New Painting: Festive Wishes-Christmas Floral Art

My"Festive Wishes" Christmas floral
painting

Hello there

Just popping in to show you "Festive Wishes", a gently Christmas/seasonal/winter/holiday/ whatever-you-call-it-in your part of the world, painting that celebrates Winter Anemones (the flowers are also known as "Christmas Roses").

Seasonal but natural, I have to confess that I'm a bit in love with this one, and hope you will be too.

Update on Nov 12th: If this grabs you too, it's now available as part of a download here.

In any event, hope this brings some floral joy to your day, and there'll be more about it (with extra downloads) in my next post.

In any event, thanks so much for being here.

More soon.

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New Painting: Autumn Glory

"Autumn Glory" by Clare Walker
Click or tap here to browse or buy.
(There's no watermark on purchased items :-))

Hello there

As ever, I hope life is treating you well, whether it's autumn, spring, or neither of those seasons making their way into your corner of the world at the moment. 

Here it is autumn, complete with cool winds, and a sudden need for soups and stews.  And although our neighbour's silver tree hasn't quite reached the stage you see in the picture above yet, I have so many memories, photographs and previous attempts to draw upon, the time just felt right to give this another go. The result has made its way into my collection of images for sale at Pixels.Com.

A little bit more info about my art on Pixels/Fine Art America

In a previous post, I did the best I could to explain why most of my images will be there as we move forward. As a result of that, lots of questions have been asked, so I'll do my best to answer them here.

1. No, not all my previous art is there (yet). But if you like a specific picture from the past, you can ask me to put it up there, (eg with my new contact form). This is what someone did this week for my "Nasturtiums," which are now also available on Pixels:

https://pixels.com/featured/autumn-glory-vibrant-autumnal-tree-clare-walker.html

2. Yes, my designs are available on other items as well as prints, eg stickers, greeting cards and even jigsaws...

But please be aware that not all items may be manufactured locally to you (there is a map here which explains this point better than I can).

3. Yes, you can change the currency to one more local to you if your device isn't showing the one you need. Just scroll right down to the bottom of any page of Pixels/Fine Art America to where it says "Location Settings".

4. The site with my designs on it is hosted, run and administered by Pixels,Com/Fine Art America. (If  I were to run anything myself, nothing would ever get painted). But it is one of the few ways in which I can display a clear collection of my own items to you, whilst still being paid royalties when items sell, and not having my items jumbled with everyone else's (something people have talked about a lot, in the past).

5. Despite it not being my shop (and therefore, my not having much control over anything except wall-art prices), I still keep being asked questions. I've done my best to answer them here. But the real people who can answer them better are probably the Pixels/Fine Art America team, whose contact page is here.

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 One way or another, I hope these answers help and may inspire you to want to purchase a yummy item or two...

On that note, I'll leave you for now, with another pic of "Autumn Glory," after what's been a lot of words (even for me):

Thanks for being here, for your support, and for reading down this far. You're amazing.

More soon.

New Digital Pastel Painting: In the Poppy Meadow...

"In the Poppy Meadow"

Hello there, and hope that all is well and thriving with you.

This week, I've been celebrating. Specifically, there was delight to be had in:

1. All the wildflowers that  are making their way back to to so many spaces here in the UK. Not just in meadows, or even field margins and by the roadside. 

No, they seem to be appearing in ever space, including even more by our local reservoir...

(Photo by Jim Fernbank)

2. Finally capturing all of the feeling of that beauty in the way, and at the size, I've really wanted to for years. Hence the digital pastel painting at the top of this post. Why all new things seem to start with poppies for me, I'm not sure. But they do. Perhaps it's their beauty, and my love of them. And/or their being beloved and familiar, when trying something otherwise new). Anyway...

If you're into this kind of thing, here's a quick time-lapse of the different stages of the process I went through in digitally painting "In the Poppy Meadow " (which took about two hours in real time).

And  all of this led (via a route with which I won't bore you) to the realisation that:

3. I can (finally, and thanks for your patience) add paintings and designs to...jigsaws! Here's what "In the Poppy Meadow" looks like as a jigsaw puzzle (which can be of various sizes):

"In the Poppy Meadow" Jigsaw Puzzle".
Click or tap here to find out more.

That's all for now. But hope this post was a fun boost one way or another-and thanks *so* much for being here, and taking the time to read this.

More soon.

