Art update September 2023

I realise it has been a while since I have posted an update on my website (follow my social media for more regular updates)

Back in July, I finished a graphite drawing called Bunny Kisses. This is completed on white pastelmat paper using Conté à Paris graphite pencils 2H, 2B and 6B

📷 Photo by Kayla Janowicz.

I just loved doing this, it has been a while since I have done a piece in graphite!
I have created a lot of the fur texture using a cotton bud and magic scotch tape, using a method they call “lifting out” and it has worked really well.
🐰The Spirit of the Rabbit 🐰
Some say that the rabbit is the symbol of invention, transformation, vigilance, sensitivity and dexterity due to the unpredictable and witty skills it needs in order to hide away or outrun its hunter, it has to be quick thinking and agile in making a new plan within a split second.
Rabbits also have a strong connection with Spring and Easter, marking a time of new beginnings and life, representing abundant energy, fertility, creativity and new hope.
In the Chinse Animal Zodiac, they suggest those that are born in the year of the rabbit experience longevity and a life surrounded by prosperity and an abundance of love!
In more recent news I have a few projects on the go, one being a beautiful lady whom I am challenging myself with regarding skin tones and a little robin, they are both a work in progress shown below.
I have lots more planned for the rest of the year, including another robin, a magpie and some very cute foxes. I am also planning on doing my first craft fair (so prints and cards of some of my work will be available soon) I am also prepping for running a workshop.
Of course, I am still open for commissions just drop me a message if you are interested.
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Art Update June 2023

✨ Please allow me to introduce Oakley the Woodpecker ✨
 👩‍🎨 Oakley is completed with Coloured pencil on Anthracite (black) Pastelmat paper.
📷 Photo by Gill Merritt – Thank you for the lovely reference photo!

He is the latest addition to my wildlife series, and again my grandad played a part in the inspiration behind this piece. As a young child I spent a lot of time with my grandad and we would quite often go for a walk in the woodland not far from us and he would always make me listen out for the woodpecker, I used to get so excited every time I heard it.

I have also included a little write-up about the spirit of the great spotted woodpecker. It is said that the woodpecker is the harbinger of happiness and good relationships A symbol for helping us to recognise our assets/gifts even when they lie in hidden places. The woodpecker is known for the sound it makes when chiselling away at a tree, this hammering sound corresponds with shamanic drumming – which is a powerful tool for meditation, journaling and speaking with both spirit and the divine. The woodpecker is also a very determined bird – it will not stop until it knows the message has been heard loud and clear, the spirit of the woodpecker knows life is tough and that we are faced with some rather tough challenges in this earthy experience. It wants to show us and remind us of the power of determination and to remember whatever is put on our path never give up on our dreams!

The woodpecker is also part of the American animal zodiac for those of us who are born between the 21st of June – 21st of July (in the Northern Hemisphere) – We walk with the woodpecker! (Me! I do – let me know if the woodpecker is your Animal zodiac too?) They say we are faithful, kind, upbeat, sensitive, good listeners, and totally empathic with a deep understanding. Also, that our family is everything – we can be the heart of the home, devoting our time to the happiness of our tribe, but that can often mean putting ourselves last.

Oakley the Woodpecker - Photo by Jill Merrit

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Art Update March 2023

Allow me to introduce Oswald
Oswald is completed with Coloured pencils and the background has been completed with Pastels on Maisie (yellow) Pastelmat board.
📷 Photo by Gill Merritt

I have also included a little write-up about the spirit of the Barn Owl. 🦉
The wisdom of the owl is not something to just muse about, it is the core of Owl medicine.
Owls know their way to other realms and accompany the soul on its journey, they bring back messages and lessons from our ancestors, angels and the divine as it silently glides through other realms such as the Akashic records.
The owl safeguards this sacred knowledge, mentoring those in times of need and those who wish to truly seek the truth. They show us the way to opening our eyes – really opening them! The results will lead to the unravelling of the hidden the doorways to other accessible realms.
As you fly with the owl you will feel a connection to the sacred feminine. They represent being able to the negative darkness in this early journey.
Reminding us that this human life is short so treat every day as precious and live it to the fullest. Let your heart be open and do not let fear get in the way of expressing your love.
Whenever you need help facing the shadows of life you can call up on the spirits of your ancestors and the barn owl, they will help you.
Photo by Gill Merritt

