old Parish Rooms, a little village, some beautiful paintings and lots of hard work.. I can't say just yet but I promise to reveal all in the next week or so... :-)

2008-03-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

This week I have impressed myself - I have managed to get three print jobs to the printers in one day! Hows that for stress?

Only one has come back so far so I am still waiting for the other two which is the nail biting part! Here is job number one: I had to get it set up in one day for a rush mail out which went out on Thursday. It is a double sided A5 flyer which promotes digital 'one-to-one' workshops by Tony Pick. It had to tie in with the wedding booklet I made previously but have a separate tear off booking form - I have used a similar colour scheme etc.

And, guess what? I am famous! I am on one side as I have to model for any portrait/lighting workshops. The day the picture was taken it started to snow and I was absolutely freeeeeeezing! Check out the wellies........

2008-02-19T11:51:00.001-08:00

FRUSTRATED.....

This is about the only image I have been able to 'squeeze' out of me in the past six weeks or so. Do you ever find you loose all sight of what it is you are trying to achieve because you are simply trying to do too much all at once. I have a dreaded 'to-do' list literally as long as my arm and currently getting longer (the list, not my arm).

Today, I could not concentrate on ANY of it so instead made even more 'to-do' lists to see if that would help...it didn't. So instead of doing nothing (which I CANNOT physically make myself do) I wrote a list of 10 things in my life I am currently happy with to make myself feel better:

1. Matthew
2. Carrot cake
3. The thought of organising my garden and perhaps getting some chickens
4. Making sales
5. Daffodils in my garden
6. Living by the sea and going for a walk there every week
7. Online shopping
8. My woodburner (I have no heating at the moment)
9. Smell of clean clothes
10. And how could I forget......wine...

I also wrote a 'things that are really pissing me off' list- this is highly recommended if you are feeling frustrated because you can go back and read it and it will make you laugh. Plus, it gets you off facebook if you want to waste some time! :-)

2007-12-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Well - what have I been doing all this time? Not blogging very much for a start. ButI haven't been lazing about. Not much to show on the Illustration side of things but I have been doing some graphics work for the gallery I work in.

Portrait A5 leaflet:

FRONT:

BACK:

Small Wedding Portrait Booklet (flat):

FRONT & BACK:
INSIDE:

I am quite pleased with them both- graphics work is good fun and not quite as messy as painting!

I'm missing drawing though- hopefully in the New Year I can set aside some time to develop my skills and learn some new techniques.

2007-12-04T08:41:00.001-08:00

2007-09-11T09:59:00.001-07:00

The human figure is a very tricky subject- but it's my favourite. This is a quick 1 minute sketch of Matthew in the bath. I'm trying to work hard on capturing features within the form- not just draw a 'faceless' figure.

2007-09-06T06:02:00.001-07:00

I've never been so tired... Just got back from Birmingham after the Autumn fair. It was brilliant but absolutely exhausting and a real eye opener. Mum's work: www.artgardenstudios.co.uk got a positive response and we have got some great leads for orders.

The art publishing world is a funny old game. It's full of either very genuine, nice people who want others to succeed.... but it's also full of people who wear ‘next’ suits and say 'ok yah' a LOT and who do not appreciate good art (you know who you are..).

zzzzzzzz.........

2007-08-24T10:55:00.001-07:00

At last......

I have the internet at home! I feel like a long, lost friend has come to stay...urrr...sad. I really must get out more...

Anyway, much, much to report on what's been going on. I am now settled in Suffolk and enjoying my life in Aldeburgh. For some reason it feels good to be further South in the country...must be a 'roots' thing.

Things are going well on the 'Art Garden Studios' side of life - I am going to be exhibiting at the Autumn fair in September which is very exciting (and scary).

On the drawing front, not much has been happening. It has in my head although I don't have any time to get pen to paper. That's not an excuse though...here is the last illustration I have been working on. As you can see it's not finished yet but it was just an idea that popped into my head one day and has been fun to draw.

Okay I know...her leg is wonky...

2007-06-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Haven’t been on here for a while mainly because of no internet access (shock horror). Anyway, we have now moved to Aldeburgh, Suffolk and have stared new jobs etc. It still feels a bit like we are on holiday but we will settle in once we have our own house (two weeks away!).
For now though I am enjoying the sunny weather and living next to the sea!

Just down the road sits Maggi Hambling's scallop sculpture on Aldeburgh beach. The words on the sculpture read ‘I hear those voices that will not be drowned’. Unfortunately, some people like to graffiti and vandalise the sculpture but I think it looks beautiful and sits nicely on the landscape. Another thing about sculpture is that it attracts people and they aren’t afraid to touch it or be close to it. It sounds silly but I don’t think you get that reaction with a painting or other forms of artwork.

2007-05-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS! to Jack Boyce and the Dereham footy team for winning the Final today. My little bro was Captain so got to lift the trophy!

2007-05-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday evening I visited Brancaster Harbour. It was very cold and windy but the cloudy weather made all the boats and buildings a beautiful misty colour.

2007-04-24T02:19:00.002-07:00

At the moment I've come across a bit of a creative 'block'. I'm too busy thinking about what it is I think I should be be doing rather than just enjoying the moment.

I need some time to reflect on what it is I actually set out to do in the first place and not get bogged down with it. There's more to life than admin! :-)

2007-04-24T02:19:00.001-07:00

Today Harry had his 'manly bits' removed- I think he hates me - he certainly looks confused and very sleepy.

In other news- I spent the whole of the day lugging around a portfolio and sketchbooks to an interview for a degree course. I'm now at home feeling a little bit disappointed. I got onto the course but I was really unimpressed with the college. I just got a feeling that something wasn't quite right- a gut instinct you might say. I need to think about a few things first before I rush into anything.

2007-04-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

I just want to say- if you ever want to get fit- get a Jack Russell. They can walk for miles! This is a photo of when Matthew and I took harry for a long walk along Holkham beach. We walked for just over 5 miles and he was still full of energy!

Holkham is a lovely place to visit if you need 'space'. Even though it was a busy day the beach is so huge you feel as though you don't come across another soul.

2007-04-13T03:31:00.000-07:00

A page from an Enid Blyton book which is being passed around a group of fellow Illustrators. The idea is to pick out a group of words from the double page spread and do a quick illo...a bit like a moving sketchbook.

This text reads '...quietly he turned and stalked off that night....'

2007-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

2007-03-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

Well, things have been a bit quiet lately on the blogging front. That doesn't' mean to say I'm not doing anything though. There's lots of changes going on at the moment which includes me and Matthew moving to Suffolk in about 6 weeks time. Everything is happening VERY quickly when we are least expecting it. I'm not complaining though- I like a bit of adventure.

We have found a house we have fallen in love with and everything seems to be neatly falling into place for the first time in quite a while. Harry isn't particulary interested though.... :-)

2007-03-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Life drawing again- I like the feet on the top piece. I may even work this drawing into a painting or large charcoal sketch.

2007-02-23T02:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Had a lovely suprise yesterday morning that came all the way from America. A fantastic hand made card:

And some scrummy chocolates (note: I have eaten most of them now)!

Thankyou !

Holly :-)

2007-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

For the past four weeks I have been going to a life drawing class. Already I feel I am developing my line and feel more confident about figure drawing.

It's hard work though...I feel physically and emotionally drained after a morning of furiously sketching and studying every detail.

2007-02-08T01:42:00.001-08:00

here is a link to what has been taking over my life for the past few months (in a good way of course):

http://artgardenstudios.blogspot.com/

enjoy...

2007-02-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

My new pet Harry- he is very little, and very cool...

2007-01-30T06:31:00.000-08:00

I have been 'tagged' to list six unique things about me. Here goes...(don't laugh)..

1. I have matching freckles on certain areas of my body. For example, I have a freckle on my right arm which is in EXACTLY the same place as the freckle on my left arm. I also have a freckle on my left thumb which is also in EXACTLY the same place as my right thumb. I like to show lots of people these.

2. Ever since I was little I have been a bit obsessed with counting things in my head. For example if I see a sign or notice I have to count every letter, then the words, then the sides of the sign...followed by the corners and then the colours. I feel panicky if I don't end on an even number such as 10, 20 etc....that IS weird.

3. I don't know if this is very unique as I expect most artists feel like this but when I am angry or upset I feel much better if I draw. Not any drawing- I have to draw people and figures..it gives me a sense of satisfaction.

4. I have curly hair underneath the first 'layer' of hair on both sides of my head above my ears- they stick out if I don't straighten them. My sister has the same problem but I have never met anyone else with it....the hairdresser thinks it's funny anyway.

5. Ever since I can remember I have had 'spiritual experiences'. I know lots of people don't believe in these sort of things but I become very sensitive to anything like that- I can't help it and sometimes it scares me. I have seen and heard spirits before and can physically feel around my head and shoulders if something is there. I don't believe in ghostly things like 'Most Haunted' on Sky or any rubbish like that, but I believe there are people looking after us.

6. I hate beetroot- more than anything on this planet.

:-)

2007-01-03T08:32:00.004-08:00

It's snowing!!!!!

2007-01-03T08:32:00.003-08:00

These are some photos Matthew took when he was in Brighton- it was a cold day and I think the colours and skies in them are stunning!

2007-01-03T08:32:00.002-08:00

Hurrah! I have finally finished and printed the new brochures and business cards for Art Garden Studios.

Okay...I know it's an awful photograph but they do look good in real life!

The brochure shows the four new limited edition prints by me ma' Claire Boyce which will be on sale for her new Spring 2007 collection.

If anyone would like a brochure to have a look at then please email me or leave a comment (they are free).

Ta ta! :-)

2007-01-03T08:32:00.001-08:00

It's my turn.... http://www.travellingsketchbook.blogspot.com//

2007-01-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! My fancy dress party went really well and everyone managed to turn up in rather hilarious costumes. I was Madonna!

2006-12-19T05:58:00.000-08:00

Matthew and I are planning to have New Year's Eve Party. The theme is "hero and heroine's"...The idea is that you come as your hero/heroine. Well, unless anyone knows how to dress as Quentin Blake then I really am quite stuck for ideas. Besides, I would quite like to come as a heroine seeing as I am a girl...

That seems to be proving slightly more difficult. When I was at school we never learnt about famous, strong-minded women to look up to. Of course, I am not for one minute saying that they don't exist but I just find it very sad how I couldn't think of a women straight away. So, I put a search into google- this article came up:

http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,4120,1518882,00.html

Isn't it sad how Hollywood portrays superheroine's as large breasted, lap dancing old slappers?