___________________________

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A Tale of Two Watercolours

Hello there

And...breathe...

Don't know how it feels to you, but things are a tad intense out there right now.

Which led me, this week, to breathe as deeply as I could, and go back to basics. If it feels right, this is your invitation to do so too, as I show and tell you, the tale of two watercolours... 

Watercolour One: Stripey Purple Crocuses

Whenever life feels like it is spinning too fast, I'm learning just to breathe, and return, to  inspiration in the strangest of places...Revelling in the simple joy of putting pen to paper (or, in the case of the crocus below, digital pen to tablet).

Purple Stripey Crocuses Digital Painting in Krita

I'd like to say that I felt inspired to create these crocus (or is it crocuses?) by a major event. I'd like to, but I can't.

 No, strangely, even in a week in which I received the most magnificent bunch of flowers from the dearest of friends (I mean, how lovely are these, and how lucky was I?)...

Photo credit: Jim Fernbank
 

the flowers which caught my eye with that indescribable whisper of, "Paint us now, please," were some brave little crocuses, pushing their way through the mud, in weak rays of "almost spring," sunshine.

Photo credit: Jim Fernbank

And they led, in double quick time, to the purple crocus picture you've already see. Which is already making its way into several places, to which I'll link when done. (Update on March 15th 2025: for starters,  they're here on wrapping paper).

Watercolour Two: Daffodils and Narcissi

As for the daffodils, they were gorgeous. And The Computer Man and I both enjoyed looking at them *so* much in our house for a full week. And yet, in three attempts, (one digital and two with pens and brushes) I'm only just now getting even close to capturing something about them that feels resonant, and has that "aha," or, "yes" moment (as you can see in this scan  from my sketchbook, below).

Daffodils and narcissi in my sketchbook

Finally...

This tale doesn't have answers. I have no idea as to why one item should be easier to draw in any given week than another. (I've drawn both flowers in the past, in various amounts of complexity. Eg here, and here.)

But the lesson I'm taking from this tale is that following small joys, however strange or illogical it seems to be, strangely. yields the easiest path forward, at least for me, at the moment. 

And if that (and/or just the chance to sit down, breathe, and stare at some flowers) has in any way made everything seem a little less full-on for you too, then this post will have done its job.

Enough from here. As ever, thank you so much for being here, and for reading down this far. 

Enjoy your week-more soon.

___________________________

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New Digital Painting: Christmas Cactus

"Christmas Cactus"
Digital watercolour painting
by Clare Walker.

Hello there, and thank you sooo much for letting me in to your inbox at what is (as I type) a busy time of year for most.

In the midst of it all, I thought you might enjoy the vibrancy of this week's new, "Christmas Cactus" painting. It's a digital watercolour created in both Krita and Rebelle, (and took me around four hours to complete, if that kind of thing interests you).

Why a Christmas Cactus?

This picture is also a homage to the most beautiful Christmas cactus (or "Schlumbergera", I believe it can be called, if you prefer fancier plant names) that we used to have at home when I was a child.

Though mid-winter in Britain was every bit as overcast then as now, every year, this riot of cerise/ pink/ purple flowers would erupt from an otherwise fairly unassuming plant in the corner. It's a shade that's still one of my favourite hues (I mean, come on, what'd not to love about bright pink? Especially in winter :-)).

Thinking about it the other day, I couldn't remember what became of the plant itself...but I *could* re-create it, and here we are.

Click here to browse and buy this design
on Redbubble

And, yes, if you'd like to see this art around your home (or someone else's, as it's that time of year...) it is available, as you can see above, at Redbubble.

But above and by one that, please just enjoy these colours, in what (in the Northern Hemisphere at least) is the grey of winter right now.

Thank you for being here, and have a wonderful weekend, whether you personally celebrate at this time or not.

More soon.

 
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Roses, Lilies, and Christmas in July...

Hello there

Just popping in quickly, as know that lots of people are busy with all things summer right now.

"Roses and Lilies"

Firstly, thought you'd enjoy this sketch of roses and lilies. It came from some flowers that *felt* like they flew in through magical means.

 Yes, OK, though unexpected, these flowers arrived by a very human-and kind-route outside our door. But still, it felt pretty magical on a wet Saturday afternoon. (Especially as I had just been thinking..."It's a shame my birthday flowers are finishing...and I need something new to paint...," but hadn't shared that thought with *anyone*.).

