Nude in charcoal

I drew this at one of my life drawing classes with some old charcoal i found in the drawing box. I quite liked the contrast in the lighting here so thought I would share :) I like drawing from life, I think there is something incredibly elegant about the female form, especially when you see it right infront of you. Whilst I draw a lot of my portraits from photographs, it's always refreshing to draw the human figure or faces from life.

Home grown yumminess

2013 has been the first year I’ve been able to grow my own food. I’ve successfully grown tomatoes, peppers, chives and mint and will continue to do so next year! Hip hip hurray for all things juicy and home grown!

These yummy specimens went into my home-made home-grown ratatouille, along with marrow from my friend Lisa's allotment :) Served with lemon chicken, crusty bread and a bottle of bubbly. Super simple and rustic, and super scrummy. 

New job and fresh start :)

Today I started a new job. In the past few months I have had a few personal and professional obstacles to overcome, and today feels like a completely fresh start, which is the main reason that I am starting this blog.

One thing I’ve learnt in my time as a technical artist (despite the stereotype of being an anti-social cave gremlin) is how important team work is. I believe there is a direct correlation between the relationship you have with your team and your performance at work, enthusiasm towards your job and general well being.

Thankfully, since 2010 I’ve been lucky enough to have been trained up by some of the best TDs in the business. It’s these people who I think are the most important in the industry as they can see the potential in younger artists and drive them forward to realise their potential. Sadly, as I have discovered, colleagues are not always so supportive. The only person to push you through, is you.

I am lucky enough to have today signed a contract with a great company and super team, who have been incredibly welcoming and warm. Sometimes it’s just the small things like the offering of a morning coffee that makes you realise you’re in the right place :)