Dante and Genevieve

2011-02-10T22:09:00.000+10:00

I had such an exciting, fun and eye-opening day yesterday, at the Billy Blue College of Design.
I've never been in a study environment before and I just thoroughly loved the experience!
It has ultimately convinced me to take on study of fashion, there is no longer any doubt, no more arguments with myself over whether to strive to make art a full time occupation, it's what I have passion for and I know now that nothing else would make me as happy as what art brings to me.

I have so much to learn and to do.

This Day

2011-02-04T14:49:00.000+10:00

Today I feel fabulous!

Listening to Glee, making picnic plans for the coming weekend, wearing red lipstick and making new promises to myself - my day couldn't be any better (unless of course it was raining).

Thank you everyone for such wonderful comments and support, you're all just LOVERLY!!

I have to make a run to the art store tomorrow and pick up more paper - am completely out and have been reduced to scribble on regular printing paper...just appalling!

So here is a new drawing, I stuffed up the shoes but i don't care.

2011-02-01T23:16:00.000+10:00

I have been a seriously busy bee the past week...well...when it comes to drawing that is...it's way too hot here to do much else. Big thank you to my gorgeous brother and bestie for the iced tea jug and T2 fruity goodness!

Also some big news.

I've been offered a job as an art lecturer at Billy Blue Design College. I'm heading in there next Wednesday to meet everyone and chat to the director. I'm terrified. But I feel quite honored that my art stood out.

Anyway this is one of the recent pieces I've done.

7 Things

2011-01-27T13:36:00.000+10:00

I was given the Stylish Blogger Award by the super lovely Johanna, an amazing artist and friend.

So I am meant to share 7 things about myself that some people may not know about me, so I decided to draw them....here goes...

Now I am meant to pass this on to 15 fabulous bloggers....

Sarah
The Divinitus
Pippa
Madeline
Maya
Anna
Bambi Eyez
Marta
Karolina
Daniel
Gabriella
Ponytail Junction
Jess
Sofia
Regine

Like always the award have rules. First step is to thank and link back to the person(s) that awarded you. Share 7 things about yourself. Pay it forward to 15 recently discovered bloggers. Contact those bloggers about the award! The one that got the award must tell seven things about themself, and pay it forwards to 15 recentrly discovered bloggers

2011-01-11T00:08:00.000+10:00

My inspiration of late has been Little Red Riding Hood...more like an obsession really. (Cannot wait for the movie to be released)

The following one I did some time ago now...It has always been my favourite tale. When I was little I always imagined that the wolf wasn't really a wolf but Little Red's true forbidden love.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! I know I did...thanks to my beautiful friends and family and my ashin baby daddy. HA! Love you Nick xx

Seriously though, I can't believe 2010 has come to an end, for me it was such a life altering year.
It started in complete fear, uncertainty and betrayal but it also lead to my freedom and learning that it's all just okay in the end. It was a year of re-discovering lost passions that had been beaten out of me, although it is still only the beginning to where I want to be, I am proud of myself. I am on the path that I want, one that I have chosen for myself, and for once there is a profound happiness surrounding me, something that has been dormant for a long time.

2011 will be another special year, another year for good change, growing and knocking over some of those New Year's Resolutions.

New paintings

2010-12-18T17:33:00.000+10:00

I know, I know. It's been a while now since I last posted anything.
Frankly, I've just been lazy, yet despite my lack of updates I have however still been working on my art....

My Friend's the Dreamers

2010-11-09T13:28:00.000+10:00

Lately I have been repeatedly dreaming, of far out adventures in a cool and colourful world with friends, and animals, and great blue water.
The best part is I always feel a kind of serenity as I dream and even upon waking.

So here is my latest drawing inspired by my latest dreams.

A Taggin' Good Time

2010-11-03T23:05:00.001+10:00

I was tagged by the lovely and super talented Johanna to write 7 things about myself.
So here we go...

1. My days are automatically improved when it's rainy. I am at my creative peak when there is gloom surrounding me.

2. I am constantly in a battle with myself to forgo the desire to just leave, since I was a teenager I always thought I should of been born a man because I have such a restless spirit.

3. If I had more dress up costumes I would play dress ups every second day.

4. I have kept journals since I was 16, I consider them my therapy and to this day believe that they were the sole cure for my depression when therapy and drugs did nothing. One birthday my Aunt, Uncle, and their girls gave me a Moleskine journal along with a fountain pen, since then, I only ever write in Moleskine's. I name all of them but only after I get to know them. The pages have no dates and are random thoughts, those scribblings are my biggest secret and the most beloved material thing I own.

5. My younger brother and I are so spiritually close that I believe we were twins in a past life. We sometimes leave notes to each in Russian so nobody else knows what we are on about. He is my biggest pride and joy, my biggest worry, and before I discovered that we were so similar I felt lost, misunderstood and alone in the world.