The original flowers

And just in case you're thinking, "No vase would match flowers like that," here is a photo of the flowers on the day they went into the jug (please excuse the dust-art comes first!):

Photo of roses and lilies in a jug, by Jim Fernbank

(Confession: I'd been waiting *30 years* since buying that vase for some flowers to come along that would match it quite as well as that ;-) ).

Christmas in July

And yes, though the festive red, white and green did catch my eye, though for later in the year. 

Which reminds me, that if you're a crafter, I'm running a Christmas in July sale on all my sheets and kits from July 28th 2023-July 31st 2023 inclusive. Click or tap this link to see it.

And...

But whether you're a crafter already making items for later in the year, or just enjoying all the beauty and flowers of summer (or cool of winter, elsewhere in the world)...Thank you so much, both for being here, and for reading down this far.

Have a lovely weekend, and more soon.

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Mimosa Painting and Thanks...

"Mimosa Flowers" by Clare Walker. Update: Now available as a print
(There are no watermarks on prints for purchase)

Hello again

This is just a quick visit, made for so many reasons. As you can imagine from the details shared in my previous post, am not anywhere near back to work yet. But did want to pop in and say....

1) Thank you to every single person who has, in all their various ways, shown so much care (to both Jim and me) during the past few difficult weeks. It's made, and is making, a *huge* difference. And if I haven't thanked you in person yet, I will, but please consider yourself soooooo thanked right this second, also.

2) Quite a few people commented that their own creativity had suffered during experiences of grief.  It became very easy to appreciate just how this happens, so the mimosa flowers in this post (and yes, they are different in style to "before," and who knows where this will all go yet?) represent my first postable effort in that direction.

If the info helps you or someone you know, am also repeating right here that this is the first effort in the direction of creativity that am posting. The first was a doodle. In the second, the next day, the colours were off. In the third, the colours were brighter, but just "off". Several tries later, (and I forget how many days elapsed in total) this suddenly emerged.

It all felt (and feels) like having to run dirty water out of a pipe until the water runs clear again of it's own accord. And am not fooling myself that am yet anywhere near continuous "clear water days," yet.

It's just that creativity brings me joy, and was the road back to joy that inspired the start of this blog in the first place. So my motivation to keep creating is and was, *very high*.

3) The inspiration for this digital watercolour painting was our neighbour's mimosa tree (in the photo below, it's behind the white elderflower, and stretching into four adjacent gardens...).

My own mimosa reference photo

If you're a regular reader here, you'll know that my own reference photos, like the one above, have a track record of being-less-than-stellar :-). 

But hope that even from this, you can get the idea about just how fulsome and bright this was when we got back from the event to mark my Dad's passing...And it has only got even brighter since.

The odd thing...

Which is odd, considering that this plant is native to tropical and sub-tropical places, and the weather in London for most of this spring can best be described as having been "really cold and wet".

In previous, warmer springs, the flowers have been nothing like this bright and beautiful.

But one of my first associations with mimosa was and is, seeing it on many, many childhood holidays in Portugal, one of the most beloved places of, you've guessed it...my recently-departed Dad.

Coincidence? Maybe. Magical thinking? Gotta be in the mix somewhere. (Though now I come to ponder it, what the heck is wrong with some extra "magical thinking," in a world in desperate need of it anyway?).

And on that note, I'll leave you to ponder the beauties and the mystery of it all. Not sure when am posting next, but will post again.

More soon(ish)

Update 19th May: It has been (gently) pointed  out to me that this plant could in fact be a labernum, which would blossom easily here. So have been busily looking at various pictures...And am still not sure, until I can actually ask my neighbour, who owns the tree. But in a way, whether an especially frondy-leafed and  bobbly-flowered labernum, or a very "waterfalling" mimosa, this plant has done its job.

I've had some lovely memories to enjoy, and a fun art afternoon. You have (am hoping) something you've enjoyed looking at. And at the end of the day, perhaps that's what art is all about.

Enjoy your weekend xx

___________________________

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A Spring Dandelion Sketch

Dandelion Sketch, by Clare Walker

Hello there. Am just popping in quickly this week, to let you know about a new sketch of this week's dandelions. They just seem so extra-bright this year, and so beloved by bees, that I wanted to share and celebrate them.

Though am hoping they will also be part of a design in my Craftsuprint shop soon, as well :-).

