Selfie Success

One of my daughters is an illustrator who has slightly serendipitously developed a second string painting murals and sets for festivals. When she sent me a video of the piece of work she has just completed, I glimpsed within the clip this scene of people taking selfies. What a thoroughly modern accolade - I love your work, therefore I want to be pictured in front of it. Right now, is there a higher form of praise?:

Is It That Time Already

Many years ago, I set out with my seven-year-old to Vienna's Natural History Museum. As a child, I'd been taken once a week by my school to the museum's counterpart in London.

Upon arrival, we were all given hardboard clipboards and paper and pencils and dispatched to draw whatever caught our eye. I spent many of those afternoons trying unsuccessfuly to make a likeness of the stuffed dodo or, even more frustrating, attempting to capture on paper the amazing display inside the hummingbird case.

I'd been defeated every single week, unable to produce anything remotely worth bringing home. All the same the one thing I'd discovered was how trying to draw something really makes you look at it - and I found that intense observation peculiarly enjoyable. I thought my daughter might too.

She did. What was more she didn't encounter any of my difficulties. She plonked herself down in front of a stuffed albatross and came up with something alarmingly good. I'd forgotten all about it until, going through the filing cabinet, I found the drawing she made that day, stuck between some plans from the 1930s, when our house was first built.

Apologies for the fold lines

I suppose it was probably inevitable that she'd end up pursuing a career as an illustrator but, as it's her birthday today, I thought she might like to be reminded of that long ago outing.

If anyone wishes to give her a present by buying a piece of her work, they can go to her Etsy shop, or contact her direct - or through her agent - to arrange a commission.

Happy birthday, Anna. Much love, mum.xxx

Christmas is Coming

For those worrying

It's That Time Again

How did that happen? Surely it's not a whole year since this? But, yes, in fact the days have flown by just like they do in old black and white films where pages get ripped from calendars and hurled into a gale force wind while an orchestra plays frenziedly just off camera. And so, once again, it is my older daughter's birthday - and a year on she's still drawing beautifully (although now she's living back in Bristol [where you can find her, should you want to commission a portrait, say, or some other kind of picture, in her studio at Jamaica Street - or else get in touch with her agent or go to her Etsy shop]).

Happy Birthday, Anna, have a great day.

Ooh Look

Some excellent drawings by my favourite illustrator.

The Girl Done Good

I'm always impressed (especially when it affects me personally) to see young people getting out there and earning a crust for themselves.

Happy Birthday

I am a big fan of Anna Higgie, who is a young Australian illustrator living in Barcelona. Her illustrations can be seen here or here and some of her paintings can be seen here. Today is her birthday so 'Happy Birthday, Anna':

 

 

(And yes, I admit it, I am her mother. But this is my blog.)

Adorable

My old mate Geoffrey kicks of his blogging career with the sweetest post  I've seen in the blogosphere.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, pencil is being put to paper.

Gaga, Zappa et cetera II

As I was saying - long live silliness.

Thank you v much, Anna Higgie