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 Thirty Fifth Doodle

I think it's really good to revisit old ideas, sit and look at them, and think about how you would do them now.

I reckon it's a great way to see a) if you've improved at all, b) see how your style has developed and changed and c) see how or IF you'd do anything differently. Basically, it's sort of like time travel, only less scientific. And you can't go back to Medieval times and watch a joust, as awesome as that would be.

The Fifteenth Doodle

Oh my, deep down I still love skateboarding/bmxing/surfing/snowboarding. I am useless at all of them, yet adore watching them. I did go surfing in Australia which was fab, but after a nasty fall in the shallows have suffered with the ghost of a torn back muscle ever since. Awesome.

So I am clearly meant to sit and watch these people, and draw them. Which I love.

Though sometimes egos get in the way. I have often been treated like a 'groupie' by those doing said extreme sport, which makes me furious. The same happens if I'm doing any sort of musical/band pictures.

Errrr don't flatter yourself mate. I am a talented and independent lady in my own right, and I am not here to whimper over you and draw attention to myself in order to ensnare a skater/guitarist boyf. No spanks.

I draw, and I love to watch things that inspire me. Too bad the people who do it can often (not always, but often) be so narrow minded.