I think I will have to be a suffraget.

2006-12-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

Some photos I found today. They were from a photoshoot I agreed to do when I was only 16! Feels like it was someone else...

The photos were for a project based on a rock-band for a CD cover or something (I can't quite remember)..

2006-12-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

For Lyn xxxx

2006-12-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

I'm designing a website for a tree surgeon friend of mine...It's the first time I have done this (for someone else) so I am really excited about it and surprisingly enjoying myself. It's nice to do something different on the computer for a change.

Here's the beginnings of the work- obviously there is going to be a lot more 'foliage' than this! The bird box may be a symbol you can click on for the home page. This is not the full size of the web page but just a preview of the right-hand side:

I think I need to make it look a bit more 'manly' first :-)

2006-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a larger preview of the brochure I am working on for 'Art Garden Studios' first Spring Collection of prints for 2007...just need to send them to the printers now :-)

2006-11-30T00:57:00.000-08:00

Another sneak preview of an illustration I am working on:

2006-11-29T02:42:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy, busy- I think there should be 10 days in a week and not just 7!

Anyway, being busy is good- it means you are learning and developing and not just sitting on your arse watching neighbours (although it would be nice to do that every now and then!).

The house is coming along well- this week Matthew and I have been concentrating on finishing the floorboards...well, actually, Matthew has done most of the work- he was the one who had to sand down all the black tar that was left over from years ago when they used to lay carpets- smelly, sticky stuff! This is what they looked like before:

And this is them now:

We are going to do the same in the bedroom this week- oh joy!

On the art front- I have managed to get two of my prints on canvas framed and stretched as a present for someone. I'm really pleased with how they have come out:

I'm working on a new picture for my exhibition although I am not too sure where it is going as yet! :-)

2006-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have been working in the garden-My very helpful freind Kat came over with her fork and spade and we turned over the vegetable patch ready for next Spring.

Before:

And half- way through digging (model Kat!):

We have pretty much finished all of it-but for now we have covered it in an old carpet to keep out the weeds:

The soil here was excellent because of the years of compost it's obviouvly been fed. I really enjoyed myself being in the garden...it's quite theraputic and satisfying to see how much work you can get done. I can't wait to get started on the rest of it.
Oh, and here are my fabulous wellies:

2006-11-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

A sneak preview of a brochure I am working on for Art Garden Studios:

2006-11-17T02:40:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I haven't been doing much drawing this week but just a lot of thinking and organising. I feel there are a lot of changes going on at the moment- which is good, but it always feels as though something is moving and changing in my head and I have to constantly try and work out what to expect and what is going on. I enjoy this feeling although it also brings on thoughts of panic and that old friend of mine self-doubt rears his ugly head. I'm trying to stay positive and excited not worried and doubtful.

I have a lot to look forward to and work towards at the moment. My Mum and I are holding an exhibition at The Forum, Norwich in July. We have 16 display stands each for 6 days and have a lot of work to produce. It's going to be great publicity as they apparently receive 50,000 visitors there every week and it's a very creative environment. Also, my Mum's business is really starting to take off and I am going to be quite involved and have a huge responsibility with the prints and sales side of it all. It's great as I feel so passionate about what she does and the work she produces but I am also nervous I might f**k it up along the way. It feels a bit like being at the top of a rollercoaster ride and you know the big drop is going to make your tummy squeal but the adrenalin makes it all worthwhile and you want to feed off the same experience again and again.

On the plus side- we finally have radiators in our house- hurrah!

Holly :-)

2006-11-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

My house...

my garden from the back of the house...

and the veggie patch at the side of the house- which I am now worried about- I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START!... We may turn the shed into a bar! :-)

and sketches of Matthew painting the living room....

2006-11-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

The exhaust fell off our van today- that was embarrasing and we have only had it for one day! Plus, I lost a sale at work that was worth nearly £5000! rubbish...

Anyway, I've a bit of a breakthrough with my painting. Not exactly on the 'being pleased with what I have done' side of things but more the fact that I actually sat down for 7 hours solid on one picture and didin't get disheartened by it once- not even when I messed it up a bit! :-)

2006-11-01T01:37:00.000-08:00

I think I've fallen in love-

2006-10-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Students drawing at the Circus trip yesterday:

2006-10-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today my tutors took us to draw at the circus all day - how flamin' cool is that?????????

I'll post pictures tomorrow.....

For now though, here is a piccy of Matthew at a very important wedding we went to last Saturday (congrats d&e)...I'm mainly posting this as evidence that he does sometimes wear a shirt- and just cos' he looks lovely :-)

2006-10-25T03:23:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Have been busy, busy doing boring things like buying fridges so haven't been able to blog for a while. Now that I am back at Uni part-time I have the responsibility to do lots and lots of drawing for my module- we haven't been given a project yet just been told to keep bloomin drawing!

Here are some of my sketches although I think I am a bit behind with my work:

Most of the images are from my trip to Aldeburgh- I like to draw boats- they are always full of peculiar angles and perspective- it's good drawing practice.

