The Greenhouse

An Ornithological Valentine

2012-02-13T16:15:00.004Z

A Happy Valentine's Day for tomorrow folks. I hope you all get what you've been wanting, and from the person you've been wanting it from!

VG Jewellery

2012-02-07T15:16:00.004Z

I'm possibly over-excited about this, but someone recently sent me a little kit for making my own jewellery and I made this little necklace today during my coffee break. I was going to give it to someone, but I love it so much I'm going to keep it for myself and order some more blanks to fill!

Digital Pencil Roughs

2012-01-25T11:43:00.003Z

I've always had a slight aversion to showing my actual 'rough' sketches to clients, but after admiring Holly Surplice's digital roughs I was determined to add this skill to my list. I've also had quite a few requests recently from clients asking if I can provide this service, and now I can! After a bit of experimentation I found a brush that works for me and I'm actually really excited by my sketches on-screen.

Booksniffer

2012-01-23T14:41:00.001Z

The fabulous Booksniffer has included my bookshelves in her lovely selection of illustrator's bookshelves. She also has an excellent blog here with some great picture book reviews. Essential reading!

Update Website

2012-01-13T15:18:00.003Z

I've updated my website at http://www.vickigausden.co.uk. Take a wee peek if you have a spare second, I've expanded my portfolio to include more examples of projects and finished work.

The Year of the Dragon

2012-01-05T16:21:00.001Z

I've just drawn this little guy for the entry page to my website and I thought I'd share him with you.

Hippo New Year!

2012-01-04T16:51:00.003Z

New Year's resolutions anyone?! I'm back in my studio and officially holding a pen in my hand. Hello 2012.

Feeling Festive?

2011-12-18T22:37:00.003Z

Here's a little Christmas spirit for you!

Today's Doodle

2011-12-08T17:45:00.001Z

A Surprised Bunny

2011-12-08T15:59:00.001Z

Here's one of yesterday's drawings. I've not got much done today, I blame the crazy weather...

Stuck in my Head

2011-12-05T15:03:00.001Z

Sometimes I get a song trapped in my brain for an entire day, and occasionally for an entire week if I'm really unlucky. Today I have a saying stuck on repeat in my mind. I thought I'd exorcise the demon by putting it down on paper. Let's see if it works...

Latin Bears

2011-12-02T16:31:00.001Z

This popped into my head last night and I scribbled myself a little note to draw it up today if I had the time. I'm particularly fond of the polar bear. Might be a character here!

As happy as a pig with a cocktail...

2011-12-02T11:43:00.001Z

I've been a bit quiet recently as I crack on with a couple of projects that I can't mention here at the mo (mostly as they're still in progress!). I'm also working on developing my characters, this little guy is Perry the Pig...

How is it November already?!

2011-11-18T16:11:00.001Z

Today I've been drawing this little illustration to freshen up the entry page of my website. I was aiming for being not overly Christmassy, just vaguely festive! Hope it hits the mark.

The Shadow on the Stairs

2011-11-17T15:35:00.001Z

Look what landed on my desk this morning! Some very smart-looking copies of the book jacket I was commissioned to illustrate by the lovely folks over at Barrington Stoke. If you want a copy of the real thing, they're up on Amazon at the mo.

Castle Melamine Coasters

2011-11-14T13:24:00.001Z

I was asked the other day about these, I drew some lovely illos of sheep for Castle Melamine a few years ago and you can now buy them on Amazon.

I can See the Weekend from Here!

2011-11-11T17:06:00.001Z

Have a good one everybody...

Eteaket Prints

2011-11-08T12:27:00.001Z

My exhibition at Eteaket is now up on the wall and last Wednesday we had a lovely opening night with tea cocktails. My thanks to everyone who came along, it was a great success and I've had so much interest for prints that I've had to order extra paper stock! Eteaket are selling prints from their website , so check it out if you're searching for something a little different to give this Christmas.

Whizz...Bang!

2011-11-04T18:39:00.002Z

Have a safe Bonfire Night folks and don't forget to check for hedgehogs before lighting any bonfires!