6. I get embarrassed when I show people my art and they complement me, I never know what to say. It's only recently that I have fully started embracing my art.

7. It's not going to ever happen, but if I could, I would drop everything and join the army.

Behind the Idea # I

2010-10-31T14:14:00.000+10:00

'Down to the River to Pray'

Just a little bit about how this drawing came to be and the inspiration behind it.

Now, I really do not consider myself to be a religious person - too be completely honest I often feel a lot of animosity towards the system, but I do have my own secret, highly contained, and often conflicting beliefs.
In my early years I was raised in a practising Catholic environment...
To some it may come as a surprise to find that those childhood memories of church going, prayers, and Grace are to this day some of my most fondest memories that I have of my family where I associate us as being happy, united, undisturbed, and loving towards each other...unlike today.

Also somewhat surprising to discover is that I have a deep love for religious inspired music... I am often left feeling spiritually stripped and renewed when I listen. I guess I feel, closer to having peace within my own troubled self. So when I came across the new Victorian Tourism commercial with the voice of Paris Wells singing one of my most beloved religious songs 'Down to the River to Pray' I was reminded to once again be forced to look at my own faith and the bittersweet memories of days long gone by .
I hadn't heard it for some time, but I managed to find my Allison Kraus version and it has been on continuous play for the most part of the last 3 days...

So this is where and how I came to find the idea and inspiration behind my latest drawing starring some of my favourite models: Abbey Lee Kershaw, Gemma Ward, Sasha Pivovarova, and Siri Tollerod.

Here are some close ups of the girls....

Lit a Cigarette and Paper Crown Princess

2010-10-28T12:39:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was somewhat of a productive day, whereas today, not so much. Today, procrastination is my friend;)But I have finished 2 new paintings...(and there are many more to come)

Hope you all like.
xx

Photo Roll

2010-10-27T19:39:00.000+10:00

Today I have spent most of my day hiding in my room. Covered in pastel chalk and drawing up a storm. I find such peace sitting there, surrounded by my things...I love my bedroom more than any other place in the world.

So during a break I decided to get my camera out and take some photos.

My kitty cat painting and my two besties

This is the door from my tall boy. I found it at an op-shop and re-painted it...unfortunately the door fell off (several months ago^_^)

L O V E

PB&J

My trees!!

Little red robin, protector of my books.

My collection of Real Living

Just some of my Vogue mags, the rest are scattered throughout the house

My handmade Oxfam African baby girl posing in front of my naughty books. HA!

My Great Grandmother

My perfumes. Chloe is my absolute favourite.

Fabric ring bought at a local boutique cafe

A painting of a girl (and her brother) that I found at an op-shop.

The beige jacket was my Grandpa's. When I wear it I imagine he is hugging me. Miss him so much.

Me!

Will post my new artwork up soon.
XX

"Charged with Youth"

2010-10-21T10:39:00.001+10:00

After almost 2 weeks of doing nothing but resting and being in agony
(due to a back injury) I am very much pleased to be able to start doing things more normally. The inability to do virtually nothing without pain has been driving me crazy with boredom and isolation. I cannot wait to get back to work! Catch the bus and actually leave the house. Today is the second morning now that I have been able to walk without much pain, it's manageable, and only a slight tweak to remind me that it's there.

This week I attempted another drawing, although it took me 3 spread out days I managed to finish it...and it is now one of my favourites...

'Charged with Youth' - I love the Scottish Highland Steer! They are seriously just the cutest things in the world. I had been wanting to include one into a piece for a while and I think in an odd way the two complement each other...in all though I think that I'm totally going to move to Scotland for the cows and for Gerard Butler look-a-likes. Ha!

Frockshop Interview

2010-10-06T12:33:00.038+10:00

After a restless night sleep I awoke to discover my interview with Frockshop Style
was waiting for me along with a lovely e-mail from the amazing Jessy Cameron.
Read it below and be sure to check them out!!

What inspires your illustration style?

My art is forever changing and evolving. I love experimenting with different medias and can be somewhat of a chameleon when it comes to the style of my art…I gather inspiration from so many different sources – other artists, fashion, animals and nature, music and lyrics, dreams and fairy tales. Pretty much anything that holds a bit of beauty.

How would you describe your personal style?

In a way my personal style is very much like my art; ever changing.
It depends on my mood and who and what is influencing me at the time. I tend to stick with soft pastel and neutral colours. I like to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time so that’s very important in deciding what I wear.

What are your greatest fashion influences?

I’m fascinated with people who have a uniqueness and artiness about them such as wonderful characters like Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Erin Wasson and Shalom Harlow along with so many others. Outrageous glamour, whimsically aesthetic jewelry and vintage pieces make my head spin! I believe fashion and the way in which you wear it is just another form of art.

Whose closet would you raid if you had the chance?

