Christmas in July: Digital Painting of a Robin

Don't ask me why a robin seemed like the obvious thing to paint today. (In July. In London, with the thermometer finally going through the roof).

Anyway, I decided he could stay, because a) I love robins, b) He's the first bird I've ever attempted and c) He's a cutie.

NB. I reserve the right to re-publish him in December as our Christmas ecard!

Update: He's such a cutie that a couple of versions of this Christmas robin are available on items at Zazzle, such as this one:

Christmas Robin Tote Bag by BoundingSquirrel
See more Robin Bags at zazzle.com

Summer Lilies: At Last, A Digital Painting for the Season!

After mixing up all my seasons completely in the last few weeks, here's a real pop of summer: a digital painting inspired by  orange lilies that were fighting their way to the light in a nearby garden.

So what else to call them but, "Summer Lilies"?

NB. I know they're  *really* bright...but so were the originals. I love colours like this, but I'd love to know your thoughts too.

Enjoy!

PS. To see this design on phonecases and decals, have a look at this:

Orange Lilies Painted Flower/Floral Design Decal For 17" Laptop by BoundingSquirrel
Browse Orange Skins online at Zazzle.com

Digital Painting: Winter Primrose

Last winter, the vibrant red and gold of the primroses by our window was a daily dose of joy. Quite why I've remembered it now, surrounded by summer flowers, I'm not sure. But, here it is anyway, as "Winter Primrose"...

Update: It's now also available on gifts...

Red & Gold Winter Primrose Phone & Tablet Case iPad Mini Case by BoundingSquirrel
Check out Primrose Cases online at zazzle

The Day That I Decided I Could Draw...

At the start of BoundingSquirrel, I only had one aim: to explore what the heck someone nearly 40 was doing trying to develop a skill they never thought they had (and had never previously missed). Ever since, I've done my best to describe that "dribs-and-drabs-followed-by-giant-leaps," journey.

Never once during that time did I ever feel I could "really draw anything." At some point, I reasoned, the whole bizarre circus was going to play itself out, and I'd go back to being "normal" again. Writing, reading, thinking...and never venturing beyond stickmen.

Yesterday, I finally realised that that will (probably) never happen. And that I'm fine with that.

I set out to draw (well, digitally paint, with good old Twisted Brush Pro, again) a cricketer. For my Dad's 70th birthday. (If you're not familiar with cricket, "not out" means "still batting".)

And then...

And, joy of joys...it pretty much turned out that way. 

Of course there's a lot I would change or do better-as always. And there will surely be new and different challenges right up ahead...That's life... But somehow, it was a tiny piece of evidence, a tiny bit of confidence,  that just pushed me into the, "yeah, I can do this," camp. (The picture shows Zazzle's mock-up of the card, with their font).

Watch this space whilst I work out what happens next...

Spring Daffodils...At Last

I'm excited more because we've actually *got* daffodils here at long last than anything else. To celebrate that, here are a couple of daffodils in digital oil pastels.

And that's about it for this week because, like everyone else here in London, spring's belated appearance is all I can think about.

The background for these little guys will have to come later,  I'm more interested in poking my alabaster face out of doors whilst the miracle lasts...

Besides, I couldn't help noticing that even without a background, they make quite a nice pattern.

 Maybe it'll be just the thing for that foray into Spoonflower.Com I keep thinking about.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd better go and catch more of the spring before it thinks better of it and disappears again...

19/04/13 Update: Since it's got all chilly again, a single daffodil now has a background...

For speakers, phonecases and other giftss with a daffodil pattern, have a look at:

Bright Yellow Daffodil Pattern speakers by BoundingSquirrel
Shop for a iphone travel speaker online.