Congratulations to the lovely folk over at Pocket Mountains who have been shortlisted for a prestigious book design award for their wonderful walking guides series (illustrated by yours truly). Fingers crossed for a well-deserved win!
Here's something to keep you all going whilst I head for the wilds of Northumberland for a little R&R. See you all when I get back!
I'm playing around with my style at the moment and I've been toying with the idea of doing away with the black lines. Here's my favourite attempt so far. And yes, I realise it's another deer...oh and it's currently available to license.
As an illustrator working in Scotland there are certain briefs that crop up regularly, one being the red deer. Luckily for me, they're quite satisfying to draw and have a fabulous colouring, which makes them a nice addition to any Scottish scene.
A sudden urge to draw some birds has culminated in the above!
I'm currently working on some lovely Scottish scenes for use on greetings cards. It's quite a nice way to spend your day checking out pretty villages and ancient castles, I'm getting plenty of ideas for trips to take up North over the Summer (if it ever actually arrives up here!).
Yes I know, it's been a while. In my defence I've had a LOT of work on and various guests and journeys have kept me away from my desk. Thanks for checking in on me though, I'm still here!
It's been a busy week and next week looks even busier. At least there's Easter goodness to look forward to. I've got some plans that involve shredded wheat, melted chocolate and mini eggs! Bring on the Easter chocolate nests!
Today's doodle drawn as I peer mournfully out of my studio window at the blanket of white fog that seems to have enveloped Edinburgh. Brrrrrrrrr. The postie brought me a nice surprise though, 100 lovely postcards featuring my Animal A-Z illustration all ready to be addressed and posted to clients old and new. If you'd like one sent your way get in touch!
A new character/ book idea about a little dog called 'Roo'. Possibly based on my own dog (!) apart from the lost bit. Oh now I'm hoping I haven't jinxed him or anything...
Inspired by an article on the BBC website about a study of paintings of scenes from the Last Supper. According to the BBC "The main meals grew 69% and plate size 66% between the oldest (carried out in 1000AD) and most recent (1700s) paintings. Bread size grew by about 23%. The sharpest increases were seen in paintings completed after 1500 and up to 1900AD".
My first US children's book has just been published! You can buy it here or check out the website here.
Today's quick sketch scribbled inbetween my commissioned projects. It was actually almost warm today in Edinburgh and the flowers in the Meadows are looking lovely. With Spring on my mind I drew this little pony full of the joys... 
...nothing for ages and then two come along at once! Here's another little doodle I coloured up this morning. I'm obviously trying to make sure I don't forget Mother's Day on Sunday (that's a head's up for anyone who hasn't remembered!).
Just thought I'd share some of the coaster designs I was working on over Christmas for Castle Melamine.
I've had a bit of time to play with a new project this week. This piece is actually on a larger scale than my normal work, it's around A3 size. I'm considering sending it out as a promotional poster, but then how many ADs have enough space for that on their wall? Not sure...
Or possibly cabin fever for me, it's been a busy few weeks but today I got out the studio for a nice long walk in the sunshine (always make the most of any sunshine you can get at this time of year!). I can almost feel Spring slinking around in the background...
...I think it's the colour. I just love that bold dash of red.
I'm thinking of re-drawing this with just a load of animals in it. After all, there's always room for a giraffe...
Today I've mainly been flicking through websites and images in search of inspiration. This little doodle kept me occupied and I thought I'd share it with you.
Right, that's me done for the day and off to cook some dinner and walk the dog. See you all next week!
