Big wigs and hats

So, with a distinct lack of commercial work on and with the workhouse looming, I've taken off my sensible commercial hat and put my please-myself-indulgent-artist beret on. This one fits better. After a couple of years mainly doing other people's work, it's been odd getting back into my own little world, but once I'd dusted the shelves and aired the rooms, it was very nice to be home.

I find increasingly that sitting at the studio table doesn't do it for me as far as inspiration goes. Like many creatives I tend to get the best images as I'm drifting off to sleep or half dozing in the small hours which is bad news if I can't struggle awake to scribble a few notes. (Like, most of the time...). Now I have given up making myself sweat at the desk for hours and if it's not happening I take myself off with sketchbook in hand and go for a wander. I have a sweet little new Moleskine - like kittens, you can never have too many - and it has concertina pages. I love this: it's like a frieze, and in at the end will be a continuous sheaf of primary sketches. It was a present from Maya, so it was almost like taking her with me when I took it to the woods the other days and sat on a little bench under the birch trees. And look who emerged from the end of my pencil...

I seem to be having a Thing about 18th century wigs...they turned up in two of my latest paper cuts...

So, back to painting - for all those who have asked me about when I have anything for sale, I am now back in the driving seat and producing work to sell. The little Moleskine sketch was worked up and has now been sold through my Etsy shop. It's a bit larger than A4 in size, and sold without mount or frame (I figure people have their own ideas about how they like stuff presented on their walls). I am very taken with her boudoir wallpaper, and if I could have this in our bedroom I would. It's called 'The Invitation' and as usual, I'm sure there's a story in there, but it's for someone else to find. Oh yes, and it comes with a few free Red Flannel Elephant cards too. Bit like a Happy Meal but without the plastic toy.

'The Invitation' - SOLD

I cannot tell you how it is good to let my imagination go again - I somehow feel - more me. If that makes any sense.