24 Hours to go

2011-10-31T13:05:00.001Z

Tomorrow evening I'll be hammering nails into walls in Eteaket and getting my exhibition into a presentable shape. Today I'm still drawing and printing work. Later I'll be framing like a mad thing. I am not a last minute person, I just found some inspiration today and decided to continue creating. The illo above is of a White Hart and he's my second-to-last piece. One more to do! On Wednesday I'll be saying hello to those of you who are in the area/have the time to pop by for my opening night!

Hello Friday!

2011-10-28T18:20:00.001+01:00

It's been a busy week but I wanted to share this illo with you. I'm currently working on one of my own stories and this is one of my characters!

Eteaket Exhibition

2011-10-17T17:58:00.003+01:00

I've been working on some new lettering-based pieces for an exhibition I'm doing next month in Eteaket up in Edinburgh. If you haven't been it's a lovely place with a fantastic selection of teas and cakes (hello). I'll post more info about what I'm up to once I've got things framed and printed!

More babies...

2011-10-17T17:53:00.001+01:00

I've decided I need more practise at sketching little ones, so I set myself a challenge for today's doodle to draw another baby.

Din-dins!

2011-10-14T18:06:00.003+01:00

This could be either of my dogs, they're both little hoover-beasties!

Seventy-three days until Christmas!

2011-10-12T11:38:00.003+01:00

I'm officially starting the countdown as I purchased my first Christmas gift last week. And so it begins.

New Samples

2011-10-11T11:19:00.003+01:00

Here are some more traditional fairy tale characters. Puss in Boots is a favourite of mine and the Fairy Godmother just popped into my head one day and needed putting down on paper!

Viewpoint Illo

2011-10-06T15:47:00.002+01:00

I think this might just be one of my favourites! The latest effort from me for the lovely folks over at Top Sante Magazine.

Viewpoint Illustration

2011-10-04T12:06:00.001+01:00

My latest lettering piece for Top Sante Magazine.

A Wee Dougie!

2011-09-30T15:58:00.001+01:00

Today's doodle. It's lovely and warm over here at the moment, almost freakishly warm actually. Both cat and dog seem puzzled by the sudden change in temperature, can't say I'm not slightly confused myself!

Culzean Estate Map

2011-09-28T16:43:00.003+01:00

Earlier this year I had an exciting commission from the National Trust to draw a new estate map for Culzean Castle. Last week I was in the area and thought I'd drop by to see it in situ. And here it is...

And something tasty...

2011-09-14T17:47:00.002+01:00

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrum!

2011-09-14T17:41:00.001+01:00

I seem to have a transport theme today!

Brrrr, Summer is officially over then...

2011-09-07T18:56:00.002+01:00

I don't know how the weather is with you, but over here in Edinburgh it's feeling distinctly nippy today. With that in mind I started on a new illo to go on the front page of my website, and here it is!

A commission from CAFOD

2011-09-05T15:57:00.002+01:00

I recently had the opportunity to work with the lovely folks at CAFOD, a charity raising funds to help children from deprived backgrounds achieve their ambitions and dreams. You can see some of my illos on their website here.

I'm baaaaack!

2011-09-05T10:28:00.002+01:00

Soooo, I've been away on a little holiday and today is my first day back at my desk. I've got a pile of emails to answer before I can get cracking with some drawing, but I'm actually itching to pick up my pen and get scribbling!

I'm leaving...on a jet plane...

2011-08-25T19:57:00.001+01:00

This will be me in a couple of hours. See you when I get back next week folks!

Otter-ly Cute?

2011-08-18T10:01:00.001+01:00

Self explanatory really! I'm on my hols at the moment spending some time with family, but had a spare half hour and drew this little guy.

Ooooh an Agent!

2011-08-04T14:15:00.002+01:00

I've just signed up to join the lovely team at Miles Stott Children's Literacy Agency. I'll be represented in all things children's-publishing-related by the awesome Mandy Suhr, who'll also be helping me shape up on my writing technique (phew).

A Quick Update

2011-08-04T14:04:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone, sorry it's been rather quiet over here. I've had a lot to do recently and most of my projects have been ones that I can't show here (or at least, not until they are in print!). Above are a few things I've been working on for my portfolio, hope you like them!

