Sketchbook // Garden Bird Nest with Eggs

I revisited a favourite subject...bird's nests. They're so fascinating, I've loved them since I was a kid! Can't wait to paint this one.

 

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2015. Do not use without permission.

Super Vegetables // Broccoli and Sugar Snap Peas

I've been so busy lately working on quite a few projects, but unfortunately I'm not able to share any of the work just yet - but that's no excuse to neglect my blog. As always I'm still working on few personal projects when I have time to spare. One of them being new vegetable studies. Here is broccoli and sugar snap peas. Both absolutely delicious and superheroes when it comes to nutrition. Let me know what you think!

 

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2015. Do not use without permission.

Personal // Grand National Steeplechase

I finally finished this sketch from 2013! I used a couple slightly different techniques when painting this one too.

Artwork is (C) Amy Holliday 2015 do not use without permission. 

Sketchbook :: Groot Sketch

I've been neglecting my blog lately! I've had lots to keep me busy! I'll have new work to share soon smile emoticon 

Meanwhile here is a sketch I did a few weeks back. I was poorly and feeling sorry for myself, but doodling just for fun made me feel much better! "I am Groot"!

Happy New Year of the....Sheep! (or Ram or Goat!)

Two very sheepish pieces I had an urge to finish last week. The first being quite realistic in its colour palatte, with the second being more experimental - possibly influenced just a smidge by old Chinese art. Either way, I had fun with both of them!

Q&A // Fruit Illustrations

A brief little Q&A I answered this morning in reference to my fruit illustrations.

1. What inspired you?
Lots of things seem to come together to influence and inspire me to create artwork for different reasons. One such thing is the stunning intricacy of botanical art and how the artists can capture the beauty (and sometimes weirdness) of nature. With my fruit illustrations, botanical art has influenced me but I find that I am inspired by the fruits themselves - so colourful, juicy and delicious! I try to capture this in my artwork.

2. What materials do you use?

To make my drawings, I use a mixture of pencils. I change between a broader, softer lead weight for softer or fluffier textures and a very fine lead for the detail. To add colour, I love to use watercolour paints. I mainly use brushes but sometimes if something needs a certain texture I will try painting with different tools to obtain it, eg, sponge, tissue, leaves, feathers. 

3. How long have you been doing art?

I've been drawing, painting and crafting since I can remember! I think I showed a keen interest and my parents have always really encouraged it by teaching me new things and suggesting new ideas to try. 

4. How do you get the best images (do you use a pen to outline)?

To get the most out of my illustrations, I do like to highlight special details with small amounts of mixed media such as darker pencils, acrylic paint, fine-liner pens and ink.

5. What do you most enjoy doing in art?
I enjoy drawing animals the most! They have so much character and each animal has a different personality. Like people, but more interesting (haha)! 

New Year. New Website!

Hello everyone! I'm very excited to announce that I have a new website! Hopefully the new layout will now be much easier for you all to navigate whilst having a gander at all of my up-to-date doodles. 

www.amyholliday.co.uk