Rudy

Meet Rudy!
Rudy was this years Christmas present I bought my little dog Kinx

2016 Hand*book

Started a new sketchbook for the start of this year, something smaller to what I have been used to using; a small red hand*book sketchbook.
The thinking behind the smaller book is that it may re-spark my drive to sketch daily; having a smaller area to fill and less to pop in my handbag at the start may just be the incentive I need.
Here's my entry for the 1st day of the year; a new Christmas ornament that was gifted to us by a valued friend.

The Last Of 2012

30-12-12, a photo by Anita Davies on Flickr.

This was the only spread I did in my sketchbook during December 2012, I did paint a commissioned acrylic double portrait but this was my only sketch.
I struggled for inspiration towards the end of last year and I tried very hard to fight it; I even joined the 75 day sketch challenge to try to kick start myself again but the passion just wasn't there. Unusual for me to say the least!
So, in December I decided to stop fighting and simply chill, I figured that perhaps I just needed the break and so I got lost in Christmas and all it's wonderment and I think it was good for me.
So...a new year begins and I'm hoping 2013 will restore my misplaced sketching mojo, so far I seem to be plodding along, creating a spread here and there, gradually getting back into my groove....Time to remind myself that Christmas is over and get my arse into gear I think!

New Bag, Old Stocking.

27-12-11, a photo by Anita Davies on Flickr.

A Christmas gift from a good friend and Jakes Christmas stocking he has had since his first ever Christmas.

My Festive Hat

21-12-11, a photo by Anita Davies on Flickr.

A morning of laughter and a great movie in the afternoon

Snowman

20-12-11, a photo by Anita Davies on Flickr.

My festive bombardment continues with one of my parents Christmas decorations now cherished by us.

Poinsettia

18-12-11, a photo by Anita Davies on Flickr.

After completing my walk-in-wardrobe we got a little carried away and painted the whole house! Decided on a colour for the dining room this time, rather than cream, and am very pleased with the result.
My annual poinsettia purchase in my Mums plant pot, must be a lucky pot because I usually manage to kill it off before Christmas day, this one is still hanging in there!

Bare

03-01-11
Originally uploaded by Anita Davies

Noodlers Bullet Proof Black ink and watercolour in daily journal.

It all looks so bare when the Christmas decorations come down when only the brightly coloured wrappings of the various chocolates are left to remind us of the festivities.

Seasonal Remnants

29-12-10
Originally uploaded by Anita Davies

Noodlers Walnut ink and watercolour in daily journal.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas!

Angels

19-12-10
Originally uploaded by Anita Davies

Noodlers Walnut ink and watercolour in daily journal

What A Year!

2008 was a great year, lots of new things happening and some heart tugging changes.

Not only did I manage to post to my blog everyday but I also added the titles AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR, TUTOR and COLUMNIST to my CV.

In June I began to move into my new indoor studio off the dining room, a wonderful space with a view across the Fen.

I gained a solo exhibition space in the village and exhibited in a palace.

I created and completed Postcard PenPals, I completed my 'Close to Home' project and had it published and I created and completed the MarumanX project. I also took part in the Everyday In May project: 'Voices' and sketched my food intake through July.

I was interviewed by Journal Craft Inspiration and Creative Construction: Life and Art. I became a permanent feature on the Lilyholt Road website.

I swapped chocolate for a sketch from Pete Scully, I took part in the Pay It Forward project, had a Royal Giveaway and won red pens from a Big Gay Dragon.

My eldest Son went to America for a week with my parents (without me) and passed his driving test, proving his growth into adulthood and sending my emotions into a frenzy! As if that wasn't enough to deal with, we are currently preparing for his skiing trip to Bulgaria with his college in just 8 days time. (Deep breaths Anita, deep breaths)

I turned 40

We lost our old Christmas tree and purchased a new one and we changed our topper from an Angel to a beautiful decoration gifted to me by Margaret Storer-Roche.

I drank down a zillion cups of coffee, I laughed, I cried, I loved, I ached, I sketched, I painted...Hell, I even pole danced!

PHEW!

What a year!

Merry Christmas

Hope your day is filled with love and laughter!

Cookies For Santa

All set...Bring it on!!!

Gingerbread Men, Rudolf, Hockney and Pappas

Ooooh, it's getting closer!