Anyway, I am super busy at the moment what with working stupid hours at the Gallery all week and trying to get ahead with my own work. Sometimes it can be depressing working constantly trying to earn what turns out to be absolutely sod all every month.

Whenever I feel like that though I normally remember a quote from The Shawshank Redemption 'Get busy living or get busy dying'...it makes me laugh and tells me to just get on with it!

Holly :-)

2006-10-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I don't have very long but I just wanted to post some pictures of my Mums new Jack Russell - Harry. He is the cutest, SMALLEST puppy I have ever seen!

I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Iv'e asked for a puppy for my birthday)

:-)

2006-10-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hello,

This week Matthew and I are in Aldeburgh, Suffolk looking after Matthew’s parent’s dogs (who are a bit of hard work I must say).

So far, we have travelled back to our house twice to carry on with painting the walls so it's beginning to look a bit more like a home now. I can't wait to get stuck into the Garden although it's all a bit new to me and I don't know where to begin (although I notice Alan Titmarsh has a few good tips on the BBC website!). Mowing the lawn would be a good plan though! It's a bit wild.

I think I will start with the veggie patch first then think about planting some dark tulips (apparently you are meant to plant them in November). I want quite natural grasses and flowers such as poppies and lavender with tall sunflowers growing up the side of the old green shed. Plus, I am going to make some garden lights from jam jars and buttons (don't ask how- you will have to wait and see!). I think it will be looking lovely come Summer time (I hope).

Today, I have been out on the seafront sketching boats and houses. It was quite a muggy and grey day and the sun has now decided to come out as soon as I get home. I am trying to concentrate on actually concentrating. It takes practice to feel comfortable drawing in front of strangers in public. People look at you as though you are mad. This makes me distracted and nervous but I am getting used to it. I can't upload any images until Matthew gets home as I am not sure how to do it on the computer I am currently on.

Am now going to spend the rest of the evening making Shepherd’s Pie and thinking of a new life plan to kick my arse into gear (and practice better time management).

Holly :-)

2006-10-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

Bonjour!

Yes, I have cheered up now-

I like my new house now. It's growing on me plus I have actually slept properly for the first time in a month! No noisy neighbors...yay!

Matthew and I are in the process of re-decorating. Our trip to B&Q was fun but expensive- although we did splash out on some funky wallpaper to put in the alcoves of the living room (behind the fireplace). When it is finished I will post some before and after pictures.

We have a large garden with a vegetable patch, two apple trees, a plum tree, and three sheds (I'm thinking of turning one into our own private bar - he he!). I don't know much about gardening but I am really looking forward to getting my hands dirty. Plus, it will be great to grow our own veg- never again, will I have to purchase crappy tesco produce! In the summer, we are also considering buying some chickens although that it is not our main priority just yet.

By the way, does anyone know how to make curtains? I need to buy some thick lined ones but they are very expensive- I'm guessing it would be cheaper to buy material and make them myself?

Holly :-)

2006-09-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

WARNING: STROPPY POST:

God I am in a mood today- everyone in the whole Universe is pissing me off and I want to hide in a corner and NEVER come out of it again. Plus, tonight I have to go out and spend all evening with a bunch of blokes who just stand around talking about breasts and pretending to know about them (they wish)...

Moved all our stuff into our new house which is a complete dump at the moment and needs completely re-decorating- I cant believe what I have let myself in for on this one..

Oh well- I'm away for 10 days soon so at least I can relax a bit- I hate bloody moving! :-(

2006-09-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Today I marched my way down to my University and made a final decision to change my course to BA Illustration. I was originally doing a Graphic Design course but feel I need to specialise my skills and really work at what is most important to me: drawing.

Even though I like Graphic Design and it good to know about the rules of space, type and grids you cant get far in life without fundamental drawing knowledge. In my new course I will be with teachers who will be directing all their energies and focus on developing skills within students such as myself. When I was previously at college I felt like I was working hard at something I wasn't destined to be doing.

I met my tutor Chris who is very wacky with mad dress sense (very typical art tutor) and a really enthusiastic bloke- I think I will get on with him.

So, from now on you will be seeing loads of new development work (hopefully!) and lots of interesting finds from my sketchbook.

I am moving house again tomorrow so things may be a bit sparse on the blog front- but I'm not deserting it just yet! :-)

2006-09-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Yes I am still alive!I have only just got my internet connection back this week- thank god!!

Matthew and I have just moved house next to the ugliest and loudest trout on the planet, and are now in the process of moving again so as you can imagine it has been a bit hectic!

Anyway, I have started my new job at the gallery and am now beginning to settle in. It's quite high pressure and busy but I think that is good for me otherwise I get bored easily.

As for the drawing front- I received a new easel and paints for my birthday from my Mum so have been making lots of mess with that! Here's a painting I am doing using only a palette knife and no original sketch (eek!):

First attempt:

Second attempt:

Those of you from the forum will know about my struggle with colour- this painting was an exercise at being loose with the paint and colours and trying not to restrict myself. Plus, it was an excuse to use all my new paints and make loads of mess (and ruin many of my jeans-oops).

Have also been practicing my drawing skills:

This is a re-worked sketch I did months ago- I'm quite pleased with the hand as I normally find this the trickiest part!

Close up of sketch:

I've got a couple more but I will save those for tomorrow- for now, I've got to go and finish making a casserole!