Update: sale has now ended, but the dandelions are now on available here.

Speaking of which...

It's sale time!

Yes, there will be a  20% discount on everything in my Craftsuprint shop, for four days only. The sale will run  from Friday April 21st-Monday April 24th 2023. So if there's anything you've had your eye on, click or tap here to visit and stock up.

That's all for now. But hope all is going really well with you. (and that you find some craft sheets you like in that sale. ;-) )

Have a great weekend when it comes, and more soon.

___________________________

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New Painting: Wild Flowers by the Sea

"Wild Flowers the Sea," by Clare Walker

Hello there

Hope that you've had a great week and are thriving.

This week's post is all about giving you a chance to breathe, relax, and take a stroll along a deserted coastal path, bordered by a wild flower meadow, and leading into soft green hills...

I hope that you enjoy this as much as I loved creating it, and it gave me a sense of peace (and mojo) that have been missing for a while, all-in-all. It is a digital watercolour (in Rebelle 5...But somehow, it came out looking surprisingly traditional.

So please do watch this space for more like it, and for the final destination for this painting too.

In the meantime,  please relax into this image if you'd like, and have a lovely week.

More soon.

___________________________

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Rebelle 5 Initial Review, and Cosmos in a Field...

Hello there and I hope you're  doing well, wherever and however you find yourself today.

Update on Oct 14th: This post originally referred to a Rebelle 5 sale, through which I bought Rebelle 5, but which  has now closed.

The review, the resulting picture, and that which the picture became, still hold good, though. :-)

Cosmo Flowers in a Field, by Clare Walker, BoundingSquirrel.Com.
Digital Watercolour in Rebelle 5.

This is in no way a full review,  (just an initial one) as this is my first outing with Rebelle 5. But the painting above took only about two-and-a-half-hours (and that's including watching an introduction video or two and getting re-acquainted with the user interface). My first thoughts from all that are:

-It is incredibly intuitive and easy to use.

-Unlike other apps and software, it seems to focus primarily on bringing the feeling of using "traditional supplies," to the digital user.

-I loved the mixing possibilities, and the huuuuuge sizes and resolutions at which it seems Rebelle 5 can now export files (all whilst keeping a painterly look and not having to vectorise them-that's a big plus).

-The real paint granulation, textures, splatters and paper textures are incredibly authentic. (I admit it, I squealed with joy when I saw some of them in action...). You don't even need to take my word for this, as the effects are right there in the painting above.

 

On the other hand...

Should probably also add that I'm probably now ready for Rebelle in a way that I wasn't when testing it for the first time. I'm using a faster computer, and a small Wacom tablet, for one thing. 

But more importantly, I now have a lot more experience and practice in traditional watercolour than I did then. And I think that that experience really helped me to "hit the ground running," this time.

There's more...

Rebelle 5 also includes lots and lots of brushes and tools that aren't watercolour, such as digital acrylics, which do look great fun to try (and would probably put me off with their messiness in a traditional art context...I may be the only art person anyone knows who *hates* the feeling of extreme gunk on their hands...:-) ).

It looks like it's going to be a fun winter of digital painting ahead around these parts. :-) :-) :-).

And...

If you'd like to see what became of this picture, click here to see a set of cardsheets based upon it is now available in my Craftsuprint shop.

One person who has already visited the shop for these is the wonderful Marion Kimberly-Scott, whose lovely pic of the cards she made as a result are is featured below, with her permission, and my grateful thanks.

Card made by Marion Kimberly Scott
from a design by Clare Walker.
 (Photo used by kind permission of Marion also)

Take care, and more soon.

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A New Thistle Painting and Card Front...

Hello there, and hope all is safe and well wherever you are when you're reading this.

It turns out that thistles (yup, those spiky plants) are deeply satisfying to draw, and come in the prettiest shades of purple and sage green, too.

The original digital watercolour was hand drawn and painted with a graphics pen.

And swiftly found its way into being a great card front for St Andrew's day, thistle-themed weddings, and all things Scottish.

Purple Thistle printable card front-click here for info

(You can download a sheet to print out right now-plus yummy matching inserts and backgrounds-from my Craftsuprint shop, here).

And whatever you're up to this week, have a good one.

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A Tale of Restoration and Happy Mooching...

Hello there

I'm back now from a little break away from work and oh, can totally recommend it if you're feeling a need to re-charge.