The turkey was delivered today and looks scrumptious, I have a crown (breast only) and I buy one large leg just for my youngest Harry who loves the darker meat.
My journal page shows my eldest Son's Christmas stocking. He is almost 18 now but Rudolph has been with him from the start of all things Christmassy so he's part of our family.
Harry began his baking today and will finish with shortcake stars tomorrow all ready to leave out for Santa Christmas Eve. Such a festive family day, full of laughter, good food and a little rose wine...Mmmmm!
I finished my evening off making this journal page while watching a documentary called 'Waiting for Hockney', the story of Billy Pappas and his portrait of Marilyn Monroe. I thought the portrait was amazing in detail but I struggled with the amount of time it had taken him to create (almost a decade!) and the end result as a whole, for me, wasn't as breath taking as I had hoped. I appreciate the skill and time but wouldn't wish to hang it upon my wall.
Here's another perspective from artnet.

Let There Be Light

I am pleased to report that my little Angel granted my wish.
I completed my grocery shop today, with my sunglasses on, without any signs of a headache...The first headache free day in four days!

While I was out shopping my new tree was delivered...Let me explain...We have had the same Christmas tree since our very first Christmas and this year when we went into the barn to gather the decorations we couldn't find it. After much searching we found the tiny top half, it was only a small tree but it was so precious to me. Finding the top half of the tree helped, I have popped it into a pot as a mini tree so that it will always be a part of our festivities.
Left with no other option I ordered a new tree, a larger one which looked pretty online with it's frosted tips. It arrived today and I could hardly believe my luck when we opened it...It is covered with cones, berries and lights...None of this showed in the picture, the only reason I thought it might be a 'nice' tree is that it had been reduced from £99 to £34. It is gorgeous!!!
We are a very traditional family, change matters, we like things to stay the same, feel like home, we get attached. Everyone loved the tree instantly. It is huge compared to our old one and so, so pretty with all it's red berries and frosted tips.
The remnants of our old tree will always remain special but I am so thrilled to have such a beautiful replacement...I am guarding this one with my life!

The candle in my sketch is one of a pair that stand on the black iron fireplace throughout Christmas. They were actually very cheap and entirely plastic but look far superior, a small battery generates light from the bulb at the top and I use napkin rings around their base to add a splash of colour.

Rescued Angel

I rescued this angel from my parents when Mum decided to have a clear out a couple of years back.
This cheap, plastic, lattice style, tree topper crowned the tree every Christmas when I was a child and now rules over the tiny tree in my studio. She's been around for two generations and I'm hoping my boys will carry her on through a few more after me.

I sketched her today hoping she would repay me for rescuing her by ridding me of the terrible headaches I've been experiencing the past few days (probably caused by excitement, I'm worse than the kids at Christmas), hence the fairly basic sketch in ink.
I've made my wish and popped her back on the tree, now I'm off for an early night to give her a helping hand. I'm doing my HUGE Christmas grocery shop tomorrow in Asda and the lights in there often give me migraine, so I need all the help I can get.....and my sunglasses.
Wish me luck!

Santa

Finally I have the decorations out and something festive to post.
This gorgeous little fellow is about the size of my thumb and all the little bits and bobs he's holding move about, jingling on pieces of gold cord.
Adorable!

Christmas Notes

Imagination - Roberson Journal - Gouache & Ink

I have little notes to myself plastered all over the place here, on the kitchen table, in the studio, in my handbag.... I find I write them and then forget they ever existed. They are made, not so much to remind me but allow me to get things out of my head last thing at night so I may sleep easy.

On Friday I did THE big Christmas food shop.
Crazy as I may be, I actually enjoy this annual pursuit despite the bustle. Determined not to look as stressed as the miserable faces surrounding me, I sang along with the festive background music the entire way around the supermarket, this helped immensely....fearing I may in fact be 'off my trolley' people actually moved out of the way to let me through and the whole event was a complete pleasure.

From The Sofa

My lounge, looking all festive and raring to go....Not long now!

Busy Days

Monday was a busy day, as most of them are this close to Christmas, so before I went to bed I made a quick sketch of our tree and stated the time of the sketch with a small tab. This set the layout throughout the rest of the day as I added images of my to do list, my Son Harry getting ready for school, my eldest Son's dog 'Scoby' and one of my evening cuppas!

I used various media including my Lamy Safari fountain pen, a pigment liner, coloured pencil and watercolour.