Sketching in the garden this morning to catch the late Autumn sun.

If unhappy with the development of a painting I’ll risk wrecking the entire picture with drastic alterations. Sometimes it pays off. Sometimes not…

In the instance of Poplar Treehouse I was disappointed in my choice of composition. I felt it was too symmetrical resulting in a dull appearance.

I sat on the picture for a while before deciding the only way forward was to make dramatic changes.

This was the result.

Which do you prefer?

This little fellow didn’t make the finished magazine commission. But he’s such a cute character I had to share!

In the world of treehouses, I think a poplar tree would be the equivalent to a high rise apartment.

This was painted during several festivals in watercolour, gouache and ink.

 

In-between hectic travelling and sightseeing I’m still finding time to stop by quirky cafes for a quick coffee fix and drawing.

This was taken at the Larder cafe in the scenic town of Daylesford.

Into my second week touring Victoria – presenting at schools and centres.

It’s been a chance to not only engage with a new audience but visit some of the splendid
sites Victoria have to offer. Noticeably the Great Ocean Road and country towns surrounding Belgrave.

The only downside of the tour has been tackling with the traffic systems in Melbourne and avoiding collisions with trams!

 

 

I made an attempt at filming myself drawing yesterday.

This was the finished result.

Apologies for the poor quality…

Two more books arrived in the post of Jess Black and my new series, Little Paws (Penguin-Random House and Guide Dogs Australia).

Officially released April 2017.

Inspired to sketch this scene after seeing a storm brew over my fruit trees.

Sketching one of my favourite scenes from my parent’s farm along the Blackwood.