Anyway, thought would use this post as a first little catch-up on what I got up to. First off, not *everyone* in London was knee-deep in Jubilee celebrations last week. The Computer Man and I know this, because whilst we were scoffing yummy bagels at the newly re-opened Camley Street Natural Park, so were quite a few other people. 

(Massive thanks to the Computer Man for so much, but especially in this case, this lovely photo...)

Photo by Jim Fernbank

The Camley Street Natural Park is amazing, not least because it spent a century or so as a coal drop storage yard, sandwiched as it is between  King's Cross and St Pancras railway stations (both originally built in the 19th century.

Yup, you read that right. You can now even enjoy a wildlife pond, woodland, and a just-beginning-to-bloom wildflower meadow, complete with bees and beautiful flowers like the one above, within shouting distance of  the Eurostar.

According to the park's  info-signs, several centuries ago, the area was once part of the ancient forest of Middlesex. And it absolutely gives me tingles to think of even a tiny part of that being re-forested and  renewed...If this place can be restored, anywhere can.

And the next step was inevitable...

And so, of course, after all of that,  the next step was inevitable.  A memento was needed. Which of course meant drawing that flower... (Yes, that meant digitally drawing in Krita. Clearly there's a big part of me that, mysteriously, doesn't perceive drawing on the computer to be something that interrupts a break...).

 I think the flower in question was  a poppy, though it was more beautifully exotic and "ruffly" than any poppy I've ever seen before. It started like this...

progressed into this...

and may or may not finish up like this, at least for now:

I've absolutely no idea if it will turn into anything, and am kind of liking the sketch more than the colour at the moment.

And there was more...

And I discovered more-a lot more when there was actually time to browse around and do things for fun again. But as this post is getting looooong, I'll save that for another time.

Thanks for reading down this far-and have a lovely weekend.

More soon.

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Free June Rose Arch Illustration

Hello there, lovely people, and hope you are well, and thriving.

Can you believe that next week it will be *June* already?

Free "June Rose Arch" Illustration by Clare Walker
Tap, right-click or click here (depending upon your device)
to download.

In anticipation of this, I have June's free jpg illustration ready for you, above.  It features a rose arch, with June in a blue sky, and plenty of room all-around to add your own text too, if you wish.

It's a digital pen and wash watercolour, hand drawn and digitally painted stroke-by-stroke in the wonderful Krita app/painting program.

As ever with my freebies here, it's your to use as you wish, as long as you don't actually sell the file as-is, or claim copyright (my full angel policy is here).

Just right-click, click or tap, (depending upon your device) to download this, and enjoy. (Credit and links back, if you use it, are *always* appreciated, but never required. If you do use it, let me know where it is, if you'd like. I love to see my stuff in use "out in the wild," and can sometimes help you to promote your projects and items too).

And there's more...

If you like the arch and want more, and/or are feeling weddingy/in need of a wedding card, then this arch also has you covered, in the form of an arch-shaped printable wedding card to buy here, and optional inserts for it here.

In any event, thanks for having a read of this, and if you're reading it as it's published, happy weekend!

More soon.
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New Digital Painting, in a New Old/Style

Hello there

How are you doing?

 If  you're feeling the need for some calm, this week, I've got a peaceful landscape painting for you.

"By the Lakeshore", Digital Painting by Clare Walker, BoundingSquirrel.Com

Yes, I painted it  digitally (but still stroke by stroke, in Krita 5). And for those of you into such things, yes, this does use a different brush to my normal set in there: digital soft chalk.

If you've been reading this blog for a *very* long time (and I do mean a very long time, around 9 years or so)... Firstly, *thankyou,* and second, you may remember that I used to do much more in this "digital pastel," style (such as the pics, here, and here, for example).

This new painting just happened out of nowhere, suggesting it was its right time to emerge. (And to answer the next question am guessing you might have, this is entirely from my imagination, and I have no idea at all where, or even if, this place exists quite like this in, "real life").

 I have a question for you too though, if that's OK. Do you prefer this style, or the usual pen-and-wash? Or both? I'd love to know, so please do leave me a comment over on Facebook if you've got a view on this.

As to what will become of this painting/drawing (if anything), am not sure yet. If you've any thoughts on that, please let me know that too.

And with all that said, it's time just to thank you for reading this, and to wish you as happy and peaceful a weekend as possible.

More soon.

