Illustration Friday; Asleep

Asleep in the sunshine, dreaming of something nice to eat. My little cat spent most of her time in the garden asleep. She died aged eighteen but I'm sure I can still see her under a bush in a warm shady spot curled up in the sunshine, in the garden.

This illustration was made a few months ago but I thought it was a good one to put into this week's I F.

Painting 2

Another painting almost finished called "Solitude."

New Painting

I've started painting again after a break of about a year, during which I've enjoyed working with mixed media illustrations. I'd forgotten how hard it is, both physically and mentally to create paintings on canvas and paper. At last I've finished two works for a couple of local shows. This is a small work on Arches paper called Flinders Beach.

Illustration Friday; Safari

I really love watching giraffes move so gracefully with their long tongues reaching out for the tallest branches.

Illustration Friday "lesson"

A lesson from the tree of knowledge, a thirst for learning throughout your life.

New work for my Etsy shop

Great Barrier Reef

Have just returned from a short break to Far North Queensland to see my son James. We had a great time cramming so much in, during four short days. The highlight of the trip was snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, which has been on my wish list most of my life! Here are some photos of the coral and fish. The colours of the different fish were amazing. Going to the reef has really made me feel that we must protect our environment as this wonderful area is so fragile! The coral may not be saved for our children if we don't take climate change seriously.

IF: Duet

I've always admired the resilience of sparrows, often watching them working as pairs searching in the city food halls for crumbs. They seem to be tough intelligent little birds. I don't often see them where I live in my semi rural home, until the bird seed is on the table. They turn up out of thin air with all their mates to take advantage. These two little birds are singing a duet!

Fossicking

Something I love to do when I'm out walking. The term (fossicking) is still common  in Cornwall and Australia and was most likely originally a word used when searching for gold and minerals in the early days. Anyway, I love to find different treasures whether they are old bones, shells , feathers or seedpods, keeping them in my studio to sketch when I need inspiration.

IF: toy

Will somebody play with me?