Fancy Dress

2011-07-19T17:40:00.001+01:00

Today's doodle, drawn in-between doing some invoicing and brainstorming for a brief.

Being a Grown Up

2011-07-19T15:14:00.001+01:00

Here's a nice bit of lettering I was playing around with this morning. It's a question that I've never quite been able to answer myself!

Viewpoint Illustration

2011-07-19T14:29:00.001+01:00

Here's this month's illo for Top Sante Magazine. As I mentioned on a previous post I had a great time drawing cute dogs all day!

Bear on a Unicycle

2011-07-18T17:36:00.003+01:00

It's Monday, so here's a bear on a unicycle. Nope, I couldn't think of a good reason for drawing this either. But look how cute he is!

Christmas Come Early...

2011-07-15T16:36:00.003+01:00

I realised the other day that I didn't have anything festive in my current portfolio. Luckily I was asked to draw a couple this week and I thought I'd post them here - the gap in my portfolio is filled!

Emmie Explores

2011-07-15T16:21:00.001+01:00

Working on some ideas for a cute toddler character. I do like the name Emmie a lot...

Bear Sketches

2011-07-15T14:23:00.003+01:00

I've been sketching a Bear character for a book idea and I thought I'd share him with you. Happy Friday everybody!

Giraffe in a Scarf

2011-07-12T17:44:00.001+01:00

One of my doodles. He was originally going to be wearing a tie, but it just didn't rhyme!

The Circus is in Town

2011-07-06T16:20:00.002+01:00

I was drawing this yesterday and I'm not sure it's finished just yet, but I thought I'd share it with you. The horse was the most fun to draw, if anyone wants to commission me to draw a book of horses and ponies that would be awesome *unsubtle hint* .

RAAAARRR!

2011-07-04T16:19:00.001+01:00

This is how I feel today after a day spent doing my accounts and paperwork. I'd much rather be drawing of course!

What I Drew Today...

2011-06-30T17:44:00.002+01:00

Awr look, it's a Bear and a Bunny having a picnic. It looks vaguely Summery outside my studio window today and I'm wondering if perhaps an outdoor career might have been a better plan! Tomorrow it'll probably rain and then I can feel all smug about being inside and warm...

A Quick Doodle

2011-06-30T13:15:00.001+01:00

I'm calling him "Butch" and I imagine he's one of those loveable but slobbery types!

Viewpoint Column

2011-06-30T11:38:00.002+01:00

Here's my latest illo for the Viewpoint page in Top Sante Magazine. I'm currently working on the next one and it features some very sweet dog drawings...

The Scaredy-Monster

2011-06-29T13:09:00.001+01:00

My latest character. A very cute pink monster with a whole load of phobias!

Dog & Bone

2011-06-29T13:06:00.003+01:00

I'm going to put up a couple of pieces here that I've done in the last few months and neglected to post. Hope you like them!

Some bits & pieces

2011-06-23T17:41:00.002+01:00

Here are some cute illos I've been working on today for the lovely folks at CAFOD. They're a charity collecting donations to improve the lives of children from deprived backgrounds.

Crocodile Smiles!

2011-06-22T19:07:00.002+01:00

Here's a cute croc I've been sketching. I've got a thing for crocodiles, they just seem to get a lot of bad press and I think it's about time someone did a book with a nice crocodile in it...

Monkey Trouble!

2011-06-10T12:44:00.002+01:00

Wow, Friday again - how did that happen? I popped down to London this week to meet some lovely publishing folks and left feeling very inspired. Spent the rest of the week writing and doodling, so watch this space!

New image for Top Sante Magazine

2011-06-02T17:05:00.001+01:00

While I'm here, this is the latest image I've drawn for Top Sante. They've got a cracking new colour scheme for me to mess around with!

Literacy Lion

2011-06-02T16:59:00.002+01:00

One of those 'just because' doodles from me. This week I've been working on tidying up my physical portfolio as it hasn't seen the light of day for a couple of years (cranking up the printer & stocking up on some lovely Bockingford paper). I need it next week for some meetings in Londontown!

Hello Monday!

2011-05-23T12:39:00.003+01:00

What a lovely start to the week, the nice folks over at Tigerprint have put some of my work up on their blog. Take a peek here.

