New Design: Sweet Little White Flowers (With An Unlikely Beginning)

Pretty White Trailing
 Clematis Flowers Design

Hello there

Yes, I'm back from the land of scheduled posts and holiday, to a something-like-posting-more-normally, pace. 

Yes, there was inspiration aplenty in the Lake District (if you're reading this from outside the UK, that's waaay northwest of London, near to Scotland, and the place most associated with such luminaries as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, if that helps).

Was it inspiring? Absolutely, eg in the pattern above (and the new-look logo and "BoundingSquirrel" labelling, if you're interested/eagle-eyed about such things).

Inspiring then, yes...

But not just in the ways you might imagine...

For example, anyone familiar with the area might assume that my first inspiration back came from the Lake District, came from, oooh, I don't know...A lake, perhaps? :-)

There were plenty to choose from, after all. (The photo below is of a tiny part of Coniston Water, with thanks to The Computer Man for his excellent photography skills).

Photo of Coniston Water

But it seems like the art fairy of inspiration doesn't quite work like that. No, she has much more of a sense of humour.

The real inspiration for that floral design is in this photo:

Wild white daisies and clematis flowers

Yes, people. For some reason, some wild white daisies and clematis-type flowers at the edge of a petrol station forecourt (yes, you read that correctly) were the first inspiration I took from all the beauty that is Cumbria.

No, I can't really understand it, either.

But if it led to things that look as nice as this duvet cover (shown king size, but all are available)...

See the "White Trailing Flowers", design on this
duvet at Spoonflower...

Then who am I to grumble?

I'm more than happy (and humble) enough to be grateful for the inspiration, regardless of its source, and leave the insistence on high-minded inspiration to the Wordsworths of this world.

Thanks ever so much for being here, and for reading down this far.

If you're new here, please do consider signing up for my newsletter.

Have a great week. And, as ever,  there'll be...

More soon.

___________________________

Like what you see? Click here for the newsletter sign-up page

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.

___________________________

Like this post? Tap or click here to subscribe to BoundingSquirrel

New Painting: Barn Owl, Night Sky, (And a Strange Tale...)

Barn Owl, Night Sky, by Clare Walker
Click here to see it as a metallic Displate

Hello there, and hope you're thriving in your corner of the world.

This week's tale, is, I promise you, unusual, (for me, anyway).

How This Barn Owl Came to Be...

You see, I suspect that there's a weird myth out there about how things get created.

The myth

It goes something like this. Artist/designer/insert name of other creator here, spends each day in a haze of glorious inspiration, effortlessly "bringing through," phenomenal pieces of work, always inspired by an ever-obliging muse.

That's the ideal, and inspiration *does* feel wonderful. In fact, it may be a (healthy) addiction to inspiration and flow that keeps anyone going in this kind of field.

The reality, however is often a lot less glamorous, and may involve anything from feeling totally uninspired by grey November weather, to shouting in frustration at a website as it refuses to upload your image for the umpteenth time (ask me how I know..:-) ).

However...

However, in this case, there was a fair bit of rare magic involved. Which is perhaps, fitting for a creature as mystical as a barn-owl.

For a start, my one and only real-life encounter with one of these magnificent creatures was the wonder of its silent flight across the lane in front of our car, in the dead of night, almost two years ago.

Barn Owl, Night SkyThrow Pillow/Cushion 

For various reasons, that night also changed my life. (So maybe some of the association between barn owls and transformation has legs).

So, there was the real inspiration. And this week, almost two years later, the image and essence of Barn Owl came so strongly into my mind that I could almost sense its silent flight, from that inner image alone (if that makes any sense at all).

Far from being an elusive muse, the image felt alive, and even had views on how best I should complete it. (And yup, I guess that betrays that I do talk (and listen!) to some of my paintings. But honestly, it's those ones that seem to turn out the best...)

Barn Owl, Night Sky Round Patterned Tablecloth

It stayed longer than I'd bargained for...

This determined barn owl soul only flew out of my mental space when it had expressed itself in full as a painting *and* been properly distributed (that last part being hand-on heart, something I don't always do as much as I should).

So that's why this bird (started in traditional watercolour, made extra bronzy with metallic watercolour, and then given his or her night sky in several digital layers) was rather special. (And appears in all the places and products scattered through this blog post).

Tap or click here to buy the sheet that
will enable you to make this card for yourself...

And so...

And so, the unusual twist in this tale, is that yes, the wonderful, flowing, inspirational feeling of  doing the bidding of a friendly but exacting (in this case feathered) muse does exist after all, it seems.

Will I be relying on it in future? Absolutely not. 

But if a kind and happy part of nature wants to pay a visit in this way again, I'm very open to the experience, and promise to do my very best, both for them and the people (maybe like you, and if so, *thank you*) who want them in their lives too.

Finally...

I hope you enjoyed this strange-but-true tale. And as ever, thanks so much, both for being here, and for reading down this far.

More soon.

___________________________

Like this post? Tap or click here to subscribe to BoundingSquirrel

Guess Where We Found Cornflowers...

