The Book of Bedtime Stories Launch

Last night I attended the launch of 'The Book of Bedtime Stories' hosted by Walker Books and Mumsnet. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet the authors and illustrators and the lovely people from Walker, Mumsnet and Gransnet. I'm really proud to be included in such a beautiful collection.

As you've probably already gathered from my other posts and tweets, I was asked to illustrate 'Bedtime at the Lighthouse' written by Philip Bell, which is a atmospheric narrative about two children at their grandmothers house under a lighthouse.

You can read about Philips inspiration for the story here

Here's a peek of one of my favourite spreads

The anthology also includes two fantastic stories, beautifully illustrated by fellow Cambridge School of Art, MA Children's Book Illustration graduates Tamsin Gilbert and Gemma O'Callaghan
 

You can see the other spreads from 'Bedtime at the Lighthouse' on my portfolio site here

and buy a copy from the Walker website here

Bedtime at the Lighthouse, The Book of Bedtime Stories

Tonight's the launch of 'The Book of Bedtime Stories', which is released tomorrow. I've just received my copy and it looks beautiful! Here's a little look at 'Bedtime at the Lighthouse' written by Philip Bell, which I illustrated. 

'The Book of Bedtime Stories' from Walker Books, Mumsnet and Gransnet

Earlier this year I was approached by Walker Books to illustrate a story for their upcoming title 'The Book of Bedtime Stories', due to be released on the 3rd October. The finished book will comprise of illustrated stories from 10 prize winning authors and 10 up-and-coming artists. (read more details here)

I was asked to illustrate 'Bedtime at the Lighthouse' written by Philip Bell (who also runs Beachy Books - a independent publisher of Children's Books)

With only a week to go until the launch, here's a sneaky peek of one of my drafts

More to come soon!

The Queen of Clubs

Last month I was invited to create a piece for the 'Deck of Cards' exhibition, curated by Laura Williams from the Art 18|21 gallery.

'In 1976, 53 leading British artists were each sent a playing card by a London Gallery and asked to produce a work of art which was to be turned into a printed pack of cards. The exhibition was a global success with the British Council touring the 53 artworks to 22 countries and the packs of cards sold, amongst other places, in The Tate and at MOMA.'

Art 18/21 gave 53 regional artists a card to create to complete a new Deck of Cards for 2013, including artists such as Anthony Green, John Kiki, Maggi Hambling, Colin Self,  Bruer Tidman. Mine was the 'Queen of Clubs'. 

The Original Queen of Clubs, from British artist Allen Jones.

I was inspired by traditional playing cards and I wanted to keep that in mind when creating my piece- experimenting with pattern and costume. I also wanted to give a nod to Jones' original piece. 

The exhibition of the new Deck, along with the originals will be on display until the 26th October 2013.

See below photographs from the private view

Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2013

I've just found out my piece for the Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2013 has been Highly Commended in the Emerging Talent category! You can see the winners and also the names of the other highly commended illustrators here