Ride 'em Cowboy!

2011-05-19T16:45:00.002+01:00

I drew this today. It's been a while since I had a chance to draw a horse or pony. When I was a little girl that's practically all I drew...

Mummy & Joey

2011-05-13T18:08:00.002+01:00

My doodle for the day. I'm off for a long weekend and a Sufjan Stevens gig in Gateshead.

My lunch-time doodle

2011-05-12T15:05:00.000+01:00

Looking very 60s...

Perry likes polka dots!

2011-05-12T14:26:00.001+01:00

Another quick sketch for my new character.

Birdies!

2011-05-11T17:35:00.002+01:00

Lots going on over here at HQ. Haha, I've always wanted to say that, not quite sure what my studio would be the HQ of though. HQ of my creative mind? Although technically that's my brain surely? I think I'm working too hard!

Here's What I Drew Today

2011-05-09T18:44:00.001+01:00

For no particular reason, just a sudden compelling urge. Normal services resume tomorrow!

Boy & Bear

2011-05-09T14:45:00.001+01:00

Here's the finished final...

2011-05-05T17:55:00.002+01:00

If you scroll down a bit you'll see my rough for this image, I thought it might be interesting to see my process. My roughs actually look very much like the final piece!

New Home

2011-04-28T15:21:00.002+01:00

I've drawn this for my Nan who is currently mid-move. It's always stressful heading somewhere new, so I hope it all goes smoothly.

Top Santé Magazine

2011-04-27T16:22:00.002+01:00

I've been commissioned to do a regular illustration for the Viewpoint column by the lovely folks over at Top Sante. Here's the first one. It's so nice to get a chance to play with my lettering and make that a central feature.

Happy Holidays!

2011-04-26T17:58:00.002+01:00

I hope all of my UK-based followers are enjoying their extended holidays! The little pink guy above is my latest character, his story is currently under development (as in, when I have time and when I've finished working on my Frank book!).

Cute Rough

2011-04-19T17:45:00.002+01:00

Okay so this is a rough and not a finished drawing at all, but I just wanted to share it with you! Today I've been working on the rough for my Frank book and forcing myself to wait before sending it out. Sometimes I just get a little bit too impatient!

Oh and one more thing...

2011-04-15T19:23:00.001+01:00

Before I head off for the weekend (please, please let it be sunny!) here's a doodle I was working on earlier in the week but forgot to post.

A Sneaky Preview

2011-04-15T18:18:00.001+01:00

Here's what I'm working on today, a new draft of Frank Finds Some News. He's back and he's cuter than ever!

Hear Me Roar!

2011-04-08T16:54:00.001+01:00

Happy Friday folks, hope everyone has nice plans for the weekend and that the sun shines!

What I Drew Today...

2011-04-06T15:58:00.000+01:00

By Vicki aged 28 and 3/4.

"Murdo"

2011-04-05T15:15:00.002+01:00

A commission from the lovely folks at Storlann. It's a poster demonstrating the body parts in Gaelic. AKA Murdo.

Happy Friday Everyone!

2011-04-01T18:39:00.002+01:00

I hope you all have nice plans for the weekend. I'm currently working on a couple of exciting new projects, none of which I can post here at the moment! So instead here's a scene from one of my own books-in-progress about a fox who wants to be a journalist. This one has been sitting on the shelf recently as I've become engrossed with my Ettie story, whenever I have a spare second that is! More Ettie stuff coming soon...

Chicklets

2011-03-29T14:53:00.001+01:00

A doodle from me. I like to scribble in-between commissioned jobs as it keeps everything fun and fresh!

Culzean Castle Estate Map

2011-03-25T12:52:00.000Z

Phew, it's all done and should be up on site soon!

New Card Designs

2011-03-18T14:29:00.001Z

This week I've been working on card designs for the lovely folks over at Wild Card. Watch out for a new range coming soon!

Another Ettie's Elephants page

2011-03-09T17:19:00.001Z

So, this one is progressing fairly well and I'm still quite excited by it (always a good sign). Now if only I could find the time to finish it! Wondering who to send it to first...

