March in Review
And NEWNESS for everyone in April!
Happy Spring to all my fellow northern hemisphere dwellers, and happy Autumn to those in the Southern hemisphere. The ‘change’ seasons are my absolute favourite times of the year. I write to you now with a heavy chesty cough that’s making me sound like an old man that’s been smoking 60 a day for most of his life, and yet despite that, I feel the optimism and sheer awesomeness that spring blossom and magnolias blooming brings. Does it not BLOW YOUR MIND that twigs that seemingly appear dry and lifeless suddenly sprout fresh green leaves?!?! Every year, I’m in AWE of the pure magic of it. For those in the southern hemisphere - those COLOURS… the changing seasons have THE BEST COLOURS.
I usually like to make a quick welcome video in these monthly posts, but due to the aforementioned old man cough and general unwellness, I’ll have to spare you the unpleasantness this time.
Highlight work
In truth, I have not had much time in my sketchbooks this month. I’ve been away in London with family, followed by sickness at home, plus a new freelance contract came through which took my focus (which is great!). However, I managed to join Sarah Dyers Birthday Live session - A-Z Animals, and it was pure fun and joy. This resulting wall continues to make me happy every day:
I’ll be revisiting this session and I have plans for a new set of drawings, coming soon.
March posts recap
FREE: Sketchbook Tour Video - Animals 2023 My first dedicated Animals themed sketchbook where I went wide with my exploration. What started as a fun little project to entertain my son has exploded into an obsession. If you’re new here, it’s a good one to start with.
PAID: Vlog: A morning in Munich A slightly longer video where I take you around to some of my favourite spots in Munich, including THE must visit art store. I share how I tackle capturing outdoor scenes in my sketchbook and share new materials.
OPENED TO ALL: Oil Pastels: Is this my new love? Initially I had this for paid members only, but I had so many nice exchanges on Notes around oil pastels that I felt inspired to make this free for all. I’m still at the start of my obsession with oil pastels, so if you have any tips for me, do come into the comments and let’s continue to geek out!
PAID: LIVE REPLAY: Cats on Vintage Album Covers This session was a huge hit, and so much fun! Huge thanks to
for co-hosting this one with me! It’s always such a pleasure to be part of the lives in her space.
March Inspo
A collection of what I’ve been feeding my brain:
📰 Article: ‘Drawing is like Meditating’: the hypnotic artwork of Ronan Bouroullec
🎨 Sketchbook Tour: Lis Watkins’ sketchbooks are masterful. Lis is now also on Substack!
🎧 Podcast: Luis Mendo was a Designer, but now Draws. Following the journey of Designers who have moved fully into art making is my obsession. This episode of the brilliant Handsome Frank podcast filled me with so much energy - and made me want to run to my sketchbooks.
🎥Video: Spotlight on the brilliant Luis Mendo . Yes, I’m obsessed.
🌈 Colour inspiration: Look to film for ways into working with colour. This video was an insightful look at how colour was used in La La Land - a very intentional use of colour to navigate the journey of the main characters. Fascinating.
A focus on Style
If you’re thinking a lot about style lately, you’re not alone. It’s been quite a theme this month:
📰 Article: Supermundane shares his latest body of work
🎥Video:
shared her insights into style and process🎥Video: Frances Ives Patreon this month included a new ‘back to basics’ series where she shared how she gathers style inspiration and how it feeds into her work.
🎧 Podcast:
with Skye Kelly-Barrett from Roar Artists touched heavily on the topic of style. A really useful perspective from an agency owner.Live Sessions in April
FREE FOR ALL LIVE SESSION: Colour Swatch Sesh
This is NEW, and for everyone. An open invitation to come along and ‘CO-Swatch’. Do you have a set of materials that have been forgotten on a shelf? Are there colours you tend not to use? Have you been gifted new materials but not yet cracked them open? Save it for our SWATCH SESH, and lets make those swatch cards together. Share the materials you are swatching and lets chat colour!
I’ll send all the sign up details in a separate email.PAID LIVE SESSION: I’ll be hosting a Wes Anderson inspired colour session. Details to follow!
Once I get my voice back, there will also be another sketchbook tour on the way, I hope! I’m also planning a ‘how to design your portfolio for illustrating for brands’ video for paid members.
How has March been for you?
See you in April!
Love your animals on the wall and will definitely join the swatching session! 😍
What an amazing month March was for you! The colour swatch sesh sound so nice 😊