Rats Moon (Mose & Peaches) Pet Portrait Commission

A couple months ago, I was approached with the idea of a commissioned original artwork - a special portrait of two little ratty fur-babies. 

It's been years since I've done a "pet portrait" or even a bespoke physical artwork, but after hearing this idea, I couldn't say no - even though this would be my first time drawing rats! The piece is 11x14", much larger than my usual illustration work, which was a little out of my comfort zone but nice to have more space for lots of lovely detail. In fact this whole piece was out of my comfort zone which was a good exercise and I was grateful for the opportunity during lockdown to slow down and do something different. This is the original artwork that has now reached its forever home, but I do have a scan for myself. 

Artwork © Amy Holliday 2020

www.amyholliday.co.uk

Cheetah // Watercolour and Black Indian Ink

I recently found this in a sketchbook from back when I set myself a personal project of drawing 100 animals in 100 days, and 4 years later, I have finally scanned it in. It was an experiment with black Indian ink on top of my usual watercolour paints.

 Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2020

Do not use without permission

www.amyholliday.co.uk

Planet Earth Studies // Watercolour Illustrations

Self initiated studies of our Planet Earth / Planet Home / Earth Mother - hopefully there will be more to come in the future.

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2020

www.amyholliday.co.uk

Baby Massage // Concept Illustrations in Line & Watercolour

Earlier this year I was asked to provide some conceptual illustrations suitable for a guide to baby massage. The style direction was influenced by simple lines and subtle touches of colour. This was a very different subject for me to work with, but I enjoyed the challenge of something new.

The first piece was quite close to my usual way of working or 'style', with most of the image having some colour as well as paint splats. In the following pieces, the colours became increasingly subtle, with most of the illustration becoming line drawing - much more suited to simple and elegant step-by-step instructions.

Following the first design, I was asked to show more detail in the baby's face, and reduce the saturation:

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2019

www.amyholliday.co.uk

"The Little Book of Bees" // Bee Species

A collection of bee species illustrations created for "The Little Book of Bees". These were published in the actual book differently to how they are displayed here, many one to a page, so I've collated some together into little sets.

various bee species (annotations added by me)

bumblebees, nest and eggs

Megachile Pluto / Wallace's Giant bee: approximate size comparison to honey bees

Stingless bees

 The Little Book of Bees is published by Harpercollins and Abrams

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2018-2019

www.amyholliday.co.uk

Little Grasshopper // Insect Bug Tattoo Design

I was recently contacted by a lady who has a tattoo inspired by my artwork - one of my little bumblebees on her collar bone. She asked to commission a little green grasshopper to go with the bee she already had. I thought this was a lovely idea and I jumped at the opportunity to draw more bugs! It was a fairly quick and simple commission, with one sketch and no revisions - it really felt like my own artwork from beginning to end with no outside influence/direction for a change, only that it matched the style of my previous bee illustration.   

After confirming that the customer was happy with the sketch - I went ahead with some vivid colour. She also asked to purchase the original artwork from me, so I had to be extra 

careful not to make any mistakes.

The two together: 

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2019

www.amyholliday.co.uk

Editorial Illustration // Bald Eagle Couple in Watercolour

Earlier this year I was asked to illustrate a pair of Bald Eagles for Jekyll Island magazine, 31-81's upcoming fall/winter 2019 issue. It was lovely to learn that bald eagles mate for life, and that they have a breeding pair on the island itself. After looking at a number of photo references, I ended up with two possible sketches for the illustration. 

 The second sketch was chosen to take to completion - and here it is, this one was a treat to work on.

Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2019

www.amyholliday.co.uk