Charity Pet Portraits
- At February 11, 2016
- By Adam
- In illustration, Updates
0
I was going through a few old sketchbooks last night and there’s some interesting stuff worth posting or revisiting. You forget how many ideas you churn out in a decade or so of doodling.
For now though, I’ll post this from 2014 when I drew pet portraits for charity. All ink and watercolour. Surprisingly how many people sent me photos saying ‘if you can draw the one where he’s happy and smiling’ when the picture was of just a dark hairy blob! It’s funny looking in on someone’s life and how they turn their pet into family member (my Mum refers to her dog as my brother sometimes…)
My mum’s fluff ball, Harry is top left. Other favourite requests include classic dog poses and activities with the owner (top right!)
Drawing a Jeep
- At December 17, 2015
- By Adam
- In illustration, Sketchbook, Travel
- 0
Jeep Jeep!
Whilst I was away in Dubai, I went to a Christmas party with about 20 other ex-pats (and my friends Luke and Claire). It was pretty cool to be eating turkey, Yorkshire puddings and gravy whilst sitting outside in the warm evening weather! The whole event was great fun and the people were all top drawer…very friendly chaps!
There was a little secret Santa event (or whatever you call it in your country) and so I helped Luke out by painting a watercolour picture of his friend’s pride and joy, his old jeep. Now I love doing things like this. If you like to draw, paint or create in any way, you’ll know what I mean when I say these presents are fun and really well received. It’s such a brilliant way to make someone happy and you get enjoyment out of it too…win-win!
It wasn’t too difficult to draw this jeep as it had some distinguishing features (like the face on the side) plus I could make it recognisable with the colour scheme and slightly exaggerated shapes. I’m not a fan of those overly cartooned vehicle drawings but for me, this was a ‘draw anything and they’ll love it’ project, so it’s no expectation and no pressure.
I sketched it out in pencil first, then inked over with a waterproof technical pen
We put it in a nice frame and the guy loved it. He sent Luke a photo when he got home showing it in pride of place!
I carry a little watercolour set with me when I travel, so I just quickly added some colour. We cut it to fit the frame and DONE! It took about an hour in total to create.
If you are stuck for a gift for someone, I’d really recommend trying a drawing or painting of a subject they like (you can even do something abstract based on a favourite photo, using the colours or shapes as a starting point). It doesn’t matter where your ability is at, it’s the thought out process everyone loves and I think we could all do with buying a bit less ‘stuff’ that people end up putting in a cupboard never to use.
If you’d like me to draw and paint your pride and joy, you can get in touch via the contact page and I’ll do you a free quote. If I’ve got time I love these kinds of projects and they make AMAZING, one of a kind gifts.
Happy holidays!
Dubai city living
- At November 30, 2015
- By Adam
- In Sketchbook, Travel, Updates
- 0
I’m currently visiting my friends Luke and Claire in Dubai (have a look at Luke’s ace sunglasses company, wildwoodme.com) so doing a bit of sketch journaling whilst experiencing this city living.
I’ve never been to Dubai or the UAE before, but it’s a pretty interesting place. Past the fact that there’s this futuristic city in the middle of a desert, the whole culture is full of contrasts. The most interesting being the mix of a strict Muslim social bedrock right next to the liberal expat lifestyle.
A sketchbook page from Luke’s dining table, looking out over the rooftop gardens.
This is the view from one of the many high rises that have popped up in the past 10 years. Smudges of green in a sandy coloured landscape, with tiny spots of human colour. Going camping in Oman for a few days too, looking forward to that one!