This time for my drawing of the week I’ve done a very earnest little Zebra. Even in the middle of doing loads of Christmassy type stuff I still made time to work on my zoo animals series.
Although I love black and white drawings I can never resist subverting a traditional black and white subject with a bit of colour, so as well as using my black pens on this illustration I’ve adding some purple and yellow watercolour notes.
Wanna know why I wasn’t posting for two weeks? Well, as well as prepping for workshops I was also off finding inspiration in Florence. I thought I’d give you some little snapshots/flavours of Florence that reignited my creativity.
I first visited Florence when I was an Art History student at the University of Essex. It was actually a compulsory part of the degree course (in those free education, pre-fee days) and it was a real eye opener for me academically and artistically.
The above image is of San Spirito – inside is a triumph of architecture, every time I visit I’m in awe of its almost minimalist elegance. I also love the fact that the church is unadorned on the outside, simply beautiful inside and out.
Touristy as it sounds I love the cathederal (Santa Maria del Fiore above) square with the bell tower, the Duomo etc. Although the facade is a bit bling I adore the sparkly marble and the ostentatious pomp of it although I’m sure the purists would disagree. To me the buildings seem to gleam in any weather.
The place that most inspired me on my initial visit was the Laurentian Library (Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana) planned and built by Michelangelo. It was my mission this time to show Dr B. The library has been a source of inspiration for artists such as Rothko and film maker Orson Wells. It truly is break taking and iconic. The entrance I believe is ahead of its time, I genuinely think it’s the foundation of minimalism and Michelangelo’s finest work. My visit this year didn’t disappoint, it was more breath-taking than I remember.
Oh and don’t you love the floor in the library?
I also saw a new thing in Florence this visit (well a new old thing). The Brancacci Chapel was being restored when I visited originally and for some reason we didn’t make it there on my second visit so this was third time lucky. All I’m saying is I had a little cry when finally faced with it after spending uni lectures and reading so many books on it. Nothing could compare with actually experiencing it and at such close proximity too. 
The Brancacci Chapel is actually painted by three artists, originally Masolino and Masaccio then completed by Filiippino Lippi. This journey through the Renaissance painting was just what I needed to reinvigorate my art practice. Although my work isn’t obviously this kinda style, the whole visit, the architecture, the paintings, the stories behind every commission and fresco has spurred me on to explore some themes further and keep pushing. 
It’s mid November so I feel it’s a respectable time to start getting set for Christmas. I thought I’d just do a really image-led post featuring some key festive looks that I like for home, gifting and decoration.
Retro shimmer
This look brings out the little girl in me. I would imagine the six year old me would have loved a shimmery, glittery tree in pinks, golds, turquoises, silvers and purples. When I was that age, the shinier the better and, while I try to be a grown up, this look still shouts “Christmas” to me.
Kiddie Christmas
Now it if was up to Dr B, this is what Christmas would look like at our place.
When it comes to wrapping, I go classy with kraft paper and twine or black/white iridescent wrap with contrasting ribbon and tags, Dr B goes all out with robins, trees, snowmen, santas and Christmas puds. His go-to colours are red, green and white because it is “proper”. He likes the fun of this look, the playfulness and, like my retro shimmer look, it reminds him of childhood. I like it too but I’m not sure if it would suit my gaff.
Totes trad
Love this. The sumptuous textures teamed with the plaid, plus the traditional motifs and colour ways combined with twinkly lights and little finishes such as berry and fir wreaths and centre pieces create a warm, cosy feel that immediately references this time of year.
The totes trad look feels both festive and grown up. You kinda feel Christmassy as soon as you see it and just looking at these pictures makes me want to reach for the hot chocolate and my slippers.
Light luxe
This metallic style is a kind of grown up version of the retro shimmer look.
I like the way you can be playful with this look – you can do glitter, you can adorn gifts and decorations with baubles and frosting – but the overall effect is quite chic. I love the art deco references of this and think it really comes together through the coordinating colour way of pinks, navies, silvers and gold/bronze metallics.
Frosted
You can do two versions of the frosted Christmas – the one above (trad touches, cosy finishes etc) or the one below (minimal styling, subtle references). Whatever your style the look shares the same cool colour suite teamed with pretty metallic accents and snowflake and wreath motifs.
