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.

Worm 99: fairies favourite flavour

My Fantasy Garden... it's almost ready for exhibition.
I currently have more that 12 framed pics ready and have more lined up for completion this week.In this illustration, a little fairy is enjoying her ice cream with a worm instead of a 99 Flake. Especially please with the hair which is made from leaves.

Hols!

So, there we were for a couple of days, staying at the lovely Grange Farm. What a great place for inspiration. The sea was beautiful, the hills around were devoid of buildings and people and we had a fab time. The sun even shone like a proper summer's day. I drew my two boys, Phinosorus and Pikachu(as I like to call them on the net). The dog even got in on the act, but I didn't finish that one before he disappeared off under the tent to find a piece of leftover lunch.
Phin and Pika played a game which cause much guffawing using stuff off the beach which they made into menus from posh restaurants. It was a bit Heston-style. Didn't much fancy the chicken sorbet.

Lazy days on the riverside

For My Fantasy Garden, solo exhibition. Flame haired fairy Phoebe keeps cool on a hot August day by the river. I really like the flowers in this one.

Apollo Theatre Exhibition

Sitting room

Bedroom

I've been busy getting things ready for an exhibition in July.
A new little character came into my creative life last week and I've been making her little house, so far the sitting room and bedroom. No name as yet. Any suggestions gratefully received.