Vincent and the Vampires

Frustrating week! Just as Vincent was well under way, we decided to redecorate our bedroom. This means that the area I call my 'studio' (it's actually the 4ft by 3ft space at the bottom of my bed) is now under a mountain of tools, paintpots and teddies. Still sometimes it's good to have a break, step back and look at the drawings with fresh eyes. At least Maisie dog isn't stuck under the bed anymore.

Being buried under a Vampire Bat is not an entirely unpleasant experience. Vincent is vegetarian anyway, so not much chance of being fatally bitten. Here's a sneak preview of what the front cover looks like thus far...

I had a moment of artistic crisis last week. Having got several spreads into the book, I suddenly wondered if using my now preferred pigment markers for the black pen work, was really the right thing to do. I had a look through my favourite picture books at how other people draw trees and came to the conclusion I should go back and try the dip pen again to see if it looked better. I did and it didn't. So thankfully, breathing a huge sigh of relief, I carried on forwards into the woodland with my pigment markers. Figuratively speaking.

Aritistic crises are overrated.

Old dogs/ new tricks

GREAT NEWS! a new little being has come to live with us in the shape of a small bat eared totally gorgeous doggie! We've called her Maisie, after, well, someone called Maisie I guess. More dogs to draw!! Wallydog has not quite got the hang of having another naughty little dog to hang around with yet and either runs around the garden in ecstacy or mopes in his bed because she's nicked his chewy bone. Will post a pic of her soon....

If you want to view any of my pics that are for sale, you can look at Folksy.com or at Etsy.com and search for jules marriner. Both sites are worth a look for amazing home made things of beauty, but be warned, hours will pass and you will still not have made dinner.  

www.folksy.com/shops/julesmarriner

www.etsy.com/shop/julesmarriner

The Cat Slipper

Even when the brain is otherwise engaged, it is always wise to know
where the cat is sitting.

I've been making a few cards lately. It keeps me out of mischief, and more importantly, out of the cereal cupboard at night time. Here are a couple of my ideas.

Wally and Bob

Having been loafing about following a nasty dose of sinusitis, there was nothing better to do than start thinking about my next story. These are some sketches about a daschund (called Wally, great name) and his best friend Bob who lives at the other end of his body.

A Right Wally on a Hot Day

Wallydog

I've been drawing a lot of flowers and plants lately, so I thought I'd do a pic from my imagination of my chihuahua, Wally. He's a bit of a twit, really, and will sit out in the scorching sun and get all hot and bothered and NOT twig that he could go inside where it's cool and there's a bowl of water. A dog of very little brain.