Alice in Wonderland Shoot for Specsavers Kids

All those rather mysterious Alice in Wonderland themed projects can finally be unmasked in the shape of the latest Supersavers Kids magazine. I styled and illustrated the cover and main set piece for the Spring Summer 2015 issue.

The first job was to design the looks for Alice, the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter and White Rabbit. We have 4 fantastic 6/7 year  old models who had a great time on the day. Our Alice outfit was a particular favourite as I thought a bit outside the box and came up with this slightly dreamy floral dress from John Lewis.

The brief was to dress them in clothes they would want to wear; looking clearly like the character without looking like fancy dress.

The Queen of Hearts' outfit was largely from H&M and Doc Martins from John Lewis. Her crown headband was a particular favourite with the adults on the shoot!

on the shoot with Milo and Oli.

Can you spot the playing card bow tie and collar from previous blog posts? Alice's hair bow also makes an appearance.

We set up the shoot the night before which gave us lots of time to play with flamingoes and cupcakes!

Then came the illustration part. After settling on handpainted watercolour style (which is obviously my favourite!) I created a wonderland esque backdrop for both the cover and double page spread.

White Rabbit late for an important date

starting to add colour to the double page spread

adding in flamingoes all over the place. 

 The Magazine is out in the shops now. The project was managed by Specialist UK

Inspiration in Brilliant, Talented Bristol...just as I book a trip to Seville

Seville, Wikimedia

I have recently decided to take a research trip to Seville (provided I haven't messed up my passport renewal application form) to remind myself why i got into drawing and all things creative. Coincidentally, I have noticed a handful of inspiring people and events on my doorstep in the past few days. There is a lot to be said for pausing and looking up and about you.

photo uncredited, Rosie Webb

both images from Rosie Webb

Rosie Webb is a very talented local illustrator shoe drawings are anything but. The whole country will have seen her pieces from tins of sliced carrots et al in Tescos to illustrative features in Esquire and Sunday Times Style Magazine. She is extremely humble and loves what she does, and I met her manning the tills in a lovely Bristol Independent Shop where she sells some of her work. What a lovely lady!

Inishbofin Sound, Norman Ackroyd RA2005, etching, image courtesy of the artist

Not far down the road at the Royal West of England Academy, There is a new exhibition The Power of the Sea. They've managed to open on the same day as the epic biblical blockbuster Noah.

An Mor Kernewek, Kurt Jackson RWA2003, mixed media and collage on linen, image courtesy of the artist

Seascape Study: Boat and Stormy Sky, John Constable RAc.1824–8, oil on paper laid on board, © Royal Academy of Arts, London

I know I'd rather be at the RWA sampling such model making delights as this little gem they put out on twitter earlier today...

Easton Arts Trail

We were lucky enough to walk past this brilliantly bonkers Flamingo garden during a gap in the downpour.

Ros and Catherine - our very own Easton Installation

Following a rather big night at Belle and Grant's supper club at 40 Alfred Place, Ros and I found some wholesome fun wandering around the Easton Arts Trail on Sunday.  We gathered up our very talented friend, Catherine and had a good old snoop into the weird and wonderful front rooms of Easton's Artists.