A few months ago we had renovations done at our house, and I noticed the builders leaving these little off-cuts lying around… I felt a bit like a crazy person gathering up their off-cuts, but I had other ideas for them. Got myself some Resene test pots and proceeded to paint…
Trying out my new water brush – it’s like using a marker pen… with watercolour!
Freehand text (by me) on wood (sourced and stained by Becca Hulse). A 21st present for our friend.
Acrylic paint on wood.
Valentine’s Day Creative Exchange Project
I was invited to a Facebook event called “Valentine’s Day Creative Exchange”. The girl organising it drew out the names of those ‘attending’ at random, and assigned each of us someone to create something for for Valentine’s Day. Kind of like Secret Santa. Then the created thing is bundled up, with a sweet note, and sent in time for Feb 14th. I thought, Valentine’s Day is a day where we’re encouraged to show love to those that we love. And admittedly, I neither know, nor love, this girl whose name I was given, but just because someone is a stranger doesn’t mean we can seek to show them love and encouragement. Hence the painting, “You were made to shine”.
Watercolour and ink.
A friend commissioned me to paint this fella for a Christmas present.
(This was the third attempt – the first two attempts are not worthy of sharing!)
A selection of pages from “A Tale of Two Friends” – a 16 pg. story written and illustrated by yours truly.
… what happens next…?
Get your hands on a copy and find out!
Slave labour is used worldwide in the production of consumer goods, with over 27 million people in various forms of slavery today. This project, entitled May Contain Traces of Slavery, communicates the context and causes of modern slavery, targeting consumers who are unaware of the link between what they buy and the effect it has on the producers. These images seek to inspire viewers to be a part of the solution and take responsibility for their role within the supply chain.
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, check out stopthetraffik.org and fairtrade.org.uk
Boy – pencil, watercolour, line
Petunia rabbit watercolour + indian ink dip pen line
esther van kuyk 