Secret Garden Magazine Cover Shot

A shot inside the walled garden at Fulham Palace, (London SW6) has just been published on the cover of a glossy local lifestyle magazine. In the past I’ve been at work in daylight hours when it’s snowed, so photography hasn’t been a possibility. But this was a proper ’snow day’ off work. In a lecture at Camberwell, illustrator Russell Cobb advised on being selective when teaching oneself to observe, i.e. take photos of cafe’s in Paloma, rather than just taking photos of Paloma. So this is my local Bishop’s Park. I concentrated my efforts there rather than roaming further afield. There are more here in my London Flickr photo set.

Thank you to SW6 Editor, Lorraine Crighton-Smith. I really like the green and gold.

Camberwell MA Illustration Show 2009

I’ve got the best week coming up – the last week of school (day job) before we’re out for summer, but firstly, two-thirds of my Camberwell contemporaries (those on the full-time programme) will graduate. Check out the Grad Show details here, and see who’s exhibiting from MA Illustration.

Jonny Hannah’s Hot Jazz Special

One of the great aspects about being a student at Camberwell is having the opportunity to meet some of Britain’s best illustrators. Yesterday Jonny Hannah gave us an insight into the way he works, entertaining us with a wide array of examples; books and jackets, advertising and theatre work, and screenprints sold through his  business, Cakes and Ale Press. 

I first came across Hannah’s work displayed in the V&A Museum’s Illustration Awards in 2005, and subsequently purchased the book, Hot Jazz Special  (this photo shows one of the most popular spreads) which he graciously signed for me. 

Last night I did some very un-Hannah like drawings of a large Linzer biscuit. (These are little practice drawings for Hansel and Gretel, part of my MA project – anything with hearts or faintly biscuit-y/cookie-ish in nature will do….)

 

Childhood memories – Liquorice Allsorts

My mother just sent me a book from home by Gavin Bishop, one of my favourite NZ author/illustrators who I met as a student teacher when I worked in his art department at Christ’s College for a month. Piano Rock is about his 1950’s childhood and features spot illustrations throughout, including one of Liquorice Allsorts, (sweets/candy). When I was a kid, it seemed to me all ‘old people’ had ’Black Knight’ Liquorice or liquorice allsorts in plentiful supply… the memory prompted me to draw these Bassett’s allsorts yesterday.

Sketches by David Macaulay

Today enjoyed looking at a few prelim sketches for ’The Way We Work’ by writer/illustrator David Macaulay in Amazon’s additional information section which includes a couple of video clips – see Amazon and an in-depth interview (Burlington Free Press).

Winter Magic at Somerset House

Today I bought a charming picture book by a fellow Camberwell student, Jane Heinrichs. It’s set in London’s Courtald Gallery at Somerset House, where the courtyard turns into a beautiful skating venue each Winter.

Visit Canadian Jane Heinrichs new website for a glimpse of Magic at the Museum, and check for book signings under ‘News’.

Illustrator Russell Cobb at Camberwell

Illustrator (and AOI Chairman) Russell Cobb lectured at Camberwell today, and followed up with an extensive Q&A session. He underlined the importance of sketchbooks as a tool, gave us an insightful talk on the freelancing life and treated us to a load of photos of his work and studio. A good day.

Illustrator Russell Cobb at Camberwell

Inside Cobb's Drawing Studio

Some of Cobb's sketchbook pages

I Pretend To Work

This tiny book of doodles just arrived from the brilliant Andy Smith.

HarperCollins does Sustainable Reading

HarperCollins (London) launched ’The Great Paper Caper’ by Oliver Jeffers last night – it’s their first FSC book and they couldn’t have found a more appropriate vehicle with which to introduce paper stock sourced from sustainable forests. I attended the event with writer-illustrator Layn Marlow for Write Away. And check out Oliver Jeffers beautiful website – he’s a supremely talented, down-to-earth guy.  

Photos: Jeffers delivering a brief speech; The foyer at HarperCollins, kitted out with Paper Caper decorations.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted by email from Kim’s blog (posterous)

Rustic Palette

In making an effort to learn more about colour, I’ve found the warm palette in CA inspirational… a weathered sign in Pasadena, a garage at D-Land, and a bank in NOHO at dusk. I like these hints of rustic country charm in the city streets, which remind me of Lane Smith’s work.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted by email from Kim’s blog (posterous)