The Fifty Fourth Doodle

 

 She started as a quick sketch last week, and here she is all finished now. I like experimenting with the pens and ink, and I like these bold, almost neon colours that are coming out. And you all know I love the old extreme sports. I wanted this image to be very feminine but hardcore and gritty too; the purple/pink colours help to emphasise the 'yes, this is a girl' sort of thing, but the edgy drawing and layering helps to give it that grungy look I love so much. Pretty chuffed with it considering how long everything takes me at the minute!

Ok, more stuff that's been happening (LOL 'happening') while I'm getting better-

 

1) GETTING CAKE AND FLOWERS IS VERY NICE

Well, getting spoilt is what's it all about isn't it. 

 

2) WANTING TO GO OUT BUT NOT REALLY BEING ABLE TO ALONE

Seriously, it's like being a toddler. I get so tired and sore when I try to go out for little walks I always need to go with someone else just in case, well, I need them to carry me home.

 

3) FINDING OLD CRAP I'VE MADE MY PARENTS

God bless people who have creative children, 'cause they're always more likely to get hand made gifts. In some cases, it is wonderful. In others, I'm sure the olds are thinking 'well it's sweet, but I really wanted a book'. But hopefully my ma liked this, as who doesn't like teapots ey? They help us drink tea.

 

4) FALLING IN LOVE WITH SMALL THINGS THAT HELP ENTERTAIN ME

Pens. I love pens. Pens keep me happy. Paint is too tricky at the minute, so pens are my saviours. Yehhh.

 

The Fifty Third Doodle

 

I may not be able to paint much (painting lying on your stomach in bed while propped up on your elbows is very tricky) but I have had a wee bit of joy playing with pens. I confess I hadn't used coloured pens or markers much before, but they are great. This skater girl sketch above will soon have some colouredy (YES IT'S A WORD) treatment, and this makes me happy. I mean my back is killing me, but not much I can do about that right now, so lets focus on the good stuff ey.

So yeah, as an arteeest, I recommend the double ended ProMarker. A bit pricey but well worth it. If you look in somewhere like Cass Art they often have great sales, if you can grab a whole pack it's much better for your wallet. Or your dads wallet. Considering it's a marker you can get so many different shades and levels from just one pen, they're fab.

As for the fineliners, gotta go for the old classic Stabilo coloured pens. Thin and nicely coloured - what more does an illustrator need from a coloured fineliner ey?

So I have found I struggle to draw or anything for more than about 15-20 minutes. Lack of comfort being the primary issue, but also my concentration levels are totally shot. This blog post alone took me ALL DAY TO WRITE. God I'm a tit. 

So here's images to show you what else I have been doing while recovering-

 

1) SLEEPING. SO MUCH SLEEPING. 

Now I class myself as a somewhat lazy individual, but even for me this is getting ridiculous. My bed has a Ruth shaped dent in it, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I aint light and dainty, that's for damn sure.

 

2) PAINTING MY NAILS. BADLY. 

I know right, I'm a artist. Yet I am shite at painting my nails. I'd say I have a good excuse right now though. Not being able to sit up means you have to paint said nails in unusual positions (namely lying down or standing) so I end up splodging nail varnish all over the show. But, you know, I lose my painting mo-jo when I'm stood up. Gravity pulls it all out.

 

3) BUYING TOPS. 

Actually, that isn't quite true, I bought one top. BUT it's COOL. And it was on sale, and it is made by an independant clothing company Own The Night. So really, I didn't buy it for ME. It was a selfless purchase. YEP. I am like a walking charity worker me.

 

4) LISTENING TO BANGIN' TUNES AND THEN REALISING I REALLY AM NOT COOL ENOUGH TO PULL OFF BANGIN'

I got the Of Monsters and Men album as a 'get well' prezzy from my beau, as I do love them so. Other bands who have soothed me the last few days include A Day to Remember, Tool, Deftones, Jessica Lea Mayfield and The Offspring. I know, I have odd eclectic tastes right. 

The Fifty Second Doodle

 

So, as some of you may or may not know, I recently had to have an operation on my back. Nothing terrifyingly serious, but very painful and with a slow recovery rate. 

Fabulous.

And as you can probably guess, I have been bored off my face. The injury was on my lower back, so I am unable to sit up or walk very well; so I am stuck lying on my front in bed (as I am right now) trying to do the odd doodle and communicate with my fellow human beings. So my wee sketch of (the rather marvelous) Mark Strong above is one of my bed-bound drawings; an attempt to stave off insanity and misery. 

God I am such a drama queen (I know, an artist being a drama queen, who'd have thunk it). I am sure I will be TOTALLY FINE very soon, but my goodness, being in pain sucks. It is exhausting. I go for a little waddle (walk is an overstatement) to the shop around the corner, after which I can sleep for hours.

WHAT A LAME-O.

Oh well, I am sure I'll be back to my old self soon. An illustrating menace.

The Fifty First Doodle

Deep down, I still totally love extreme sports. I may not do any sports style work for a while, but it always niggles in the back of my mind. 

I love the energy, the aggression, the passion, the youthful nature. I do enjoy doing other types of sporting illustrations, but I think the reason I especially love skating, BMXing, surfing and snowboarding is because that's what I was into as a 'yoof'. I was part of the 'alternative' gang, I dated skater boys, I went surfing, I thought I was so bloody cool.

Then I grew up. And realized that I am, indeed, very cool.

I have a soft spot for girls who do these sports, as they are generally still very male dominated. Respect to those ladies who are not only trying to improve their skills and do what they love, but are doing it in a industry that is still mostly run by men for men. That's why you need to check out some of the fab ladies like those at Yeah Zine and give them some support!