One month in

It's exactly a month since I moved to Cornwall. So far I haven't produced much classwork that is worth posting. Its mainly been experiments, quick sketches, and roughs. However I feel like I have learnt so many tricks of the trade, my brain is fit to burst.


I have had a few Eureka moments with regards to my illustrated book project today. For the first three weeks I seem to have been accumulating measley glimmers of ideas which never materialised into anything, but after a trip to the library some reference books, a flick through Peter Blakes work and a rummage through a couple of Falmouth's junk shops ( always a reliable source of inspiration ) I finally have a vision.


Yesterday I had a personal sketchbook marathon, after feeling abit low all day something clicked and I hammered out 10 pages in one night, heres just a couple.



The portrait commisions are still coming in thick and fast, I have 7 requests at present, here;s one I completed and sent off yesterday.







Je viens de venir returner au deuxieme lecon du Francais avec Tom, c'etait tres interesant
( I have just returned from my second French lesson with Tom, it was very interesting
Quand je visite du Paris a Fevrier 2010 J'espere je parle beaucoup du Francais
( When I go to Paris in Febuary next year I hope that i will be able to speak a lot of French )

I have also realised I never uploaded any of the drawings I did whilst travelling Europe with Adam, I'll have to do that at some point.

My favourite piece of artwork I am working on at the moment is this...

It's a personal project...obviously. It's my boyfriend Adam in his grundeez.... let me explain... When we we're in the Renaisance area of La Musee D'orsay in Paris Adam pointed out that all the nude male figures look like the guys from the film '300'. In other words they were all meat-edds. So I decided to paint Adam in the same idealistic, slightly enhanced style but to add a contemporary touch I am painting him in a pair of Topman boxers.
I have been adding to the painting bit by bit in my spare time, but to avoid isolating myself in my room I decided it'd be a good idea to hang the painting in my flat kitchen! There I can paint and socialise at the same time. Consequently everyone in my flat, and the flat next door, and the cleaners, and the porters, and any other guests have all seen my boyfriend in his grundees hehe.

I am holding Adam responsible for my recent determination and drive. He came down last weekend and it was amazing, it's always better when we're together.

FINALLY! MY SISTER IS ENGAGED!!! HOORAY!

HACS introductory excersise

History and Cultural studies has been kick started with a light hearted excersise based on 'Representation'.
We've been asked to produce 2 illustrations the first being an annotated self portrait which explains how and why your appearance is as it is.
And the second must show how you might like to be, given unlimited resources.

This is my attempt at the first, not annotated as of yet.

I'm starting to notice alot of the illustrators on my course are useing Photoshop to produce or even just enhance their drawings and I've decided to try and develop this method myself.

I am undecided on my second illustration at the moment. My imaginaton is running wild and I can't stick with one idea however I think I might quite like to be a grizzly bear, or an explorer of the world.

The Oldham Chron commisions

Recently I received some much appreciated free publicity from my local newspaper, The Oldham Chron.
From which I have had countless emails. Including a handfull of supportive messages from local residents and artists which is really sweet and encourageing.
I have also received an overwhelming amount of requests for portraits which is fantastic! It's keeping me really busy and focused, and it's also secured in my mind that this is definitely what I want to do for the rest of my life- getting paid for painting pictures, it's a dream come true.

BIG Thanks to Trish, Nyree, and the Oldham Chron for making it happen.

Two of the three commisions I have completed and sent off so far.

Sexy Jesus

Here's an almost finished photograph of my first project for Fal, we were given a map of Fal with a certain place pinpointed. We were then sent off in pairs to find our place on the map and given 3 days to create an illustraion about that place.
I got the Church which I was delighted with! and my illustration has been christened by my class mates as 'Sexy Jesus'. Is it weird to be attracted to Jesus?
the C.S.Lewis quote at the bottom is unclear but says,
''In my view the essence of Religion is a search for an end higher than natural ends.''
I was reasonably happy with my piece, untill Friday. When we were all told to bring in our work and display it on the wall. It was then that I got my first glimpse of the talent knocking around on my course. Hopefully this will bring out the competetive streak in me and not crush all of my self-esteem. Bring on the next project!