Robin Delivery

Sorted a drawing of a little robin to feature on a Christmas card for a friend's nephew. Dawdled with the typography but pretty pleased in the end.. almost as satisfied as the little well fed character themselves:

Change in direction

Have needed help in navigating since this time last year. Here's a little something to help me find my way from here..  

Moving life drawing

After a tumultuous few months, I'm back and staying put (for a bit) in Leeds. And so, in keeping with my way to feel grounded in a new (old) place, I'm on the hunt for a life-drawing class. Tried to go to one last night but epic-failed as it required advance booking.. and I didn't. I forgot that we're so bound to rules and systems in the UK! However, in a lovely twist of fate, this resulted in Daniel agreeing to be my half hour muse instead. And here's the result, complete with overlay as the pose slipped, much to Daniel's denial. 

Dinosaurs can be festive

Yeah, so various projects remain in progress. And I can't blame it on seasonal festivities because I'm feeling quite the opposite in summery sunny NZ. I simply got distracted by drawing my new pet.. 

 .. And then by cutting and sticking lovely bits of paper into and around the shapes that my pencil makes..

It's not festive but it brings joy. Merry Christmas :)

Life drawing on the other side of the world

Found a class to attend in NZ within 5 days of arriving and it certainly helped in making me feel more grounded. Here's a drawing of a contemplative pose to which I later added some collage-y bits.

Cat-a-doodle...

Just because..

Shiny Precious Mirrors...

These protectively-packaged, portable and practical yet pretty pocket mirrors are now available to buy here for only 3 little pounds!

Choose between a birthday appropriate cupcake, a blooming lovely flowery pattern, an up-to-date Aztec inspired design, an always beautiful butterfly or a perfect-for-your-pencil-case stationery design... 

In memory of...

Managed to draw a picture of my Grandma for her funeral service booklet, which I think catches a little bit of her playfulness... 

Legs are out...

Well the sun is encouraging otherwise hidden body parts to be revealed.  And so to celebrate, I'd thought I'd share some simple life drawing from last year...

Post feasting activities...

Traditional competitive play with the family on Christmas Day...

Self indulgence

Decided to update my banner as the previous straightforward name in pencil was a bit stale...

Wanted a bit of colour and pattern so after a couple of doodles along the lines of below... the new framed name was the winner (see top).

Next stop, website... although don't hold your breath.

Drawing life into drawings from life...

Encouraged by Woolgather Art Prize to do something that breaks from the norm to feed my creativity, I spent Sunday 25th March at Nottingham Industrial Museum drawing their collection of lace machines.  Most of these have been redundant since the 1960's but my quick observed scribbles hopefully capture some life...?  The developed drawings, hand finished with watercolour and collage, will be available to buy as limited edition prints from Wollaton Park soon...

To dry for...

Wanted to join the line up of terrific tea towels at to dry for, but my submission to their 2012 design competition didn't compare to the winning design.  Think my design lacked humour and playfulness... but I enjoyed drawing it regardless so everyone's a winner!

Tweet tweet...

Have ventured into the technological unknown by signing up to twitter... Should you wish to follow my twitterings you can do so by searching for @drawinglaurie.

Wood Street Whimsy

Should have posted about this eons ago… 

For a challenge, I did some out-of-my-comfort-zone drawings for @thepinkbearclub to be used on their website, including these delightful bear heads, who appear when their lifeless alter egos are stroked (or rolled over with your mouse).  The brief was for a pink bear that appears “foul, animalistic, impulsive, grumpy, perverted and filthy".  I also designed a damask wallpaper for the background with some some discreetly hidden requested items...

From today, they’re holding a four week fiesta of all things pink bear-y at Wood Street Indoor Market, E17, London... So if you live dahn south, go and delve into their forest. 

I've organised the production of some merchandisey bits from the genuinely @awesomemerch...  So if you’d like to get your hands on a badge, magnet or pocket mirror branded with your favourite bear, send me an email and I’ll organise a method to get one to you.

Swapsies...

Taking part in the International Postcard Show at Surface Gallery in Nottingham… Submitted a little Russian matryoshka doll with a slightly human face, which I drew after thinking about feeling trapped, as it fitted quick nicely on a 6x4” piece of card… 

The gallery is open Tues to Fri 12-6pm and 11-5pm on Sat, with the cards on show (and on sale for a bargain £15 squid) until February 11th... so go looksee at the collection.

Then afterwards, it's time for the exchange! ...when I'll most likely receive another postcard gem back in return for mine. Exciting!

In homage to the capital letter...

Recently realised that this blog was lacking all signs of punctuation... So here's an upper case letter 'a' to make amends...