Artists and Illustrator profile

I thought I'd share with you two of my latest discoveries. First is Disney illustrator Mary Blair. I can't believe I've only just discovered her and her work. She looks like a pretty fab lady doesn't she? Her work and use of colour are amazing, and you can see how this style has influenced contemporary illustrators.

Also artist Karla Gerard has caught my eye. Her work is a riot of colour and swirling shapes. A real celebration of life, nature and shape! Her work reminds also has a textile quality about it. Enjoy!

Crafty stuff

Wow where's the time gone? I've been away from my blog for too long, very unhealthy for a blog addict like myself. Busy with unbloggable work and the near completion of the living area of the house (only skirting, blinds, curtains and lights to install - oh and new rug and cushions) I can only share my latest inspirational discoveries on Pinterest. I shouldn't say 'only', as there's some just gorgeous stuff on there.

I'm currently still inspired by hand paint and craft influenced pieces. Here's some of my faves for you to enjoy :) oh and the new set of gouache paints I've bought will be opened soon...happy days x

www.lougardiner.co.uk

 Creator unknown

 Illustration by Alyssa Nassner www.alyssanassner.com

 www.katiedaisy.net

www.riflepaperco.com

Julie Dodsworth

I've just come across the lovely homely work of Julie Dodsworth. Julie's work is inspired by her canal boat, and she's taken traditional canal boat styling and given it a fresh twist by limiting the colour palette. It's a lovely design success story. Julie says the 'the designs are a celebration of true living English industrial heritage and a reflection of the many things I love' You can catch her story on her website:
www.juliedodsworth.co.uk

Expect to see her products popping up in gift stores near you :)

hand paint textile inspired florals

So here's a start with my pact to do some creative experiments with media of the non mac variety :) I've been in Kendal today looking at clothes and shoes, and felt inspired to do some hand painted floral patterns that you might find on fabric. There's something refreshing about knowing once you've committed brush to paper there's no key command to undo what you've done. I don't think fashion surface designers need worry though ; ) Roll on printing, painting and pyrography...

Pyrography Artist Lauren Grey

I've recently bought a pyrography kit as part of a pact with myself to do some creative projects off the mac this summer, namely with paints, prints and pyrography. Googling around the net on the subject I came across the work of Lauren Grey of the Haunted Holllow Blogspot. I only seem to come across artists who's work I absolutely love about once every three to five years, and finding Laurens work was one such occasion. As you can see her work stunning. I think an Etsy purchase is on the cards...

Lauren Grey: www.thehauntedhollowtree.blogspot.co.uk

Sickness Bug!

Ugghh I've been thrown off kilter this weekend by a nasty sickness bug : ( needless to say my blogging went out the window... check out this sickness bug from http://thesickbug.com. If only they really were cute...

Love wood

I've always been a huge fan of wood, from artisan wooden bowls to oak furniture and flooring, to my cherished wooden ring bought in Ibiza. You can't beat the beauty or honesty of nature.

A few designs incorporating wood grain have caught my eye recently. One of my favourite brands, Fossil, package their watches in a variety of illustrated tins, of which you can choose your favourite design. I've scanned the lid of one such tin (I bought a new watch a little while ago) It's such a creative and refreshing way to package jewelery. Their website has some beautiful illustrations and style directions on its pages. I've blogged some below.
www.fossil.co.uk

Two postcards from Paperchase by the Art File also caught my eye with its wood detailing.

I've also been nominated for a Liebster Blog award by the lovely and talented lonadrewthis.blogspot! I'm chuffed to ribbons :) Happy days...