All the Little Things

A quarter of a century ago I graduated with a BA Honours in Illustration. I had a head full of stories and looked at everything in detail, breaking down colours and shapes in things that flashed before me; glimpses on trains, someones brief stance, the ever changing skies.  Twenty five years on I realise I will always look at the world this way. My old college at Edinburgh hosted an alumni day on last Friday and everything felt full circle. It was so inspiring. There were lots of talks including ones from my old tutors; Jill Calder and Sarah Ogilvie. ...

These past few weeks I have been redrawing and painting the notes on summer originals that got lost in my studio. Notes on Summer was a book I made last year (all the pristine books arrived in my studio just before the fire!) It has taken me such a long time to do the drawings again but I am finding some joy in that they look better second time round. Practise makes perfect!  I made the drawings with the idea that I wanted them to have the feel of my sketchbooks.To be a bit free! I painted washes in watercolour...

My first Open Studio in Hebden Bridge was in my house. It felt scary opening it up to the public. It was a trek for them too; the furthest end of Market Street, through a secret garden courtyard and up some stairs (passing my cat who did not like guests). But people visited and they were lovely! My neighbour's little daughter did her own Open Studios in the garden and made a killing on her works of art. Next time I was still at that end of Market Street in my neighbour's beautifulshop; Hat Therapy. Some of the people that...