BOOM!

We're in the second half of the year. How has it gone so far for you? Have you achieved all those goals that you set out towards the end of last year to make happen this year? Don't worry if you haven't. It will take time, grace, favour - and help! Take a look at the goals again. Is there anyone you can ask to help who you haven't asked yet? Can you be a bit more strategic about how you spend your time? You may not realise it, but I think you've grown. Your thinking is a little clearer than it was... Take one step at a time. Don't worry about what people think of you. Do you.

I'm a stationery fanatic at the best of times so when I was offered the opportunity to review some Leitz stationery* I jumped at the chance... In my pack I received: Hole punch Stapler Lever arch file Notebook What I really like about the products are the luxurious sheen on them, they look elegant and modern - just what Leitz was aiming to achieve. The hole punch: does exactly what you'd expect, but with probably more ease and glide than you would anticipate The stapler: doesn't snag and get stuck like some awkwards staplers seem to! The lever arch file: is large and spacious The notebook: is the pi èce de résistance - a lovely creamy tone on each leaf that makes you want to write in your best handwriting and your "bestest" pen I shall relis h writing in the notebook - let 's see what literary treasures occur... ;) Thumbs up from me!

I've really enjoyed the The Big Painting Challenge on BBC One . (I did love the one they did in Liverpool funnily enough). They've concentrated on different subjects, scenes and media - it's been quite an inspiring series. Richard Bacon and Una Stubbs were a curious pair aspresenters but I think they worked well together as noted on social media . The judges Daphne Todd and Lachlan Goudie were honest and constructive - not just harsh for the sake of it (looking at you singing talent shows). And well done to the Winner - Paul Bell . I'll be watching next year.

Hi Readers, Thank you for sticking with this blog! As you may be aware... I love fashion illustration and intend to do it a lot. I've done life drawing here and there over the years... and maybe haven't quite got *it*... and I wouldn't say that I have got *it* fully now... but with the Fashion Illustration course at LCF , even more so than the Fashion Drawing one , I am getting *there*... A few weeks ago I did a Dior dress painting in ink (below). Last year I don't think I would ever have explored doing fashion illustration with paint - probably would have stuck to markers and pencils - never mind painting in ink! I love the vibrancy, immediacy and risk of ink... it's a challenge. One thing I have been taught is to not paint in the colours as I obviously see them but to wonder and create. Using inks is something I'm really excited about. I bought my pack from Cass Art . I look forward to creating more. Artists, what are ...

One of my pieces at London College of Fashion, drawn 7/3/15.  They have great teachers that open one's eyes to possibilities...

I love my London College of Fashion courses - in 2014 I did the Fashion Drawing Short Course and this year I am doing Fashion Illustration, which is a step up. I would recommend them if you're looking to unleash the designer or artist within you. Find info here

Latest drawing... took about 30-40 minutes, I think ;) - inspiration fom Hola! magazine (June 2012)