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.... :-)

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

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 :-)

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.

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...

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

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.

:-)

It's snowing!!!!!

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!

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! :-)

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

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

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.

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)..

For Lyn xxxx

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 :-)

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 :-)

Another sneak preview of an illustration I am working on:

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! :-)

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: