British Book Design & Production Awards 2010

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!

New commission from Stòrlann

Hot off the press, my latest commission from the lovely people over at Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig, who produce Gaelic learning materials for use in educational institutions.

Horsing around...

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!

Something a little different...

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.

Red Deer Day

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.

Snails...

I'm working on a new book idea about snails. So far the artwork looks incredibly cute and I'm quite excited about it. If any publishers out there in cyberspace happen to be interested please feel free to get in touch to see more.

Some Cute Patterns

Some of my new pattern designs that are currently looking for a home...

A bit of light relief...

Basically I wanted to draw an anteater and got carried away!

Think Pink!

What's in Your Garden?

A sudden urge to draw some birds has culminated in the above!

I've entered this one in the Creativematch competition this month.

Crail Harbour

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!).

Like buses...

...nothing for ages and then two come along at once!

Wooohoooo!

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!

Mrs B has her own video!

Check it out here! She's also on Facebook so drop by and say hello...

Oh Hooray it's Friday!

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!

Inlaw or Outlaw?!

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!

Little Dog Lost

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...

Super-sized Last Supper

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".

Mrs Buttkiss and the Big Surprise!

My first US children's book has just been published! You can buy it here or check out the website here.

Here's the blurb...

"Mrs. Buttkiss is the charming tale of a big woman with a big secret. She’s been holding in a fart….forever. And she’s terrified of what will happen when she finally lets it out. The story of Mrs. Buttkiss was born a decade ago, when author Eric Rosenfeld--a Harvard MBA and nationally recognized expert in investing and corporate governance--was desperately trying to get his three kids (then aged 6, 8 and 10) to settle down and go to sleep. Knowing exactly what got their attention, Eric dreamed up Mrs. B and her secret. The kids quieted down in minutes—and soon began to laugh. And laugh. By the end, all three were in hysterics. So what happens when Mrs. B finally lets it out? Will her greatest fears be realized? Or will the outcome be . . . magical?

You’ll have to read the story to find out!"

Pig-tastic

It's pigs on my brain today, as demonstrated by my scribbles! I'm sitting in my studio inhaling the lovely scent of the hyacinths blooming on my filing cabinet. I've just been reading about an experimental study, I think it was in Japan, where office worker's creativity was tested with and without a pot plant in the room. Those working with the plant present were found to be more creative! So get down to the garden centre and give yourself a little boost!