Change and moving on

And letting go...is not easy.
Especially of people you love.
I will also miss the view of the trees in the garden from my bed first thing in the morning.
But I will get a new view.

As a single Mother, my children are my priority.
I've learnt that an interest in others and not getting caught up in ones own fears and self pity really help keep the blues at bay. But looking after oneself is important too.
I like this Japanese approach to not always fighting the negative moods, just trying to accept them and then moving on.

I've taken a few better photos of my watercolours here.

Happy Christmas in late Spring!

The proofs are in for my '12 days of Christmas' book with Holiday House in the US.
My 8 year old daughter has gone camping all week with the school, so the days will seem very long this week.
I've had loads of viewing for my house, and a silly low offer...but still no buyer.
Keeping the house tidy and clean is becoming dull.
Exploring the work of Cornelia Parker.

My wonderful dog

Carna. I love her so...I'm so thankful that she came to us 5 years ago.
And I'm also loving the Blossom on the Apple tress in my garden.
In a certain light the white ones look like snow.
I could not love these Fantastic photos by Karoline Hjorth and Riitta Ikonen anymore

Heres the finished Elephant

And some other pieces from my new book for Holiday House in the States.
The lady image is a painting of mine which I used for colour and texture reference for the doves spread.
The work in process can be seen in the post below.

In contrast to my busy colourful Illustrations I love Catherine Story's work
Art and Mabel. Like!

Work and Workshop

I'm very excited, I've booked a workshop run by Ana Ventura.
I will also be meeting Hazel Terry from The Art Room Plant. Hurrah!
(Pictures above by Felicita Sala, Camilla Engman, Ana Ventura and David Lucus)

Meanwhile I'm busy with my latest book.

I start with the rough.

Gather some inspiration and reference.
Start painting, the black line and background colour first.

Look at reference from my Sketchbooks. This was drawn from life in Nepal

Then I add a bit more Colour
I will show you the finished Elephant soon.

Simple Pleasures

Help through lifes difficult bits...
Forget me not flowers and Spotty ribbon laces
Receiving post from a caring friend
Small souvenirs from recent travels
Making Shadows in the Studio
Happy Musical memories
And always Art and Nature

(Sailor letterpress card by Lucky Bird sent from Amy of Click and Pixel.
Mr and Mrs Paprika from Hungary
Music, Grizzly Bear and Father John Misty
Ink lady Art by Cathy Cullis, Apple Blossom from garden.)

Wonderful Budapest

I just came back from a long weekend in Budapest.
The many Thermal Spas were amazing. The city is such a fantastic mixture of different architecture.
I loved the way the luxury gilded grandeur is so accessible.
For example the amazing cafe at the back of the Alexandra bookshop.
There are also many bars and clubs popping up in disused buildings and parking lots.
A Culturally rich, vibrant, diverse and chilled city.
More of my Photos here.
The postcards are of the national costume from 1890.

Don't watch for too long....

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

...or you will fall under my powers!
I'm trying to find a good free online gif maker
This one isn't too bad, just can't upload it larger...any ideas?

Shy, Happy, Sad and Excited

A peek at the Baby's faces I've been doing for a Korean Publisher.
I haven't grown out of going through these moods each day!

Tidy for sale

The House has never been so tidy ready for the Estate agent to take photos.
More photos here.
I designed this home from scratch and it's mainly been renovated from reclaimed and natural materials.
It will be hard to say Good bye.
Lovely bags by Julia Marco.