Mermaids, narwhals and more cats for in aid of The World Cetacean Alliance

Last weekend Brighton Etsy had a stall of whale themed craft goodies at the annual March of the Mermaids in aid of the WCA (the worlds largest alliance protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises). We're continuing to donate a % of our profits from selected items in our Etsy Shops till the end of the year towards this great cause. I've chosen 3 illustrations; Song of the Siren, Floating Island and Cats of Cadaques, which are all available as cards and limited edition prints. 

The Elephant Parade strikes again, this time in Bangkok!

Back in the Spring I submitted a design for another elephant for the Elephant Parade charity. I was delighted to find out that my design had been chosen. My first exhibition in Asia (as far as I know). As it's just so far away to transport an ele my design has been painted by a ghost artist over in Thailand. I think they have done a great job of it. Wish I could have painted it though! My exotic and magical design An Elephants Dream will be on show with the rest of the herd from the 1st December in Bangkok

.

The Big Hoot is Open!

Back in May/ June time I was busily painting a space themed design onto a giant model of an owl for a charity exhibition in Birmingham. I'm pleased to announce my owl made the journey safely to Birmingham and is now on display alongside over 80 other owls. If you're in the city between now and 27th September you can enjoy a fun day out spotting all the owls on the trail  (Mine is no.6) 

My friend and fellow owl painter Kate Leonard took these photos at the launch. Thanks Kate! 

The Big Hoot Art Exhibition

I recently created a submission for the Big Hoot, an event that will be held this Summer in Birmingham exhibiting 100 owls beautifully painted giant owls, which will then be auctioned off for Birmingham childrens hospital. My design is a space owl nicknamed "One giant Hoot for Owlkind" as I thought it would be appealing topic for children and appropriate considering we think of owls as nigtht creatures, and it's pretty dark in space! I'll find out in the next few weeks if I'm chosen.

The Ladywellephant- a charity elephant all about Ladywell!

A little while ago (ahem!) the lovely Slater & King in Ladywell asked me to create another painting to go on a model of a baby elephant which could then be raffled off with all proceeds going to charity. This time round the ele was only a miniature (aww!) and to celebrate the lovely area of Ladywell I dedicated the whole design to the area of South East London, my old home not so long ago. The mural features Hilly Fields park, the view into central London, the cafes, several dogs, my cat who sneaked in amongst the flowers and Slater & Kings shop too! Tickets can be bought from Slater & King but hurry there's only a week or so to go as the raffle ends Christmas Eve. All proceeds go to the charity Signal supporting parents of children with Autism.

The Elephant in the Room!

A few months ago my design was selected for this years Elephant Parade UK tour. Over the last couple of weeks I've begun working on the real thing, a life sized model of a baby elephant over a metre high, which has taken over a large area of an office canteen space where I'm painting. It's located near St James Park so is as close to Buckingham Palace as I am ever likely to have an art studio!

Although I've done this before (back in 2010) it's always a little nerve wracking being confronted with a giant white elephant.

I soon got over this and gave it a couple of coats of a bright blue base colour, with the help of my assistant for the day Emma (http://www.emmas-graphics.co.uk/) and 2L of ready mixed Homebase paint!

I've made quite good progress, over the last week or so and the background to the design is finished, now onto the more fiddly bits. Here are a couple of work in progress shots...

and some pictures of some of the St James Park wildlife, a hungry squirrel who was briefy considered following me for more snacks and a motionless heron. I'll post another update soon!

The Elephant Parade

Exciting news! I submitted a design for this years Elephant Parade and it's been selected as one of the 40 or so artists taking part. I'll soon be starting to paint the real thing in a studio near Victoria station. (Onto a life sized model of a baby elephant). This time round the elephants are going to be on display not just in London but to towns and cities all over the UK for the next 12 months! Once again they will be sold to raise money for the Asian elephant.