My Illustration Portfolio

I do believe it's time for somewhat of a re-invention of this blog.  With these crazy busy days with two at home and an active boy toddler being one of them, I have found little time for planning and executing arty projects.  I haven't wanted to force it for the sake of 'keeping up the blog' and know that things ebb and flow and no doubt in time we will be back again in that place. 

However, after some years of tinkering around with my illustration work in the 'margins' of my life, things are starting to come together, and its time for me to bring in centre stage.  So I have created a new 'gallery' at the side of this blog where I will be showcasing some of my illustration work as I compile my portfolio to submit to publishers of childrens books.  I'll also be writing some posts about how things are going and my working process.

I've been exploring some different approaches in my work and usually end up working in mixed media.  I make and dye my own paper sometimes, other times using found papers as well as fabric.  Recently I've been making use of some lino and rubber stamping in my work and think there is lots of scope to develop this further.

I'll stop talking now and show you some pictures, hope you enjoy them.

I also have a new page on Facebook which you can go 'like' at CathHughesArt.  In time I will figure out how to put one of those nice little buttons on this blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Windows

We are a little behind the traditional calendar beginning of Summer here, but then the weather in Vancouver hasn't exactly been convincing us of the shift in seasons recently.  Finally we have converted our window paintings from spring blossoms and bulbs to bird and butterfly infested green goddesses.  

 
 
Not entirely sure what birds we have here, though one may be vaguely based on the local blue beauty 'Stellars Jay'.  Boo called one of the others a 'crow', but its magenta, so I'm not entirely sure myself. 

 
 
 Boo had the splendid idea of making some green grass at the bottom using some green ribbons/wool from her beloved 'ribbon box' (this girl was a jackdaw in a previous life). 

 
 
The butterflies became a little oversized but who wouldnt love them to be really that big?!

We have done a full cycle now: Autumn; Winter; Spring; Summer and I have to say the appeal has been enduring for Boo, who was shown great enthusiasm for each change.  Will we keep them for another year?  Undecided yet. But for now we will enjoy the fluttering and twittering by our dining table!