Friday, August 27, 2010

Casting Call, Part 2

Boo! For some time now —a year, maybe more —I have had an infestation of crocodiles in my sketchbook. Here are a few to be going on with:



My crocodiles are friendly —sometimes homesick, sometimes mischievous, sometimes awkward and shy — and come in all colours and sizes. But so far, never mean...



I am so used to my version of crocodiles that I am quite shocked when I watch nature documentaries and see real crocs in action. They employ the element of surprise to perfection, leaping out of still waters and clamping onto their unsuspecting dinner with a sudden splash and thrash. Poor old wildebeest cannot slake its thirst without taking its life in its own hands hooves!



But still —I love their cheeky smiles...

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Pets... in unexpected places

I got a lovely surprise in my boîte aux lettres from Hazel.

This "Pet in the Post" is a cheerful little spider... she even came with her own web!


The other pets seem to be taking to her just fine...


...and she seems to be right at home in Paris. Thanks, Hazel!


For those of you who don't know, Hazel is a painter and a teacher from Scotland, and the blogueuse responsible for the wonderful and inspiring blog, The Art Room Plant.
So much treasure and inspiration — go look...right NOW! Run, don't walk.

You're welcome.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Scenes from rural France

I'm back from my little break. It's good to get away from town —yes, even Paris!— every now and again.

New things to look at!  Fresh air!!

.  

Just what the doctor ordered.

New friends...  
More new friends... drawn "on the hoof", as it were.