Holly :-)

2006-08-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

News today:

mostly feeling: tired..................................................

2006-08-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Been doing some more quick sketches of shoes. I apologize for the rubbish quality but they are so light its hard to take a clear picture:

They are not finished yet but it would be nice to do a small series of painted and inked up images for my website.

I like to draw shoes as I think you can tell a lot about a person from their shoes- maybe that's just me that thinks like that. When I was at college I used to practice my skills by drawing shoes as they are hard to master! Plus, I like the different textures and colours. Sometimes shoes look like wrinkles on a persons face. For example, if you look at an old mans work boots you can see their whole working life in them- it makes you wonder what sort of person they are and what journeys they made in those shoes.

Holly :-)

2006-08-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Bonjour!

It is now officially my weekend before I go back to work on Saturday. I've mainly been sketching and listening to my new Kooks album (which, I highly recommend). I've gone back to doing images up a bit. This is the first image from my sketchbook using ink, pencil and acrylic:

Secondly, here is a pencil and fine-nib ink sketch:

Sketching over to look at tone with coloured pencils:

I think in future I will try and use more paint as I am sketching. I also, really enjoyed using the black ink and painting with it instead of using a nib (the first image)- the effects you can achieve are interesting.

Holly :-)

2006-08-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

I'm at work right now so can't post much- I haven't done any drawing/painting for a few days and I really really really really miss it! Will hopefully have something to 'show and tell' soon x

2006-08-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Been painting again today- I am trying to get some more base colours down although I wan't to make the image softer as it goes into the distance (as Penny suggested earlier). Trying to figure out the best way to do this.

2006-08-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I'm feeling a bit slack in the old 'drawing' department. I haven't done any painting since last Tuesday I don't think.

Note to self- do some bloody work tonight!

Apart from that I have a new part-time job here:

http://www.castlegalleries.com/

I start next Tuesday and I am really excited!I have to work weekends which is a bit of a shame but you can't have everything in life I suppose. Wish me luck!

Holly :-)

2006-08-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Had a weekend off and have been out in a rented boat on the Norfolk Broads with a few friends. The weather was gorgeous for once and we all had a great time drinking wine and eating a picnic. Although I moan about Norfolk it does have its advantages such as lovely beaches and good days out!

Here are some of the other boats we saw (I was very jealous!):

Me and Matthew on our boat just about to stop at the pub:

And here is our friend Greg after a few too many wines- believe me, you will never meet anyone like him!

2006-08-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Have been busy all weekend working and dealing with bloody annoying customers so haven't got much work done until today. I have been thinking again about my character Alice and went to the children's library in Norwich to get some inspiration on how to keep the movement within my character. I like my drawings when they are slightly looser and sketchy as I think it brings more life so I am trying to make the existing Alice slightly softer and more appealing to children (but still with a 'tomboy' look).

Here are some initial sketches from my sketchbook looking at different movements and facial expressions:

Close up of one of the sketches:

Developing a sketch onto watercolour paper ready for colour:

Have been doing a bit of painting also. This the second layer of colour- I'm enjoying using odd perspective in this picture:

Oh! And this is my beautiful doggy Ted. I took this at half five on Sunday morning when he had just lumped out of bed onto the cool floor in the hallway- he looks as if he's thinking "Bog off Holly"...!

Ciao for now :-)

2006-07-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello,

More painting!

Charcoal sketch and underpainting:

Close-up of sketch:

First couple of layers in the sky and sea:

Holly :-)

2006-07-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Afternoon!

I have spent all day researching and inventing a new character for the a competition: http://www.icograda.org/web/calendar-display.shtml?pfl=calendar-single-2.param&op2.rf1=1515&op3.tfl=calendar-single-2-FFFFFF.ptml

I'm doing the Alice in Wonderland so have spent all day sketching a few ideas.

Firstly Alice began her life like this:

Then I inked over to bring out her features:

From here I wanted to bring Alice a bit more to life and make her look older:
Colour and life sketches of Alice to see how she would work out:

Making Alice appear more 3D and believeable:

Finally, some quick 5 minute colour studies with watercolour- colour is the hardest thing to think about now.

I want Alice to appear as if she is from a good background but is still quite tomboyish. That's why she has scruffy hair and her socks are falling down. Her mother has dressed her well but she hasn't quite noticed because she is too busy thinking about having adventures. That's how I imagine Alice anyway..

Next I will put the existing Alice in different moods for example angry, laughing, embarrased to see how her features develop from there.

This project has been fun so far and I think it will be a good experience. Already I have lots of ideas for my own characters and stories. Perhaps when I have finished I could develop these for fun!

Holly

2006-07-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

Painting number 2 finished:

At the start of this I thought the picture would turn out a bit pants but I'm pleased with the end result - especially the deck chair as it was so bloomin' hard to draw!

Holly :-)

2006-07-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Had a really busy but great weekend- I feel very lucky to be me at the moment!

On Thursday evening went to a life drawing class which was a bit of an eye opener and really hard! I made lots of sketches mainly with charcoal and here are two of them:

Compared to the other regulars mine look pants but I'm quite pleased with them for a first go. The class isn't on again until September although I think I will definitely go weekly as I learnt so much in two and a half hours!

