Piece of cake…

Here is something I illustrated for the latest issue of Fresh Living Magazine… an article on acing your tax return. I'm happy with this… stylistically it feels like I'm going in a direction that I feel comfortable with at least :)

Bolt fabric – jelly moulds

MATS bootcamp is turning out to be one of the best things I've done in a very long time. The standard in the class is unbelievably high… most of the time – completely intimidating. But through gentle encouragment and positive motivation from Lilla I just keep telling myself to carry on with my baby steps and to 'go for it'! Here is what I decided upon for the submission for project number two.

Here are larger versions of the above smaller thumbnails…

Think this one needs something else 'extra'… perhaps some strawberries and some organic leaves in between to soften the pattern. Otherwise it makes me kinda happy. Must be all that pink!

The most interesting thing I've learned so far: creativity and its solutions are endlesss. In a class of around 500 people there aren't 2 single results to this project that are the same. The entire class gallery for March can be viewed here. Some wonderful work – please check it out.

MATS Project 2

Been having lots of fun (and learning) with jelly moulds – assignment number 2 in the MATS bootcamp and I'm about two thirds of the way with the project. I started with plain black line (always my favourite) and then started with clour and abstracting the patterns. The designs are destined for bolt fabric… but i think they could work on anything really. This is where I'm at…

Back to school

I am so excited… I can hardly breath. Let alone draw. I have signed up for the Make Art That Sells Bootcamp e-course with Lilla Rogers. Oh my! Just writing this is exciting. Taking deep breaths, and very teeny weeny baby steps… here goes.

First assignment: cuckoo clocks. I wasn't sure where to start with this and then one morning I was very amused to see one of our new chickens perched right on top of their coop. And thank goodness with that came some inspiration. Here is my doodle for my Chicken Coo-Coop clock!

As much as I loved this prelim sketch… when it came to translating it onto a cell phone case (part 2 of project one) it just didn't work. So I went back to the beginning (read: husband, wine, Saturday night out and a Dias Tavern napkin) and I had another go.

It's a process…

On Tuesday (the 25th of Feb) when the class gallery goes live I will post what I submitted… watch this space.

So lush!

I just love everything about these prints from Lush Designs. I'm so enthralled, I can't think of anything to say! So… basically (as it says on their website): Marie Rodgers and Maria Livings studied painting and printmaking at Maidstone Art College and evolved their business while working in the theatre and community arts after moving to South East London.Their love of colour and characteristic quirky prints has been applied to a range of home wares. Brilliant…

Phone cases

How about these gorgeous phone cases from, um, Phone Cases! So far, my black sequined one has died and my new polka-dot one could do with a friend. You can choose from a selection of patterns or upload your own image. Best of all this is a local set up and they are on the look out for new designs. Lovely.

Olaf Hajek – Strange Flowers

A few weeks ago I went to see Olaf Hajek's solo exhibition at the Whatiftheworld gallery titled 'Strange Flowers'. A long-time fan… it was wonderful to see his work in real life.

Of course the first thing I wanted to do at the exhibition was buy one of his paintings and pop it in the back of my car… but alas all the works were a touch above budget (at around R90 000). Not one to give up I've found that Olaf sells prints of a few of his works. The last 3 here are my favourites. You never know… someday, someone, somewhere may need a gift idea for me!