Rain, rain, rain!

Well what can I say apart from,

Rain,

rain,

rain!

A page from "Gilbert the Gander," published by Nord-Sud Books

Feeling good after Book Fair visit

Just a quick blog this time, 

but a smiley one!

I went to London Book Fair yesterday 

and came away very happy with how it all went. 

I was lucky to have some pre booked meetings that were very worthwhile, 

and it was lovely to actually speak to the people concerned 

rather than just being at the end of an email or a tweet with them for a change. 

I also know that today, my agent, Frances McKay 

is there on my behalf and also to represent the rest of FM Illustration, 

and so fingers tightly crossed for us all, and a big thanks to Frances. 

Although Gilbert Goose wasn't at this event, 

(as he is now out in the big wide world of bookshops,) 

I was able to see the samples of a new project that I am working on with 

Little Tiger Press. 

I am so excited with how things are coming along here, 

and the samples are beautiful, 

and due for release beginning of next year. 

So today and the rest of this week, it is back at my desk, 

working hard on the next set of roughs,

and with many cups of tea to keep me going! 

Happy Easter!

This is Mother Hen,

and today

is a very

important day for her!

These illustrations inspired the character for my book 

"Mother Hen's Important Day"

Out later this year, Published by Nord-Sud Books.

"HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE,"

from myself, Sammy and now Mother Hen!

Beach huts and seagulls

Now that the sun is out, I feel the need to think of the seaside. 

This image above was inspired by a holiday at Whitstable,

Here is a painting I did recently for a an exhibition soon approaching, 

I always love the seagulls, they are very cheeky indeed!

And beach huts always excitement, Id LOVE one of my own, 

Ohhh, and more beach huts!

And some canvas's for a happy customer!

And finally, and probably most importantly, 

Gilbert the Goose, who lived at the Seaside. 

The first book that I illustrated, written by France Hope, 

published by Nord-Sud Books. 

Working from home

I've noticed on twitter today

many tweets showing illustrators work places and studios, 

mine happens to be on the kitchen table!! 

However I love it, 

Im forever surrounded by chaos and much goings on, 

with children and dogs and a most annoying cat playing for my attention, but. . . ,

 I seem to go into my own creative zone, switch off to it all, and just work away. 

I know that many businesses started from a kitchen table, 

and 15 years down the line, mine still is! 

However on a day like today I can also work in the garden, 

a huge bonus to working from home!

Happy Mother's Day, Mum.

Mum,  

thank you for being my best friend,

my protector,

my companion,

for being beautiful. . . 

. . . and funny, 

thank you Mum,

with lots of love, 

I thank you Mum for everything.

It started with a finger print!

Have . . .

. . . fun. . .

. . . with. . .

. . . ink. . .

. . . and your fingers!