Blog Anniversary!

It's my blog's first anniversary today :D Thank you to everyone who has read, commented on and followed my blog over the last year - it's nice to know that someone actually looks at what I post!

Today I have a few photos from my sketchbook to share with you. I started a new sketchbook for animal drawings (I stocked up on sketchbooks recently!) - the plan is to do some new animal paintings - larger than ACEO size - and make prints, cards etc from them.

So far the sketchbook has a rather random collection of animals including red pandas, meercats, elephants, owls and guinea pigs!

Feedback is welcome!

Creations Craft Fayre

A while ago I mentioned that I'm organising a Christmas craft fayre. Well, after much research and planning, most of the details are now confirmed and I have just started a new blog to chart the progress of the fayre. http://www.creationsfayre.blogspot.com/

Please take a look! Comments are welcome - whether you are a crafter interested in having a stall, you live in the area and would like to visit or have advice on running a craft event (this is my first one so it's a big learning experience!) :)

Elizabeth Bridges - new illustration

I've completed a new Hexley illustration! It's part of my people of Hexley series in the style of Victorian photographs.

Here is a new portrait of Elizabeth Bridges...

This illustration is a combination of pencil line and tone drawings and digital painting.

I've also expanded Elizabeth's story a little...

Elizabeth Bridges was born on 25th June 1871. From a young age she was intrigued by science and technology and this led to her interest in Hexley. Elizabeth first wrote to Samuel Brown in the Spring of 1895 enquiring about the area which resulted in her visit to Hexley in June 1895.

She immediately felt a deep affinity with the town and its inhabitants. Fascinated with the scientific experiments and technological advancements made in the town, Elizabeth travelled to Hexley on numerous occasions and eventually became a permanent resident in October 1896.

Although she was fascinated with science she was not a scientist herself. However, she did put her enthusiasm for learning to good use and became a teacher in the town. She was extremely popular and always held in high regard by her pupils. Her new profession also introduced her to Jonathan Barrett - head of Hexley's education and a member of the Council. They got on together so well that in 1901 John and Elizabeth married and went onto have four children.

Colchester Zoo

Yesterday I spent the day at Colchester Zoo. It was another great day out, there were some different animals to see since my last visit too. I took lots of photos (over 300!), so have plenty of reference images to work from. Here are some of the photos I took - there are a few more on my Flickr page aswell.

I did some sketching too - I always feel awkward drawing with other people around watching me. It's hard to draw animals as they move so much and when someone looks over my shoulder and says "that's good" I think "no it's not, it's rubbish!" - the little scribbly lines might mean something to me but I never think they would look very good to anyone else!

Treasury feature: Balloon

My Solo Dirigible Balloon print has been featured in a treasury on Etsy :) The treasury was made by Skyejuice - she makes her treasuries around a word chosen from suggestions made on her blog. I think it's a great idea for coming up with new themes! This treasury's word is 'balloon' - I love the vintage feel to this treasury too. You can see it in full here.

Tendring Hundred Show

I had a great day out on Saturday with my sister at the Tendring Hundred Show. There was lots to see from animals to the art show. Unfortuately neither of my paintings sold (maybe the very hot weather put people off from buying art?!) I really enjoyed seeing all the animals though - horses, sheep, goats, birds of prey, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons and more!

I loved all the vintage cars too - great inspiration for some new Hexley vehicles! I managed to find a bit of time to do some sketching - the cars were much easier than the animals because they didn't move!!

Colchester Crafters

It's time for the next Colchester Crafters meeting tomorrow! I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again :)
If you're in the Colchester area please come along to see the handmade items for sale or chat about your crafting projects! The meeting will be at Lion Walk United Reformed Church Hall, Colchester from 10am to 2pm. You can find out more on their website: www.colchestercrafters.co.uk