Happy Easter Chick Animated Gif by Clare Walker,
 BoundingSquirrel.Com. Click here to download
 and use or share it.

Yes, Easter would appear to have snuck up on us again, and so before taking a break for it, I just wanted to send you my very best wishes, whatever your way of celebrating  this time of year (or not).

For me, nature and the arrival of new life and hope is always key in spring, hence this image.

If you'd like to share this gif/send it as an online Easter card, please do (right-click, click or tap on the image to download and use it). I don't insist on credit, but it's always lovely if you're able to do so, or link back in some way.

Hope all is peaceful well and happy wherever you are. Have a lovely weekend (or more) and I'll see you in a few days.

Thanks so much for being here, and more soon.

___________________________

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An Emerald Anniversary Card and Digital Painting...

 Hello there. Hope you're doing well.

This week's offering is a digital painting that was always intended as an emerald anniversary card. In fairness to the couple now celebrating 55 happy years together (congratulations again!), I couldn't put these designs in a post until today.

Its painting (the emerald is in digital watercolour, using Krita) and design have taken up a fair chunk of the week...Alongside, of course  enjoying spring sunshine and then watching, open-mouthed, as that turned to snow...in the same afternoon. Am really not joking or exaggerating about that-it was the weirdest thing.

Anywaaaay, lest I be rightly accused of doing that British weather-chat thing, here's the card itself, which you can buy (and personalise, inside and out) at Zazzle:

Emerald Anniversary Card
by BoundingSquirrel

Or, if you're feeling crafty (or need to download something today) you can also download a printable kit that makes a similar square version of the card (again with personalisable/customisable message options) from my Craftsuprint shop.

Downloadable Emerald Anniversary Card Kit

Whichever option works better for you, I hope this helps you or someone you know. 

Had thought that this could be a bit too "niche," so hesitated before posting this. But as we're 55 years from the beginning of the "Summer of Love," as I'm writing this, perhaps not... ;-)

Have a great weekend-more soon.

Happy Easter Chick Animated Gif by Clare Walker,
 BoundingSquirrel.Com. Click here to download
 and use or share it.

Yes, Easter would appear to have snuck up on us again, and so before taking a break for it, I just wanted to send you my very best wishes, whatever your way of celebrating  this time of year (or not).

For me, nature and the arrival of new life and hope is always key in spring, hence this image.

If you'd like to share this gif/send it as an online Easter card, please do (right-click, click or tap on the image to download and use it). I don't insist on credit, but it's always lovely if you're able to do so, or link back in some way.

Hope all is peaceful well and happy wherever you are. Have a lovely weekend (or more) and I'll see you in a few days.

Thanks so much for being here, and more soon.

___________________________

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A February Snowdrops Illustration Download...

 Hello there, and hope that you are thriving. It's almost the end of the month, so time to unveil the new February illustration...

Tap, click or right-click to download and save this 
"February Snowdrops," illustration.

Update on Jan 31st: After some howls of protest at my gentle attempt to sell this, I've decided that this, like previous monthly illustrations, should also be a freebie. (And yes, where a purchase has been made already, I've refunded it, though with many thanks).

Instead,  this illustration now makes beautiful greeting card, sticker, postcard,  and journal, over at Redbubble.

February Snowdrops art greeting card by Clare Walker 
at Redbubble.

Have a lovely weekend, and more soon.

_____________________________________

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New Digital Painting, And A Wacom One...

Hello there, and hope you're doing really well, however that looks for you.

Am popping in today to share a new digital painting with you, created with my new (and gorgeous, oh-so gorgeous...Did I mention it was gorgeous? :-) ) Wacom One digital drawing tablet, in Krita 5.

Am still working out the whys and the wherefores of it, but am loving it so much, so far. The pen feels firm and solid, the detail that's possible is incredible, and in the time have had it so far (ie, since Christmas, thanks to the -equally wonderful- Computer Man...) it hasn't once crashed, or crashed any other program.

Should stress am not affiliated with this in any way (not least because it was a Christmas prezzie from said Computer Man) and so am, so far,  just speaking as a delighted and enthusiastic user.

How this picture came about

As you'll have noticed if you've been here before, this is pretty different from most of my previous paintings and designs. In part at least, that really is down to the much finer detail that's been made possible by the change of tablet.

