Learning in the Lock Down

Early this year I enrolled in an online course by Bonnie Christine called' ‘Immersion’. It focused heavily on all things ‘Surface Design’ related and It has been a God send to keep my mind busy during this current Covid-19 lock down. I just completed the last lesson of the 8 week course and I’m happy to say I LOVED it! Surface Design has always been an avenue of illustration that I dreamed of one day getting into and now after taking this course I’m smitten with the idea of creating collections which can tell stories and create whole environments for people to interact with. There was so much to learn in this course - I know I’ll probably need the rest of the year to process it all, to practice the art of making patterns and develop my understanding of licensing - but it all sounds very exciting. Bonnie is a great teacher and mentor so If would like to look at the courses/memberships she runs check out her site here.

Below are some examples of a mini collection I made during the course. We were encouraged to start with a story from which to launch our ideas from. Mine was based on walking down the back of our farm - which is still pretty drought ridden on a hot afternoon and observing the sights and sounds.

 
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Dancing Swallows

Dancing Swallows

Weeds Under Foot

Weeds Under Foot

Withered Seeds

Withered Seeds

Moth Waltz

Moth Waltz

Cricket Staccato

Cricket Staccato

Dancing Swallows - Haze

Dancing Swallows - Haze

 

Lately...

Here is something I have been working on in the spare time between projects. I have quite a few illustrations like this which I originally designed for colouring in cards but now I’m enjoying colouring them in myself!
I’m excited to see what this idea could be used for… I think it would make a great floor rug, beach towel or repeat pattern for wrapping paper.

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Chelsea Winter Scrumptious Cook Book Illustrations

I had the great privilege to work on Chelsea Winter's latest cook book 'Scumptious' published by Random House NZ earlier this year! I created the spot illustrations throughout the book under the wonderful art direction of Dana Gaddum. It's packed full of delicious recipes, beautiful photos by Tam West and would make the perfect Christmas gift! 

http://chelseawinter.co.nz/

https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaWinterDelicious