'parking problem' posted on "a little bit bunny"

Hello 2011...still feels weird, like wearing new shoes...:-) First post of the year then... and it's over on a little bit bunny if you're so inclined to have a shuffty sometime...

for your kind consideration, "A Little Bit Bunny"

Well the christmas is almost upon us but, if you find yourself on the web with a few moments to aimlessly amble about why not pop on over to the group blog I've been working on with my good friends Kev and Phil. If the mood takes you why not let us know what you think...maybe even join in too...! Hope you enjoy, Merry Christmas everyone! See you in 2011

Honey xmas gift.

Almost forgot... a little christmas gift for my honey loving folks this year (It won't ruin the surprise, I've already it to them).

My christmas card... DECK THE HALLS FOLKS!

Well it's that time of the year once again and it almost looked like I wouldn't get my own cards done, as I like to do each year. I was stuck for an idea and almost bought a pack (!) but my natural aversion to giving card companies money at christmas or, indeed, anytime of year (well OK, charity cards excepted...) spurred me on (as did the truly exceptional hand screened card arriving in the post from my good mate Phil).
Of late I've been (more so than usual) dischuffed with how some of my illustrations have turned out so I've been reworking things a day or so later to try and 'improve things'... never seems to solve all problems, just create a new set to be dissatisfied with! It's laudable to try and improve but counter productive to go backwards instead of forwards. Easier said than done sometimes...


First card attempt was the 'yool owl' idea. There's much I like about the little fella but my contrary 'jiminey cricket illustrator on my shoulder' made me try, try again.


So it's a christmas CARD as my christmas card this year. I like the notion but I'm still (version two this one) not entirely happy with how it's turned out. That said it's the thought that counts isn't it so... MERRY XMAS & A VERY HAPPY 2011 to EVERYONE who has happened on by my blog. I really do appreciate the comments I receive and I know 2011 is going to see the blogosphere crammed full of fantastic new work for us all to rabbit about!

Speaking of rabbits...oow, weak link alert... My two good chums, the afore mentioned Phil and the previously mentioned Kev hope to be releasing our vaguely rabbit themed joint blog creation onto an unsuspecting world very soon. I won't say anymore... watch out folks!

Enjoy those mince pies everyone!!!

We're just f**cking Monkeys In Shoes...

I've been listening a lot of late to the hilarious, ridiculously talented and thought provoking potty mouth that is Tim MInchin. Whenever I hear his "monkey's in shoes" lyric images just pop into my head so, this was by way of a warm up doodle one morning. A flippin monkey in some shoes... You have to agree it's a pretty concise summation of human evolution to this point. If anyone has a few minutes to spare, has pro science, anti religious leanings, isn't easily offended and just likes a good laugh give Minchin's musical stylings a go. My blogging has been sparse of late but I'm scribbling away on various bits and pieces which I hope will make for a few posts soon enough. Maybe a few more monkey's in assorted footwear till then...?! & PS. I'm aware it's an 'ape' in shoes...I just like drawing apes ;-)

Marmalade Flapjacks sketches...

I had some very welcome news from Nate Padavick, the fine and talented fellow who set up the wonderful theydrawandcook blog with his fine and talented sister Salli Swindell . The gargantuan, glorious artwork 'soufflé' that has risen on the they draw and cook site is to be nibbled down into a book of recipes for publication next year and I'm truly delighted that my multi armed flapjack chef is one of the chosen dishes. Thanks Nate and Salli!

I hate to repeat post things so, by way of padding, I happened upon the original (very rough) thumbnail layout for the artwork (in a vast pile of sketch work I've yet to fully sort!) which seemed like suitable blog fodder. I'm glad I didn't go with the fat, multi legged chef, although I did like his casual stance on one pair of legs.

If you haven't already, check out theydrawandcook. You sure to find a tasty treat!

more magpies...

While I'm on a bird theme I have negative which has turned into a positive. In September of 2009 I worked on a magpie logo project for a jeweller in Europe which, sadly didn't bear fruit. The client had run up some agreed concept development costs which, sadly, they then didn't pay for. With regret I have to revoke the copyright lines which I originally placed on the magpie work for ADEONA INFO PLASS. And now for the positive. The web is a marvelous place indeed and I'm pleased to say someone else saw the designs and wanted to use one for their jewellery business in New York. With great pleasure I present the old/new logo for MAGPIE SHINDIG. Good luck Sam, and thanks again!

some owls...

Hello blog, how have you been then...? The next few posts are mainly some bits of house keeping I've been meaning to get round to for a while now. First off the bat are a smattering of owl sketches... What's the collective noun for owls...? A hoot of owls, a stare, a goggle...? This hot off the google press... ... apparently it's a "parliament of owls", I always thought it was a parliament of rooks but it seems a lot of rooks is a "building" or a "clamor"...?! And this just in, a group of penguins is a "rookery"...?! So why is a group of rooks not a "penguinery" then...?! No one said the english language makes sense, or that google is infallible... I digress... The owl sketches are connected to a little project I have with a couple of good mates... more on that early next year. I was also in an owlish mood after I got the chance to hold a European Eagle Owl this summer. Quite an experience holding something so big (but surprisingly light, must be all feathers) a few centimeters from your face. The eyes are so piercing and yet I was told it was short sighted. I suppose if owls were as learned and bookish as fable relates they would need reading glasses...? I'm rambling...

they came from a land down under...

Just a little doodle to mark the great news yesterday that all 33 Chilean miners made it to safety! I'm sure many others have come up with the same gag but anyway...

Went to a great talk yesterday by the illustrator David Mckee (remember Mr. Benn and King Rollo...?). It was an interesting and inspiring evening. He said a thought provoking thing (paraphrasing...) he creates his children's books for the adult that a child reader will eventually become but also for the child that remains within the adult reader. A nice thought and a good rule of thumb.

say well done with a sunflower

Spent a very enjoyable weekend with friends, one of whom likes sunflowers and has just graduated. Well done again Tam :) and thanks to you and hubby for a spiffing time!