In honesty though, it's also because when I created it, had been having quite an explosive day (with admin...It's always admin ;-) ). And so, after tussling with a totally-weird-new-requirement-with-which-I-won't-bore you, I had an extreme need to cool off.

Immediately, my mind daydreamed off into a peaceful snowy landscape, that evolved both in my mind and on the screen simultaneously (if that makes *any* sense at all). It's a new way of creating for me...I've always been a rather a, "let's keep the end in view", sort of person.

But this new approach was oh-so-calming...Just as I hope this picture is for you.

If I don't put a link in somewhere to where you can buy it (as a winter background for craft projects, in this case) someone, somewhere is sure to ask me why I haven't. So here it is.)

But my main aim for this was my own peace of mind, which I very much hope you can share in, if you need it, as well.

More soon, and have a lovely weekend.

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January Umbrella Illustration

 

Free "January Umbrella Illustration" by Clare Walker, BoundingSquirrel.Com

Hello there.

Like most of the rest of the world, it seems, I just can't believe that it's January. How did that happen?

Anyway, this is the first working day here in England, so a happy new year to you, and I hope that the previous couple of weeks have been however you most needed them to be.

And yes, this is also January's illustration, with apologies if you usually like to download them waaay earlier.

And yes, I've gone with the snow, though it was actually about 16 degrees C here in London on New Year's Day (how?). And I know, also, that you probably need another version if you're in a different climate/latitude/hemisphere altogether. (If this is the case, feel free to use the swanky new BoundingSquirrel contact form here to let me know what would work better for you).

Just to let you know...

As ever, you're welcome to download this image (right-click, click or tap the image, depending on your device, to do so) in accordance with my angel policy.

That's about all for now, but have a lovely few days, and there'll be more soon.

_____

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New Design: Toadstools and Mushrooms

Hello there.

Hope you're well and thriving.

Yes, this week's  post is a bit later than usual, because it's been a busy week involving all sorts of things away from the computer. (House repairs, mainly...Do *anyone* ever enjoy even the concept of  maintenance tasks? If so, please can you tell me how? Thanks!).

Anyway...onward and upward. The inspiration this week came from a friend who takes the most marvellously atmospheric photos, and graciously allowed me to use her lovely, magical  pics of fly agaric mushrooms as the reference photos for the more mushroomy motifs in this design.

As you can see, out came a pattern that's perfect for really cosying up to autumn (or fall, depending on where you are ;-)

And you can browse or buy this design on an even bigger range of items by clicking or tapping on this link.

Have a great weekend.

More, and in less haste, soon!

PS. This design is also now available on fabric at Zazzle.

"So, I'll Be Along With Another Unicorn in About a Month..."

Unicorn Picture/Art Print

One thing in short supply these past few months has been random conversational snippets as passers-by go about their business.  By which I mean, random snatches of conversation that last about 20 seconds, are complete in themselves, but beg sooo many further questions.

Well, like people themselves, it seems they're back around these parts, and,

 "So I'll be along with another unicorn in about a month,"

Unicorn Dress 

 is one of  *the* best such snippets I've ever heard.

Naturally, it made me stop eating my lunch and look up. (Well you would, wouldn't you?)

And the person who said it turned out, indeed, to have just delivered a unicorn. Just not quite the type you might be imagining.

Unicorn Pin/Badge

The unicorn in question was a pedalo, being delivered to a  recreational lake near us, with the head and neck of a unicorn in plastic, with the rest of the pedalo being suitably boat-shaped behind it. Said unicorn was joining its friends the dragon, swan and flamingo pedalos.

Unicorn backpack

The strange thing...

The strange thing is, even though the pedalo was plastic,  I haven't been able to get more mythological unicorns out of my head since. The idea of them just would not leave me alone until at least one had been drawn, written about here,  and made available in more ways than I might normally choose or think about for a design like this. Hence all the many variarions of the unicorn design on the pics in this post.

If you're curious, you can find this particular unicorn on home décor, gift and apparel items here, or even on as unicorn fabric for your own projects, here.

*Free unicorn background*

And if you'd just like some free unicorns on an A4 size background (that's 300dpi, so printable if you'd like...) here it is. Just right-click, click or tap to download, depending on your device.

Free unicorn background. Just click, right-click or tap to download

Back soon

Now, unlike the speaker in the title, am not aiming to be away from the blog for a month.

But there won't be a post next week. I'll leave you to enjoy this unicorn for now though, and promise that there will be more soon.

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