The Olsen twins. They definitely have a style that is all their own and one that I look up to. The way they effortlessly mix old with new is truly amazing. I would have a field day sifting through the gowns, shoes, bags and jewelry…Ah one can only dream.

Earlier pieces

2010-10-04T11:42:00.002+10:00

I'm not sure when I will get the chance to do another piece...I'm busy working on another project that I've been putting off forever because of my art, so, I thought I would reveal some of my other works...

To Be Young

2010-09-30T08:09:00.000+10:00

Woke too early. Work tonight. I have so much to do today, but it really is a beautiful morning to be snuggled up in bed...

Anyway, I have finally finished my drawing of Codie Young (The first of many to come I'm sure) I'm happy with it, even though it wasn't what I initially had in my head to start with - maybe I will do a series - Codie in the city(?)

I love my best friend

2010-09-29T12:00:00.001+10:00

My beautiful friend, Miss Emilii, knows me so well.
Along with the link she also included a little note, that made me think how lucky I am to have her a friend like her:

"If I could afford to buy my best friend a house, I would buy this for you. This makes me think of you. It is also awesome"

Perfectly hidden within it's own secret garden, it's creative charm and cosy interior makes me wish I could call this little cottage home. It is just delightful from the open deck, to the french styled doors and windows, and the cutest little fireplace ever. I am in total love.
She has definitely found my ideal house.

The floorboards are startling against the clean and crisp surroundings. The candy green, the cream and timbered walls, and the white windows compliment each other. It just all falls together so perfectly.

The open living, and the quaint little fireplace is just dreamy. I just LOVE it.

I can easily picture my easel, vintage pieces, and my art scattered throughout this wondrous little house.

The fondness blooms

2010-09-27T22:10:00.000+10:00

I've been flipping through my ever-growing collection of Vogue recently.
I find that no matter what my mood is at the time, as soon as I pick up one of these books I find myself inspired and a quiet happiness consumes me with each turn of the page.
God, I love it. I fear though that I will soon need to make another trip to Ikea for a new bookcase solely to house my magazines...

In between life and other drawings I have started working on my Codie Young inspired piece, I'm super excited about this one and can't wait to finish it - thank goodness for 2 days grace.

Now for my most recent, influenced by my readings and by my new purchase: a jumpsuit from ASOS...

Rainy Days

2010-09-25T14:26:00.004+10:00

This week has been hectic.
So today is my day of relaxation and what better why to spend it than sitting on my bed drawing and listening to the rain falling against the earth and trees.

Here is a painting I did the other day before work using the blind contouring technique (with a little cheating when it comes to the finer details) I love this style.

There is no time

2010-09-19T10:59:00.004+10:00

I have been running in circles and running on the spot and trying my hardest to lift my feet high enough. Now, I'm just tired and yearning for rest and if I'm lucky some time to myself to relax, reflect and revise...But today is just the beginning of another busy and exhausting week.

It has taken me a ridiculous 4 days to complete this drawing but finally she is finished, I give you the beautiful Rianne Ten Haken..

A day in the city is always inspiring

2010-09-13T01:05:00.003+10:00

What a great day.

I love travelling into the city. I never used to. I used to find it scary and distressing. Now, all that is gone and I just find everything so fascinating and new.

I observed a girl today with cowboy ankle boots, a yellow rugby vest over the top of a fabulous cream fringed dress and she looked superb! I love it; the people, the fashion, the antics, the entertainment - it makes my day every time.
After work, I wandered over to the newsstand thinking I might as well buy a magazine for the bus ride home, and as usual, I chose Vogue. Normally I stick to the British or French editions but when I saw Codie Young grace the cover of the Australian issue I couldn't resist...plus it came with a super cute bag.

Later as I was walking down to the bus station - feeling quite happy about my day and my awesome score - the idea for my next project started to swirl around in my head; inspired by the city, and of course, Codie will be my muse - it seems only fitting.

Springtime is Everyones Friend

2010-09-12T07:03:00.002+10:00

I am reminded daily now of the change in the air, Spring is here.

My second favourite season.
There is nothing I find more peaceful than sitting on my back step early in the morning with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and my dog sitting under my arm. The birds seem more active this time of year, the kookaburra in a neighbouring tree lets me know he is there - it has been a while since I heard his voice. The air is crisp but with a feeling that a gentle warmness is on it's way...it is all just pure bliss and I am looking forward to my day.

With The Wild Around You

2010-09-11T20:20:00.001+10:00

There is something I find incredibly beautiful and truly majestic about Bambi's.

I am their biggest fan.

Rock 'n' Rolla

2010-09-11T19:53:00.001+10:00

"We all like a bit of the good life - some the money, some the drugs, other the sex game, the glamour, or the fame. But a Rock 'n' Rolla, oh, she's different. Why? Because a real Rock 'n' Rolla wants the lot."