Anyway, spent the weekend down in Aldeburgh with Matthews family and went out for a fantastic meal at a restaurant called the 152- scrumptious food and wine- I ate so much I felt physically sick! (oops!)

Spent the rest of the time there on the beach soaking up the good weather and stuffing in plenty of the the best fish and chips you can eat followed by pink grapefruit sorbet! YUUUMMMMMM!

Anyway, that's enough talk about food (for now). On Saturday night Matthew took me to see Jamie Cullum in Theford Forest- if you love live jazz music like I do then go and see him- the whole band has tremendous talent and I was in awe of how well they played . You can tell when someone really does it for the music and not the fame...

Oh! And here are some photos of the cards I have designed for www.artgardenstudios.com (my Mum's website). Altogether there are 9 landscape and 9 square designs. All are glossy with a packaged envelope and plastic wrapping. I think they have come out really well and I especially like the square designs..

Holly xx

2006-07-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Went to Mundesley on the coast last night with Matthew. We shared fish and chips and had a lovely evening looking at the scenery...however we are quite poor and experienced an embarrassing and humorous moment in SPAR when all we could afford was a shandy bass to drink! In fact, here I am modelling it now:

Here's a lighthouse we saw on the way- I think someone lives in it (lucky sods!):

And the lovely scenery:

Holly x

2006-07-18T05:06:00.000-07:00

After being up ALL night because of the noisy old, mental guy next door (who is now sunbathing naked in his garden and getting pissed) I have had an enjoyable morning of painting.

You can't really see many of the changes as yet although a lot of time has been spent 'tidying' it up a bit. I think the windows in the houses give it more life. Nearly finished now- just a few more hours to go...

Holly :-)

2006-07-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Had a good weekend seeing friends etc and am now back to my painting:

Have been struggling a bit with this one for some reason. I have added some boats and lightened it up slightly although it's not finished yet. I think perhaps I need to get up really early one morning and get stuck into it without any distractions. I aim to get it finished by the end of the week.

Spent yesterday with a bit of a hangover (oops) so went to sprawl out on the green next to Norwich Cathedral. There is an unusual sculpture there which I really like as it reminds me of Picasso:

2006-07-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

Painting number two in the same style as the first. This is mainly the underpainting.

Off to wash my brushes now (the boring bit)

2006-07-11T02:11:00.000-07:00

Spent all weekend at home so had to get out of the house yesterday..

Sketching a lady at the bustop (with a rather large bottom!):

And a man sitting outside the newsagents:

Lots of fun and had to work REALLY quickly. Makes you think about the shapes in the human figure though.

2006-07-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

yummy! I made banana muffins!

2006-07-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

nearly finished....

2006-07-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

Spent all of yesterday painting and I think I achieved quite a lot. I have worked mainly on the right hand side of the image working up the colours with acrylic and charcoal. I need to buy some new acrylic colours to expand my palette, as I don't have many at the moment. I'm used to working with gouache so acrylic is a bit new to me but I like it!

Here's a close up of the houses:

I'm enjoying this painting lark!!!! :-)

2006-07-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Had a good couple of days with Matthew. We went to Holkham beach on Monday with a picnic and fell asleep in the sun- very relaxing.

Today, I have been painting with my Mum who has taught me many techniques from her years of painting! I'm lucky to have such help at hand. I am now aiming to produce 10 beach themed paintings to practice my painting and colour skills whilst incorporating illustration. It's all very exciting!

Here's a sneak preview of the first image. It is the charcoal drawing and red underpainting. So far, I have only painted the sea and the piece is a beach scene seen through a window. (Ignore the black line round the painting-bad photo!)

By the time I have reached number 10 I should have developed a good style and soaked up lots of information! It's all good practice and great to actually have a project to finally get stuck in to.

Holly x

2006-06-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I went to the Norwich School of Art & Design Degree Exhibition the other day. I was really impressed with ALL of the work and haven't seen design work that good for quite a while. Unfortunately it is finished now so I can't have another look around but I picked up a few promotional cards whilst I was there- one of them was even on a napkin!

I personally thought the illustration work was really strong- with two or three people standing out in particular. The graphics work was excellent- I especially thought it was very personal which can be quite unusual for graphics as there is not often much scope for creative individuality. I think that's why I love illustration so much- you don't have to try and reproduce what's 'cool' at the time if you know what I mean.

Anyway, it was very inspiring to see work produced by people who are obviously eager to impress!

I have included some examples of the postcards to share with other people!

Holly x

2006-06-29T00:38:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I have been reading a book called TOTAL CONFIDENCE (you may laugh) and I thought I would share with you some of the exercises...I have noticed how a lot of people in the creative industry suffer from a niggly feeling called 'Self Doubt'..I am one of those people and am in the process of trying to do something about it:

'...Imagine you had someone living in your home with you who continually pointed out everything that was wrong with you and your life in a really annoying tone of voice. How long would it take for you to want to kick that person out of your house and out of your life? Well, your mind is the one place where you have complete dominion. And if the voice living in your head isn't supporting you, it's time to replace it with one that does. Because like it or not, the results you are getting in your life have everything to do with what that voice keeps telling you....

Read through the exercise before you do it for the first time:

1. Locate the internal voice. Just ask yourself 'Where is my internal voice?' and point to the location where you hear the words.