Scandi Lodge
I know everyone has been talking about ‘hygge’ of late and I suppose this look reflects this.
This graphic style is perfect for me but I know that some find this look a little too austere and maybe too stark. However you can soften it up by being more playful with your decorative elements and use of pattern like the examples below…
Latin winter
This is my wildcard but I can’t resist showcasing this range from Paperchase. The colours are warm and vibrant while the motifs are so playful and fun. It’s a great alternative for those who aren’t keen on snowflakes.
I’m currently coveting MiaFleur’s new Floral Romance furniture collection.
In jewel colours with lavish floral designs, this collection showcases the beautiful 2016 moody botanical trend. While very feminine and classic, the furniture also has contemporary shapes and details, which gives this painterly style a cool update.
Launched in October, the range comprises of four select pieces featuring these dreamy floral designs, designed to be used individually to add charm and character to any room, or in combination with other pieces. I think the drawers would look great for bedroom storage and would make a wonderful key statement piece in a plain space.
Check out the full collection here.
I’m in an autumnal mood now so I wanted to give you a drawing this week that reflected that, a lovely red squirrel, resplendent in his seasonal coat.
Don’t get me wrong, I like a grey squirrel (I don’t subscribe to the ‘rats with good PR’ school) but nothing beats a stunning red creature. They really capture autumn for me so I wanted a woodland classic for my illustration.
As usual I whipped up this fella using watercolour and ink, I wanted this to be quick and gestural like I was just catching him while he was away gathering his nuts.
More pattern research this week, this time I’m trawling through traditional Japanese prints. It makes such a lovely Monday moodboard.
My original passion for these designs started many years ago when a good friend of ours sent me some patterned washi paper from her home town in Japan. Ever since I’ve been stashing away more washi papers, collecting affordable prints and illos as well as gathering lots of visual examples on pinterest.
Whether it’s floral, avian or geometric in their themes, the delicate designs, intricate composition and sensitive use of pretty, coordinated colour is sure to inspire me. I wonder how its influence will show in my new work?
Creative juices running dry? In need of a perk up. Here’s six ways I find creative inspiration…
As much as it makes me happy to do a creative job and live an artful life, sometimes it can be frustrating when the proverbial muse leaves me and I feel devoid of ideas.
I used to worry about this, in fact sometimes it would make me incredibly anxious and even a bit angry but I now see these creative dry spells as a gift. I use it as an excuse to wind down, declutter and remind myself of why I love doing what I do.
1: A good start
I work from home and so most mornings I get up, do a bit of exercise, hop in the shower, throw some clothes on then get to my desk or studio space. Coffee and breakfast is usually consumed at the workspace and there’s little time for reflection and contemplation; just work and getting it right.
If I’m having a creative lull I make the most of breakfast with pot of tea, lovely toast and fresh orange juice and, in this digital age, a newspaper and a notebook. This is all accompanied by a sound track of Radio 4. This allows me space to think before I start the day, to plan and prioritise tasks and maybe even to let some very initial ideas percolate.
2: Create the space
Every time I complete a big art project I give my studio a major clear up and it’s amazing how this process in itself can leave me feeling fresh and creatively raring to go once I’ve finished.
I’m now doing this at home too and it’s quite interesting how rearranging your surfaces and chucking out the clutter (and setting stuff aside for upcycling) can give you some head space as you create a clean, fuss free spaces to work in and be inspired by. The act of clearing and cleaning can be quite meditative for me, I allow thoughts to come in and out and I always end-up finding something like an old poster, notebook or cutting that sparks off an idea.
3: A peruse of Pinterest
I sometimes think Pinterest could be cited as a third party in many a divorce case and I do worry that Dr B sees it as a bit of a love rival. Pinterest has worked so well for me as an artist, illustrator and in my past life as a magazine editor.
It’s my ultimate scrapbook that I can add to and reflect upon as long as I’ve got my phone or computer. I used to keep folders of tear sheets and an enormous list of internet bookmarks of images, articles, recipes, anything really that got me thinking, made me smile or think “wow” and generally got me to up my game in some way. Now all my whimsies, inspirations and things I covet are all in one place. Take a look into my world here.
