oodles of doodles

I suspect that my recent flow of creative energy is thanks to crazy amount of brain capacity I am using for Masters and my recent solo show. Its as though all my painterly creative urges have been surpressed in the in the interest of study and work and now, as soon as I picked up the pen and brush again, out if came! i'm filling journal after journal and these quick shots were taken from my latest journal, all painted on the same day. I'm liking the colour scheme, and drawing some interesting visual conclusions from these little brainwave sketches. hmm..

sketches, fuzzy bikes and a cow in the city

This last week saw me make two visits to my lovely city stockist Urban Cow, which has been selling my framed prints (as seen on etsy.) Over Christmas and New year they sold so many, that by now almost every home in Adelaide should have a peachpatrol print! In other news, our fine city has been decked out by some really amazing decorated bicycles for the Tour Down Under. My favourite is the green 'grass' themed sitting on Rundle St, complete with families of mushrooms. I've also made time to make some new drawings, which may later turn into brooches.

the light at the end of the tunnel

I am now down to the last week of my Bachelor of Visual Arts (Art History) and boy am I feeling the strain! The other day I read a quote "the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off due to budget cuts", and I laughed out loud, because that is totally what it feels like. Writing the last half of my final essay is decidedly painstaking, and its the copious amounts of tea, beautiful sunshine and episodes of Dexter that keep me going. Oh and of course the prospect of finally being finished, and having a summer of fun to look forward to. I've been drawing a bit too, to give my eyes a break from the monitor. Here are a couple of fruits of this week's labour.

feature friday XX - Becca Stadtlander

The art of Becca Stadtlander" recalls old folk tales and eastern European illustration. I really love the quietness of her work and the honesty that her style allows her. Despite only graduating last year she is already super successful, illustrating for magazines like O (o as in Oprah!). I will definitely be keeping a close eye on this lovely lady, and so should you. Don't forget to visit her well stocked etsy shop

feature friday XIX - Maria Lamar

I discovered Maria Lamar's impressive work on Art Hound, where I was instantly captivated by the emotion and energy of these works. I think they are graphite on paper. I can't quite explain what it is about Maria's work that excites me so much. I think its the quiet magic that hides beneath the soft face of her characters.

feature friday XV- Jill Bliss

This week's featured artist is the lovely illustrator Jill Bliss, who's organic approach to art making drew me in straight away. she has the following quote on her website which explains her work and ideas better than I could.
“all of my creative output finds its inspiration in the intricate details of the natural world, while exploring the colors of humanity. my deceptively simple, nature-inspired style stems from a childhood romping through northern california orchards, and then going to art school in new york and san francisco. portland, oregon is now my home.”

Be sure to visit her websitewhich is choc-a-bloc with images and information.
There is also her etsy shop. and also her blog.

feature friday VII - yellena james

These stunning works are by Yellena James, better known just as yellena on etsy. She creates original drawing done with pens, inks and markers and sells prints of them in her online shop. She has exhibited globally, worked with numerous international companies, and yet her she has what she leads a quiet life in beautiful Portland, Oregon with a musician husband and two cats. Her featured seller interview on etsy reveals the more private side of Yellena, where she talks about her childhood in Sarajevo as well as early drawings of apron wearing robots baking cookies.

a thing called geek weather

As a result of this strange, inconsistent, cold, whimsical, crazy weather I have been increasingly prevailed to stay home, drink copious amounts of ginger and lemon tea, and do nothing but paint and draw. This means I am making tremendous headway on commissions and secret projects (not to mention my art history essays.). On the downside it has given rise to anti-social/geeky behaviour on my part. But nevermind that for now! Let me show you a few exciting new things. Like my new print and my freshly made facebook art page.

feature friday V - nom chi

I recently came across this lady blogger/artist/compulsive doodle-er whilst browsing the lovely and amazing Audrey Kawasaki's ffffound page. It is none other than Nom Chi, art student from Vancouver Canada. Her unique style and wonderful use of line have kept me scrolling for some time now, and I think its only a matter of time before she gets snapped up and makes it big like Audrey. Anyhow, these sketches are but the tip of the iceberg.. visit her blog for more crazy amazing work.

friday feature II

I've been meaning to write about Andrea Wan's work for a while, as she has been making some really exciting illustrative work for a while. The way she combines soft colours with unique patterns and textures gives her work an element of spontaneity. Like you just want to know what she will do next! Her website is great. And check out her super cozy studio.

feature friday I

I have decided to start a new tradition of my own where once a week I share the work of an artist who inspires me. This week it is Bayo aka Eduarto Flores who's dark and diverse work fascinates me. His emotive drawings of strange characters capture my imagination, and make me wish I could have attended the group show he was just in at Intoxicated Demons Gallery in Munich. Visit his website for further inspiration.