Photography...

It's been a little while since my last post, so firstly, hello! Unfortunately my drawings didn't win the What Is Love competition, but I'm working on improving them and hopefully I can launch them myself as prints and cards in the near future!

I've recently treated myself to a new camera (the boyfriend handily stood on and broke the last - but I was secretly happy about the fact we had the perfect excuse for a new one!), so I've been happily snapping away this last week. One subject I never tire of capturing is flowers. I love the final images, they're so bright and inviting.

We went for a little trip to Oxford last weekend, so I took the opportunity to take some architecture photographs, another beautiful subject matter. (I always find architecture fascinating and believe buildings can really bring something special to a place - I could spend ages gazing, snapping and drawing an interesting structure).

The final image in Oxford (above) reminded me of my holiday in Venice - the closeness, how unique each building is and those beautiful colours. Below are some of my favourites.

And, of course, I can't get excited about buildings without mentioning my trip to Tokyo. The vibrancy, the height, the lines and the excitement of the landscape there was incredible and completely different from the aforementioned.

And, finally, Kyoto! Just as stunning but a stark contrast from Tokyo. I love how intricate these are. It really is a very magical place. I can't wait to go back and see more!

I've decided I want to illustrate some of these photographs, both the flowers and buildings. I love illustrating people and fashion but I also love experimenting and working on something completely different. I think it helps keep work fresh and interesting, as well as allowing me to translate my way of working into new subject matter. I think it definitely helps someone's decision when commissioning you too. I remember a tutor at uni once told me - if someone wants a drawing of a spoon, they want to know you can draw a spoon. You may be a brilliant illustrator but they may not be able to envisage your style working with that subject. So draw anything and everything - I love that!

So you may see some of these come to life as drawings very soon! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I won't leave my next post as long!

Japan

As some of you know, last summer I went to Japan and had the most amazing time of my life. I met fantastic people, saw amazing sights and was constantly in awe. The devastating events in Japan this week have been heart-breaking and I hope to do anything I can, no matter how small it may be, to help.

Illustration Rally, founded and run by Japanese born Natsuki Otani, has set up an illustration rally with the theme Don't Give Up Japan がんばれ　日本

They are asking illustrators to send in illustrations of hope, unity and love. I will be producing a piece and sending it in as soon as possible. Please do the same if you have time, every post will be filled with links to charities raising money to help spread the word. I love illustration rally already, but I am so pleased to see this wonderful cause being tackled! :)

You can also donate artwork to raise money for the cause:

'We are also asking for artwork donations to sell to raise money for the relief effort. We would love any physical pieces at all, from cards and prints to full on characters and 3d! Anything you are willing to give we are happy to accept and all the profits made would go straight to the appeal. So if you want to take part or you have any questions please contact us at artwork-illustrationrally[at]hotmail.co.uk and we will send you further information about where to send your work.'

Please keep up with all the happening over on the Ganbare Nippon Illustration Rally.

Here are some of the photographs I took whilst in the beautiful country that is Japan. I hope we can help and show love and hope.

Amazing country, amazing people! x

Art Room!

Oooh, I thought I'd share some images of my new art room (come boyfriend's study!) It's all very arty and inspiring and I'm loving it so far :) I've been painting up the beautiful cabinet for a few days! It was rather dark and dingy but now it's fresh!

My fairytale pieces up on the wall! I think they look rather good all framed and together :)

Some of my own work on the top shelf! (ooh and a Kandinsky piece! Love him) I love how light the cabinet is :) (along with gorgeous black handles - I think it works rather well!!)

My boyfriend loves Japan, so I have these beautiful pieces! (I knew he'd like them, so wouldn't mind them being in the room, but also they're very inspiring to me :))

Some pieces Mat (boyfriend) bought in an auction :) by the very talented Matt Hemsworth!

The whole thing :) love it!