Close-ups - Laura

Here are close-ups of each drawing. I first did a sketch on paper to decide roughly what Laura would look like. From there I scanned this into the computer and drew over the sketch in Illustrator, tweaking certain elements and perfecting the drawing as I went. I scanned patterned paper and fabric for her outfits, and these are also what I used for the background in each frame above.

Something a bit different

These are six illustrations I created for a cookbook for Penguin Group (NZ) which didn't make it into the book. I have always been fond of these illustrations as they are so far removed from my usually very tight, realistic drawing style. Until I drew these, I never knew I could successfully create a much simpler, cartoony style. I decided to frame them using similar background fabrics that were used in the finished cookbook. I think they've come up great!

Dahlia sketch

A quick(ish) sketch of a dahlia.

Watercolour practice with gum leaves

These are my latest efforts with watercolour, as part of my last botanical illustration class with Sandra Morris. Gum leaves are really fun to paint and they come in such a variety of different shapes, sizes and colours, it's impossible to get bored painting them! I can see a definite improvement in my ability with watercolours (from left to right). The green leaf on the right I am proud of - something that I rarely admit since I'm always so self-critical of my work. I still have a long way to go but my confidence using watercolors is starting to increase.

Neoregelia (Crimson Heart) sketch

A quick(ish) sketch of a Neoregelia at the Auckland Botanical Gardens last Friday. A small group of friends and I went out for the day to do some sketching and make the most of the extended summer weather we've had this year!

Aloe Mawii

It's finished! Coloured pencil on A3 Hahnmuhle Britannia matt 300g paper. The colours from this scan aren't completely accurate to the original but I got them as close as I could.

Finalist in Golden Turtle competition

Late last year I entered an art competition through Golden Turtle. After I had deciphered the English translation of the rules and submitted my chosen illustrations, I pretty much forgot about it, not expecting to hear from them again. This morning I received an email saying that I had made it through to the 'finale' and they would 'like to know my presence' for the exhibition and opening ceremony on the 27th June 2014. How exciting!

A shame that the exhibition is being held in Moscow and it's therefor not possible for me to attend.

Aloe Vera WIP2

Here's an update on my aloe vera illustration.