Original – Medium: Pastel and Coloured Pencil- Sold

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Art update February 2023

January and February have been rather productive!
✨ Allow me to introduce Eddie ✨
🐶 I had the pleasure of knowing this lovely boy and what a wonderful dog he was ❤️ 🌈
🎨 Completed with pastel and coloured pencil on dark grey pastelmat broad.
✨Allow me to introduce, Emily the Border Collie ✨
👩‍🎨Completed with Coloured pencils and a few Faber Castell Pitt Pastels on light grey Pastelmat board.
📷Thank you to Alice Wiish for the lovely reference photo.
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Art Update January 2023

2023 is off to a great start! My first drawing is completed and off to be framed (will share it with you once I have permission)
My second drawing is on the drawing board and off to a good start. Combining my love for dogs and roses again ❤️🌹🐶
I have also joined my local art class in my village this week, it’s so lovely to be part of a group again where we can all come together to create 🦋
I have also spent today creating something a little different from my usual drawings – it’s good to mix it up a little as it helps keep the creative flow going. I am really pleased with how this has turned out. A foxglove completed in coloured pencil with a watercolour background.
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End of 2022

✨ So as we end 2022 I just want to say a massive thank you to all of you that have commissioned or brought my drawings this year and also for your continued support with me on this journey ✨
🎨 Here is 2022 collection ✨

Original – Medium: Pastel and Coloured Pencil- For Sale

Original – Medium: Pastel and Coloured Pencil- Sold

Original – Medium: Coloured Pencil and Pastel

Original – Medium: Coloured Pencil and Watercolour

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Art Update August 2022

My latest work Kingsnordley the Kingfisher 🧡
Inspired by and in memory of my grandad.
He loved to fish at a place called Kingsnordley Fisheries and one of his favorite pools to fish was called the Kingfisher. 🧡
Today also marks my 4-year anniversary since I started my art business adventure, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me so far! Here is too many more years and many more drawing to come 🍾🥂💜
👩‍🎨Completed with Faber Castell Pitt Pastels and a few Coloured pencils on Anthracite (black) Pastelmat paper.
📷Thank you to Gillian Merritt for the lovely reference photo.
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Art update June 2022

I have been playing around with a few different mediums this time.
Here is my Luna Nugget, completed with watercolors and coloured pencils.
The idea for this one was inspired by her name and my love for flowers, I have placed her with the hibiscus flower called “Luna Rose” which would have been her name if we had not decided to call her nugget (that’s another story) The bright vibrant colours really reflect her personality, although she is looking slightly grumpy (she does get rather grumpy don’t get me wrong) she is actually a little, happy, cute and sweet bunny!
Here is Willow Dipper, completed using Pastels and Coloured Pencils on Pastelmat board.
Again the idea for this piece was inspired by her name, I surrounded her in a ring of willow. She is such a sweet girl, we just absolutely love her!
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Art Update April 2022

I had something slightly different on my drawing board for 2022. It is a mixed media painting, consisting of watercolour, pastel and coloured pencil.

This is a one-off piece – It’s my childhood home where my grandparents lived. I spent many many happy years here, it was always my safe place. I loved it!

My nan passed in 2018 and my grandad passed in 2020, so the house had to finally be sold.  I still had my house keys attached to my car keys and I just could not bring myself to remove them.

I wanted to keep them so I decided to do a drawing of the house to remind myself of all those happy times. I have incorporated the keys into the mount along with the lovely quote “A house is made of wood and stone but only love can make a home”

My original idea for this piece was watercolor and coloured pencils on pastelmat paper – in hindsight, I should have tried it out on a test piece before, but in my excitement, I just jumped straight in – lesson learned!

Clairefontaine does say you can use watercolor on their pastelmat paper to create backgrounds and they are correct, however, I quickly discovered they mean the whole background!
I tried to do just the sky and the paper was extremely absorbent which meant the colour would bleed into areas that had no water and where I didn’t want it to do, as you can see below.  So I had to abandon the watercolor idea very quickly!
However all was not lost, I managed to save it using pastels I lifted out as much of the watercolour as I could that had run into the roof area and found that pastel covered over it but better than coloured pencil alone.
I must say I am enjoying doing something different and I am being forced to think outside the box

 

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Art update January 2022

First of all, I would like to wish you all a Happy New year  🥂🍾
I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been part of this year.
For those of you who have commissioned drawings and booked – thank you so much.
Here is a collection of this year’s drawings, including the secret Christmas commissions

I have something slightly different on my drawing board this month, it is defiantly interesting and challenging (in a good way) Cannot wait to share it and tell you all about it!
So here is to 2022 🥂 and for the drawings to come …
My commission books are currently open for 2022!
Lots of love,
Chelsea
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