Latest Caricature

This is my latest caricature ordered over the phone and posted to Sydney.

So easy ordering a caricature this way...the client sent me a few photos, I sent her a rough draft using some of her ideas on certain elements and was to be an anniversary gift for her partner. Once the draft was approved I drew it up in colour and there were no changes. Another happy customer.

I always enjoy doing these caricatures. They are a little more 'life-like' in look rather than 'cartoon-like' and I use pastel pencils and ink pens.

150 Years History of Ourimbah Public School Book

After 18 months of research, photography and graphic design I can finally put my name to producing a book for the local school which is the oldest school on the Central Coast NSW.

It has been pleasure and pain working on this project which met the deadline to be launched at the Old Time Fair October 20, 2013 where thousands attended and 500 books were sold. Very proud to have produced this 200 page full colour book. I was also involved in fundraising for printing by coordinating sponsors and pre orders and organised the printing coordination.

I also designed the Commemorative Lapel Pins and coordinated to have them produced.

"Golden Scribbly's"

Well finally another art piece of mine is completed. A first for 2013 as I have had a book project totally consuming all painting time for me this year. This painting is titled "Golden Scribbly's". Inspired by the many gum trees surrounding my house, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sun just hits the gum trees with such intensity they just glow with that golden lustre. I guess I've stared at them many times over the years at my house and noticing all the light changes just inspires me to capture at least one of those times in paint. I have used acrylic paint and painted on a 10''x12'' canvas board. I will be framing it though to go into the Central Coast Grammar Art Show on September 7th & 8th, 2013.

And yes..it's for sale!

Just designed this poster for a school that is already being displayed around all the local businesses. Had lots of fun with type. Would have loved to play around with hand lettering too but time was a priority so I stayed with fonts that were accessible on CorelDraw.

I also designed their school emblem which incorporates a sprig of gum leaves on either side of the crest. The area where Ourimbah Public School is situated is surrounded by a beautiful rainforest and loads of gum trees and the history of the area is in timber cutting and sawmills, orchards and hardships, most of all is gone now but many of the stories are documented by locals in the book I'm writing which will go to the printers soon.

Can't wait for that!

Also just finished a caricature of a couple for an Anniversary gift.

I get good photos of their faces and I can draw any type of body pose to create a story based on what elements the client gives me. This time it was very simple...the man is a 'Roosters' fan, he loves gelato, he always wears shorts and sandshoes. She always has a bottle of water in her hand. As it was an Anniversary gift I decided to draw them holding hands! Awww! I draw all my caricatures with pastel pencils. They are nice and soft and very easy to blend. The client was very happy...and that's all I ask for.

EcoPirates logo

Just recently designed a logo for a friend who is setting up a new business selling sustainable products at local markets on the Central Coast NSW at the moment. She sells Soap Nuts, Bamboo products, cards printed with eco friendly dyes and inks and hemp oil products, etc. You can find EcoPirates on facebook.

Current Book Project

I guess you can tell I haven't done a lot of art for a while as my posts are few and far between lately. I have been working over the last 12 months, researching, compiling, photographing and designing all pages for this history book. This in only a rough draft at the moment of the front cover but I have to put together a book detailing 150 years of history at this public school. This project not only has become very interesting but time consuming searching through much of the school archives, scanning documents and photos. It's a very daunting challenge to take this on myself but as usual I throw myself in.The best parts I've come across so far are the incredible stories that have come through people's recollections of their school days. I'm just amazed at the stories that are funny, sad, cheeky and stories of hardship that have been filtered through. I set up a facebook page for ex students and teachers and the stories that have been sparked through connections and photos are wonderful. I can't wait for this project to finally get to print. It may be a 90 page plus book but I'm just working page to page and keeping all the information flowing.

Ok back to the typing board.....