Pandas in Edinburgh

2011-03-09T15:30:00.003Z

It's old news, but we're going to be getting pandas at Edinburgh Zoo. Here's a little drawing to celebrate that fact (and for Cate).

Walkies?

2011-03-03T14:57:00.001Z

Not 100% what the inspiration is behind this one, possibly some residues of guilt I'm harbouring over my hard work this week. Lots of hours at my desk = less walkies time for a certain canine companion of mine...

A Brown Bear

2011-02-25T15:25:00.001Z

My impulse draw of the afternoon. Happy Friday everyone!

Ettie's Elephants

2011-02-23T17:33:00.001Z

It's been a bit quiet here recently I know. This is because I'm half-way through a project working with the lovely folks at the National Trust (as mentioned on a previous post) and, when I'm not doing that, I've been working on my new book idea. I warn you, it's a cute one and it features tiny elephants. You can't go wrong with a tiny elephant. I'll be sending it out to publishing types soon to see if anyone takes a liking to it...

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:39:00.001Z

Here's my alternative approach for my other half. I like blackbirds.

What I drew today...

2011-02-10T17:06:00.001Z

I've always wanted to draw a London Bus but nobody has ever asked me to and I've never had the time to do it for myself. Thankfully it cropped up recently and I got my chance...

Hug a Giraffe

2011-02-08T11:27:00.002Z

Okay, so who had a soft toy when they were little that did everything with them and couldn't be left behind at home? I had a rabbit called Mendip. I still have a rabbit called Mendip, I just don't take him with me everywhere I go these days...he's enjoying a peaceful retirement on a shelf in my bedroom!

It's Monday and it's snowing...

2011-02-07T13:24:00.001Z

Here's a blackbird for you. I love these little critters, we've got some very cheeky ones on our road who sit and stare at you with one beady eye and fly away at the very last minute.

Culzean Castle

2011-02-03T12:51:00.002Z

If you're wondering what I'm up to at the moment, here's a sneak preview. I'm currently drawing a very detailed map for the lovely people at the National Trust of the Culzean estate. It's a beautiful country park on the coast in Ayrshire with plenty of buildings, wildlife and trees. They're open from April (which is when my map will be going up on show) so take a wee peak if you're ever heading that way...

Friday Doodle

2011-01-28T17:46:00.001Z

Is it Friday again? Where did that week go?!

hugs

2011-01-27T12:20:00.001Z

Because everyone needs one now and then. Especially on a Thursday. And a Monday. In fact any day is good...

Happy Burns Night everyone!

2011-01-25T18:33:00.000Z

Hey Little Cupcake

2011-01-25T12:42:00.001Z

I drew this last week for the lovely folks over at Hey Little Cupcake! who make, well, cupcakes. They'll be selling this in their new shop at Spinningfields, Manchester, along with some tasty baked goodies. Worth checking out if you're local, or you can get them delivered...Mmmmm...

Red Squirrel

2011-01-20T18:14:00.002Z

Today's little sketch. I've never actually seen one of these furry critters, despite living in Scotland and spending quite a few holidays in the Highlands. I have seen a wild otter though! Oh and dolphins and a sea eagle. Just not the supposedly more common red squirrel.

Happy Birthday Roo!

2011-01-20T12:00:00.001Z

Today my little canine companion is four years old. I don't know how much that is in doggy years, but he's certainly as cheeky and smart as ever!

A Surprise Weekend Post

2011-01-16T16:30:00.002Z

My other half was getting creative in the studio this afternoon, so I thought I'd sit and doodle for half an hour while I wait for my banana choc chip muffins to cook. This is what fell out of my brain and onto the paper. Okay, well onto the screen at any rate. Hope everyone is having a peaceful Sunday.

Hello Weekend I Can Almost See You...

2011-01-14T18:16:00.001Z

Here's something completely random for you. One of my spur of the moment scribbles to keep you company this Friday evening. If, like me, you're still at your desk- I think it's time to think of calling it a day! (unless, so as not to be UK-centric, you live elsewhere in the world).

Home Sweet Home

2011-01-14T14:47:00.003Z

A new design from me and available to license. My home is not so sweet today as there seems to be an entire team of builders in the back garden once more...