High after Hockney

So last weekend I took a trip to the Royal Academy to see the much talked about Hockney exhibition. And it didn't disappoint. It took me about 2 hours to get round the exhibit and I had to sit down and have a break as there's a lot to look at.

Hockney's use of colour is so inspiring. Viewing his simplistic landscapes is like watching HDTV; the vibrancy of his work almost pings with clarity. And seeing some his older works that I've known and loved as an art student were quite emotional to look at too. A favourite piece of mine is the Nichols Canyon which I distinctly recall copying as a teenager and it took me back. I remember mimicking his marks and shadings and admiring his technique. Funny what you remember.

The 25 minute video installation had me mesmerised. I particularly enjoyed the dance pieces with Wayne Sleep and fellow dancers. The colours in the footage are beautiful and very 2012; what we say in this season's fashion collections and in interiors.

Anyway, what I've taken away from Hockney's exhibition is to paint again and have the courage to take subjects and paint them in a palette that reflects how they make me feel. And so I've started to film my journey to work so I can take note of the beautiful Kent countryside I drive through every day. Who knows what I'll paint but I'll keep you posted.

Passion for Print

On Friday I paid a visit to the wonderful Adams of Rye, a local wood type printers used by well known graphic artists such as Anthony Burrill and Aardvark. The printer is located at the back of an old fashioned newsagents come gift shop that's served by attentive little ladies in bibs, ready to serve you. It's like stepping back in time. I was accompanied to the printing office and as the printing office door swung open, I entered what was a treasure trove of letters. Here's a little window into the wonderful world of letterpress.

Going Green

Today, I went green. I had been dilly dallying (love that phrase) over whether to use such a vibrant colour and was very close to opting for a Farrow and Ball grey. But dark greys just aren't me. I love colour and I'm super pleased with the results. Just need to work on my black and white photography collection to go in frames and create a feature on the right hand side wall! Paint: Dulux Forest Falls 1.

How supermarket shopping should be

Over in Peasmarsh, I decided to sample Jempsons to do my weekly grocery shop and I was ever so pleasantly surprised. As my Jempsons experience began, I was greeted by an elder gentleman in shirt and dicky bow tie wishing me a good day and before me laid a feast of fresh produce beautifully displayed, begging for me to touch and feel their freshness. Ok so I'm getting carried away but it really was a refreshing shopping experience. A million worlds away from the aisle rage one gets in Sainsburys or Tescos. Like every supermarket it has designated counters; your butcher, deli, fishmonger and so forth however Jempsons make them feel homely like your visiting your local deli. The food is locally grown and overall, it's a much nicer grocery shopping experience. It's how supermarket shopping should be.

Hooray for Spring!

Finally, Spring has arrived and my freshly painted toenails can wake up from their slumber and see the light of day. It's been a gorgeous sunny day and in celebration of double digit degrees, here are a pick of some my favourite things this season.

1. Bluebellgray 2. Sandro 3. Mulu Tutti Frutti by Villa Nova 4. M&S' Organic Green Tea with Jamine 5. Jane Churchill Mayflower fabric 6. Summer bulbs from letsgetsnug.co.uk 7. DIY milk glass 8. Andy Warhol Butterflies print, Heals

In the jungle...

Just finished designing for The Wild Mallydanimals Charity Ball, an RSPCA fundraising event. Collaborating with Whisk Illustration, we hope the posters drum up some excitement for the charity bash and raise lots of money for a very worthy cause. To help raise funds for RSPCA Mallydams Wood or to find out more about their super cool charity ball on Sat 14th April, click here.

Today this made me smile

I love design that makes me smile and this bag had me chuckling. Bag from Pamela Fugate Designs. Found via the fab online mag SweetPaul.

One day I'll have a Morris

They just don't make cars like this anymore. You can't help but smile at this British beauty from the 60s. One day I'll have a little Morris of my own to pootle about in. But for now, I'll have to just admire the one down the road.

Thrifty find #010

Picked up this Ottoman today to sit in my bay window. The plan is to paint it white and make a padded seat out of Sanderson's Henri Matisse Still life fabric shown below. Perfect!!!!

In love with Liberty

Oh how I love Libertys. Each time I visit I come away slightly saddened at not being able to buy absolutely everything instore. If I were to ever win the lottery (which will never happen as I never remember to purchase a ticket), I would buy one of everything, Michael Jackson stylee. But for now, I'll have to make do with buying a fat quarter.

Grrrr...

It dawned on me today that I've dished out a lot of advice recently. Not like an annoying know-it- all telling people how they can do things better. But people asking me stuff about design and asking for guidance on getting ahead. And being the stupidly nice person that I am, I invest my precious time and energy responding, only to get absolutely zilch in return. I don't ask much but a simple thank you would keep my murderous tendencies at bay. 2 words, 8 letters. Ping it in an email, job done.

Anyway, inspired by the fabulous David Shrigley, I've produced an illustration that will now be sent to all future enquiries. Should save me some time hopefully.