ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOPS

It's been a few months since I started my artist residency at Holland Park School, and I thought I'd share with you some of the workshops I've been running during this time. Each week I take a class of art students ranging from 11 - 14 years of age, and work with them on different projects. We are currently preparing for an exhibition next Thursday, where all of their work will be on display. 

In my first workshop, I wanted students to think about how to create an illustrated character and the different personalities they could give them. To begin, I made lots of templates of characters using watercolour paper. Students took either the positive or negative shape of the template, and painted inside (or on top) of them using ink and sponges. Once the ink was dry, they drew on top with fine black pen. I asked them to look at the shape's form and colour, and add little details like faces, features, fur and clothes.

Above you can see some of the templates I created, and a selection of student's final characters. I love the range of outcomes! It was fun and very interesting to see what everyone produced from my initial blank shapes…

ENGLISH FOR AU PAIRS

Earlier this year I was asked to design and illustrate 'English for Au Pairs' by Lucy Curtis. The book serves as an entertaining guide for au pairs, and follows the story of Marta, an au pair living in England for the first time. It also doubles up as an English language book to help with au pairs who are studying for exams.

Designing this book was a big project, but one I was able to have great fun with. Lucy C's words made it easy to bring to life the world of Marta and all her new (often humorous) experiences. Above you can see the book's front and back cover design. More images of the inside coming soon, plus a closer look at some of my original illustrations!

'English for Au Pairs' is out now, published by Marion Boyars.

1995 - 2013

Re-imagined childhood drawing. Part of a new project I'm currently developing...

STUDIO SNAPS

 Some photos of my new studio at HPS. I'll be working here over the next few months during my stay as Artist in Residence.

WRITE NOW FESTIVAL

A new editorial piece for the 'The Skinny' magazine, featured in Issue 6 of their Northwest edition. The illustration was to accompany an article on 'Write Now Festival' - an event showcasing the work of local playwrights in Liverpool this September. Click here to read the full article online.

MAKE IT SNAPPY!

My crocodile contribution to Templar Publishing's 'Paper Watch Project'. 

 Templar have asked illustrators to design a paper watch, which will be auctioned off at the end of September in order to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. To read more about this great cause please click here.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Hi folks! Some exciting news to share… Next week I’ll be starting a job as artist in residence at Holland Park School in West London, and will be there part-time over the Autumn term.

During my residency I’ll be working with students in a variety of ways, including helping in art lessons and running a series of illustration workshops. I’ll also be helping to curate an exhibition of students’ work, held at the end of November. In my spare time I’ve been given a studio space to work in at school. I can’t wait to get stuck in and try out some of the art facilities available (I’ve already got my eye on the rather handsome printing press!)

I’m really looking forward to this new chapter, and plan to share my experiences and work with you on this blog over the coming months… Watch this space!

SUMMER GAME

Hi everyone! Earlier in the year I designed this children's game. The main themes of the brief were summertime and leisure, so here's what I came up with. The game's instructions are below. Have a go!

'Oh no! All the animals have escaped from the zoo! Can you help Peter the park keeper round them up and bring them safely back home? There are 10 cheeky critters hidden in the park to find: 3 rabbits, 1 goat, 1 peacock, 1 pig, 1 duck, 1 hedgehog, 1 sheep and 1 donkey. Good luck and happy hunting!'

(Click on the image for a better view)

BONESHAKER

A new editorial piece for 'Boneshaker' magazine, Issue 12. The illustration was to accompany an article on the creation myth of mountain biking and it's origins in 1970's San Francisco. Above you can see my original black & white version, plus details of the finished magazine spread.

CAT DOODLE