2. Now I would like you to imagine how your voice sounds if it is totally confident. Is it louder or softer than usual? Is it clearer and easier to hear? Stronger or weaker? Do you speak faster or more slowly?

However your voice sounds when you are really positive and confident, put that voice in the same location where you old internal voice was located.

3. Take a few moments to think of some of the negative suggestions you have habitually given yourself in the past, things like:

'I'm not very confident'
'I am terrible at giving presentations'
'I will never find someone to fall in love with me'

4. For each statement, come up with its positive opposite:

'I'm a naturally confident person'
'I give excellent presentations'
'I am extremely loveable'

5. Finally, I want you to repeat the new, positive suggestion to yourself in your new confident internal voice.

EASY! Try it...works a treat!..But you have to keep practicing though x

2006-06-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

I Love cooking so I thought I'd share this recipe with you. It's really cheap to make and also healthy...plus, you get to make lots of mess and get your hands dirty!

Enjoy...yum yum xx

2006-06-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

YAY!

I've just found I got a grade A for both of my UNI projects...well done me!

Holly :-) :-) :-)

PS. I heard today is the happiest day of the year...now I know it must be true!

2006-06-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Have had a bit of an idea for my portfolio and something that could lead to more work. Basically, after much pondering and worrying about what to draw I have finally managed to come up with an idea that I am actually really enjoying. I have decided to design a wedding stationary pack (invites etc) based on traditional wedding flowers but in a much more contemporary style. I can see exactly what I want to do in my head so am now in the process of practicing my watercolour skills.

I want to go for something quite loose and bright preferably on a brown card. For now though here are a couple of images I have just painted which are not very good but at least it's a start. I can see already how I need to improve the next ones and I am quite excited about this project.

Although, I am finding it quite hard to manage my time now I am not at work. It's very easy to spend ALL day in the library (like today-oops) or potter about. Perhaps I should set myself a task each morning and reward myself at the end of each day (preferably with a gin and tonic!). I'm hoping I will eventually settle into a routine I am happy with.

Holly :-)

2006-06-15T02:49:00.000-07:00

Hello

It is still sinking in that I am not at my old job anymore- I keep forgetting that I don't have to go back..strange!

Anyway, I was struggling a bit with what to do now that I am trying to sort my portfolio out. So, I have gone back to just sketching out things that I like to do for example - figure/fashion illustration.

The image here is just a quick 10 minute rough of an figure I wan't to develop further. I have used two different colour pencils to sketch out the line and shadow. I always try and keep my roughs as loose as possible so that I don't restrict myself to early on in the image and I can always go back into it and draw over it or add details.

I will probably re-draw the image next with pencil for the shadow and ink for the outline. I am then thinking I can work into it with watercolour to finish my second rough.

I think it's a good idea to use unusual colours (such as the purple and brown above) when drafting as you are not afraid of 'getting it wrong'. I often use colour pencil a lot more bodly and loosely than I do with a standard pencil!!

Plus I have some good news- Matthew's sister wants to buy one of my prints from my website! I was actually in shock when I found out- what a strange feeling someone might actually wan't to hang something of mine on their wall!

Holly xx

2006-06-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

For the first time since January Matthew and me actually had a weekend off! Well actually, I did work on Saturday at the shop (my new part-time job) but apart from that I had lots of lie in's and sleep...hurrah! On Sunday we wen't for a walk to a huge, beautiful graveyard which is just down the road from where we live.

It may sound like a random place to go on your day off but it's more like secret garden than a graveyard. It's been there since around 1819 (I think) and all the grave's there are really overgrown and FULL of wildlife which is unusual down my road!!! I believe they do regular walks around the area for people who interested in the rare nature and plants around there. It's not creepy at all and I found it by accident one day.

Anyway, I have taken some photos and may do some sketches from them a bit later on or incorporate them into another project. xx

2006-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Iv'e finally managed to finish my Uni work. I wasn't able to take pictures of one of the projects (the hanging installation) but have got some for the Egon Schiele project. This image is my final A1 poster design. The girl was drawn with indian ink and watercolour and the rest of the poster was made in photoshop. The labels on the girl read: promotes gred, self loathing and feelings of indadequacy...Lorna let me use her words from the AOI forum when a few of us had a discussion about advertising in general. (thanks!)

I also managed to create some stickers/flyers/badges and clothing to give a general idea of how this campaign could be further taken forward if it were to be used 'in the real world'. I wanted the campaign to work with members of the general public so that they could almost become a part of the campaign ie. wear the badge etc. I would have like to have done more on this but ran out of time and did what I could in 3 days..without dying of exhaustion. Plus Matthew, if you are reading this: Couldn't have done it without you!

Anyway, now I am really looking forward to starting something new for my portfolio. Will keep you updated!

Holly xx

2006-05-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

oh my god I think I just found a hair in my covent garden soup...rancid!

2006-05-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Have painted my sketch with indian ink and watercolour- I wanted to use the same colours Egon Schiele uses (as this is part of my brief). I haven't finished it yet as I feel there is 'something missing'....mmmmm

2006-05-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Been working a bit more on my puppet image...I'm hoping to have it done by this weekend-

I've posted my sketch and a picture of my little room where I work (the small one at the back of my house basically) - I thought it looked quite sweet!