4: A good read
Although I love a bit of Pinterest, I am a massive advocate of a digital detox, in fact I highly recommend it. Words and stories are important to me and ever since I could learn to read, books can take me to another place mentally and help me create all sorts of imagery in my imagination. Freeing my imagination is essential for my working practice and my life. Reading also allows me to meet a whole heap of interesting people.
I’ve often extolled the virtues of a physical book on this blog. For me the physical engagement with a book is a thing of wonder; you can’t swipe, you have to put yourself in position as it were so you’re properly connecting with the thing. Also, a design junkie like me can get quite geeky on page layout grids, cover imagery and typefaces.
5: Enjoy cinematic classics
More digital detoxing. I am a massive fan of classic cinema from 1930 to around 1970. People were so well dressed and hot over that period. Scenes were longer, dialogue took its time and it’s all framed so beautifully. Oh and the music is always pretty evocative. Escapism at its best sure, but there’s also some great examples of artistry in these movies and you can get immersed in the director’s vision and cinematography. A real treat.
6 An invigorating walk
I know that I live in a beautiful place with a gorgeous quay and picturesque houses. And, I must admit the wading birds and Wivenhoe’s big beautiful sky can stagger me out of my fug most days. However I think most environments in the UK are pretty inspirational. Ever since I was a teenager I would clear my head and find inspiration by getting out on a walk. I lived on a housing estate in Hackney surrounded by print factories and the environment was very urban and industrial, I loved it. Opening my eyes, walking around and experiencing any environment I’m in really gets my creative juices flowing, it’s one of my favourite things to do.
Good friends of mine will be very surprised by my drawing of the week as I have a pigeon phobia.
I grew up in London so while spiders and mice hold no fear for me it’s pigeons that make me feel ill, yet I love birds.
Anyway I decided to face my fear with watercolour, ink and my powers of illustration. I do like this fell’s beautiful plumage and it does have a rather elegant shape and line. Who knows after drawing this maybe I’ll be able to sit outside in London while they mill about my feet.
I’m enjoyed posting my dining room shelfies a few weeks ago, so much I thought I’d show you my bedside shelfies this Friday. 
This blue number is my spare room, I like to create a cool soothing tone with these calming colour combinations.
The bedside cabinet was from Ikea and, as it was looking a bit shabby, I covered the top and the middle shelf with a panel of marble-effect sticky back plastic.
So, what’s on it? The bottom shelf houses my collection of Print and Pattern books and is weighted down with a marble lidded vase. 
On the top I have a tea-light lantern made with from a Dannells kit and some self-dyed Shibori fabric. I also have another of my oversized lamps created with another Dannells kit and my Blue Leaves fabric. The print is from the marvellous Sally Elford, one of my favourite artists. The books are The Migrant Waders, published by Dunlin Press and Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees by Roger Deakin. On top of the books lies a little jewellery bowl I made myself from air-dry clay.
Our room has a simple arrangement, mainly because I take advantage of the big deep drawers I have in the bedside cabinet that hid a multitude of slovenly sins (all my make-up, painkillers and random jewellery live here).
The snazzy orange light is from Habitat and was just £20. The books were from our local second hand book shop, I’m a bit of an insomniac and like a little bedside read.
The larger vase was a wedding present from Heals. I can’t remember where the other vase was from. The paper rose was made for our one-year wedding anniversary so it’s 13 years old now and faring pretty well.
At the moment I’m continually snipping flower heads in my garden to promote new growth so I’m exploring pressing flowers to make full use of them. Here’s my very rough guide for beginner’s.
I like to think my home has always embraced the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ the idea of enjoying life’s simple pleasures – that’s what I try to show on this blog. I believe something like flower pressing reflects this concept as all I’m really trying to do is preserve some of the enjoyment Dr B and I get from spending time tending to our garden.
I haven’t bought any fancy equipment for my pressing (maybe I’ll live to regret this), instead I’m being strictly old school on this and applying a method me and my mum used to use when I was a kid.
I’m using one of my handmade coptic bound books to contain these blooms. I like these books as you can open the pages fully without having to worry about the gutter or breaking the spine.
As I say I haven’t got a fancy contraption for pressing the flowers. I’ve simply got my big heavy art books and a very heavy marble block pressing on top of them. I’ll show you how it turns out in a month or two.