Holly x

2006-05-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hello

For those of you who have heard all about my advertising project on the forum (gabby!)...this is my second draft- I am going to create a poster now (yes, I know I changed my mind but it's a good change!). On it will be an image of a girl who looks like a puppet with strings. The strings are being controlled by the word: advertising and she is slumped on the floor. Attached to all the strings are little labels that read things like 'flabby' and 'wrinkles' (these may change). I have attached two sketches and some text ideas from my sketchbook. I prefer the more simple sketch to use for my development- the figure looks like that of a doll more than the other. Oh- and at the bottom will be a slogan to make it come together. I'm not sure what it will be yet but I've had a few ideas so I'll be back in a couple of days with more development.

I'm enjoying this project a lot more now that I have a bit of direction and I definitely feel more in control of my image- it's not dictating my layout etc anymore and I have more freedom to develop and change it!

hurrah! :-)

2006-05-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Good evening fellow bloggers!

Been sketching and painting more Schiele pictures this weekend- here are three of them- I wen't back to copying some of his work to give me a few more ideas for my advertising product- plus it's all good fun!

And- I will be going to life drawing classes at the end of the month- I can't wait!

Holly x

2006-05-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hurrah!

I'm back and I've actually done some work!

Those of you from the AOI forum: Here is a sketch of my billboard advertising idea and I am not happy AT ALL...

It's meant to be a illustration of a 'normal' woman in full colour with a greyish collage background going off in perspective of our environment...I'm stuck basically.

Holly xx

PS. I know it's a crap scan

2006-04-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Just come back from being at my mums new barn conversion in North norfolk...its amazing as you can imagine.

They have some land out the back of the house next to the River and the farmer up the road has asked to put his sheep on there for grazing. However, they are ALL pregnant and this morning me and my family all watched as one of the sheep gave birth to two new lambs...obviously from the window with binoculars (some of it was a bit unpleasant!). Now there's lots of little lambs jumping about as we speak! It was quite an experience!

Holly x

2006-04-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all

Haven't been on here for a while. Got back form my time off in Aldeburgh and hit earth with a big horrible tearful thud! Iv'e been ultra busy with college work as usual so haven't had my time to do anything else. However I have done a sketch for computer arts magazine DESIGN THE COVER COMPETITION which I am quite pleased with although I am 'stuck'..The brief is 'Brief encounters' and must contain the use of crayon markings (haven't got that far yet) and maybe some figurative work. I can see it looking quite dark with collage etc but I can't seem to generate any more ideas..annoyingly. It's unusual for me to run out of steam.

Holly

PS. I like her 'eye' and the use of her hair to build up the rest of the image

2006-04-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.

Haven't been on here for a while as I am actually away for the weekend here in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. It's a lovely seaside town which has a great ice-cream shop and lots of galleries. I spent this morning giving out brochures of my Mums work (she's an artist: www.artgardenstudios.co.uk) as I am trying to help her get the print side up and running. It was extremely nerve-racking although most people were really friendly. I felt a bit like a sales-person so I tried not to be too annoying or aggressive...it's hard work!

Anyway, I'm hoping to do some more artwork this weekend and finish off my design for the computer arts cover competition so I will post that on here asap.

Holly :-)

2006-04-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

Have been sketching more Schiele pictures today...yes I know they are creepy but they are truly fantastic figure drawings. I would suggest that anyone who wants to develop their anatomy skills gets a book about Schiele..I'm obsessed!
:-)

Not much else to report as I have been at work all day today. I told them I was planning to hand in my notice at the end of this month (woo-hoo!). Can't wait and I have had loads of ideas for my freelance work.

I have also posted a digital image I have been playing around with using the photos from Holkham...let me know what you think- I haven't had any comments for ages! Anyway, must go as I need an early night..I wan't to get up early for a jog as my sister is making me do 'race for life' next month and I'm really un-fit (I hate exercise!).

Holly xx

2006-04-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I have posted some photos of my day out to Holkham beach (up here in Norfolk!).

Altogether me and Matthew took around 100 photos and went through other villages such as Cley and Holt- which, by the way are lovely places to stay in Norfolk if you ever come up here.

The weather was quite windy, as it always is in Holkham but it was still sunny and warm so quite a few people where there. I even saw a few people riding their horses on the beach which looked like great fun (if only I had a horse :-). I'm hoping to do some painting in a style quite like that of the images on my website. Next time, I think I will take my sketchbook as it's never quite the same drawing from photos.

Me and Matthew are lucky there are so many beautiful beaches here in norfolk although we never visit them quite as much as we should. I had a really depressing day yesterday and tried to paint the first sketch I put on this blog but it wasn't quite working..the beach definitely cheered me up!

Holly x

2006-04-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

2006-03-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Been very busy this weekend with private work etc so haven't got much to report. I have been doing some sketching for a college project about Egon Schiele. Basically I have to copy his drawings to further develop into my own style...I have posted my attempt although I'm finding it extremely difficult. It's easy to go off on a tangent with your own figure images but looking at others peoples work is very restricting...Extremely educational though!

Holly :-)

PS. Happy Mother's Day!

2006-03-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

image 01 (two more new images and two new comments from today below!!!)

2006-03-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

image 02 (one more in prev post from today -below)