"Happy Blue Cornflowers," by Clare Walker

Hello there, and hope all is well for you.

And yes, as you'll most likely have guessed, this post is all ,about how the cornflower illustration above came to be.

The inspiration

They were inspired by these  beauties...

Photo of Cornflowers and Bee by Jim Fernbank

(And though The Computer Man's photo is wonderful as always (thanks Jim!) even this doesn't really do justice to how bright these flowers were (despite having been a little beaten around by the rain)).

So naturally, I set about giving them all that extra vibrancy in art-and-digital-land. After all, one of the reasons I paint and design is to highlight all that is brightest, happiest and best in the world at large, and nature especially.

The really surprising thing...

The really surprising thing though, is where we found both the large and happy clump of cornflowers, and the selection of (equally happy sounding) bumble bees...

 Next to a bucolic cornfield? No.

By a quiet country lane? Great guess, but, no again.

These flowers were right next to our local covered reservoir, intertwined with the very sturdy metal bars that keep people from tampering with said reservoir...As you can see from this photo (thanks again, Jim)...

Photo by Jim Fernbank

Yes, people do usually go up there for a view of the London skyline. But so mesmerised and surprised  was I by the cornflowers instead, that I've generated more art as a result than I can talk about in one blog post.

So the second instalment will be next week (though there is a  downloadable background here, and even a card design if you want to see what became of the illustration at the top of this post right this minute...)

Which just goes to show...

Which goes to show that if you keep an open mind, it really is possible to find inspiration literally anywhere.

And on that note, will leave you to your day, but will be back next week to show you more.

Thanks so much for being here, and for reading down this far.

More soon.

___________________________

Like this post? Tap or click here to subscribe to BoundingSquirrel

Digital Art Journaling... and News

Hi everyone.

Not such a cheery post as usual this week-so sorry.

My Dad died last weekend, and so many, many things will now be completely up-in-the-air for a while.

He had however, had an excellent life, visiting more than 40 countries, and having the good fortune to die in such a way that absolutely everything that needed to be said and done, absolutely was.

One of the things he said to me often in the last few months (and indeed, in our very last conversation) was "Enjoy your life."

This seemed and seems to me like such a fabulous and inspiring message/ epitaph, that I really want to remember it, live it, and share it with others.

So, for starters, here is a piece of digital art journaling (in Rebelle 5) that I did the very first time he said that, back in December. It emerged when I was following a physical art journaling tutorial called "Blessings of a Feather", by Tamara Laporte. The mixed-media techniques in that video translated very easily into digital watercolour. Thanks so much Tam, for a lesson that has turned out to be so very important...

I was never intending to post this, but it seemed so perfectly designed for the moment, that I had to do so.

The future

I'm going to be taking some time to figure things out (including how best to take forward that instruction to enjoy my life!).

So, I'll be taking a break from here for a while, whilst we all say "Happy Travels" to my Dad, and to speculate about all the ways in which he is probably already enjoying his afterlife.

Please bear with me. There will be more of something, but quite what or when, am not sure yet.

And whatever comes or goes,  please, keep enjoying your life in every possible way.

___________________________

Like this post? Tap or click here to subscribe to BoundingSquirrel

Poppies...In April?

Hello there, and hope you're thriving out there.

Click or tap here to get this as a printed or printable poster at Zazzle
(and change the wording, if you wish).

The reason for today's title will be clear if you're in the still-chilly-where-is-the-Spring-we-were-promised UK, anyway (and maybe other places in the Northern Hemisphere).

In the Southern Hemisphere, I guess poppy season is at hand, or just finishing.

Anyway, am guessing that you weren't expecting poppies today, so I'd better explain how come they're here.

Basically, I've been taking time to do Karen Abend's, "Sketchbook Revival," challenge this year. No, not every one of the 26 sessions. But there are some great ones, especially if you're looking to establish (or re-establish, like me) a daily sketching practice that actually feels *fun*.

Close-up of these poppies in their original sketch...

For example, these poppies were inspired by a Jeanne Oliver video, in which she championed both contour botanical drawing (ie drawing first without taking the pencil off the paper if possible) *and* sketching in odd periods of time that crop up during the day, instead of a longer (but potentially more pressurising "session".

And so, the first sketch for these poppies was done in a stray 20 minutes before heading out, rather than a specially-allotted time. That felt incredibly liberating.

Yes, there was scanning and some extra digital work to get the final result, but joyful and easy production were definitely the name of the game with this one.

If Sketchbook Revival sounds like something you'd enjoy, then, as I type this, I think you can still sign-up. (That's not an affiliate link or anything, I'm just enjoying the sessions).

Yes, these poppies were originally in my sketchbook...

The sessions are free, and going out at the rate of two a day until the beginning of April. After which there's a decent interval in which to watch anything else you missed before it disappears. So as I type, it's still very much worth checking it out if you want to.

As far as I can tell, this runs most years. So if you're reading this later on and Sketchbook Revival has closed for now, have a look and see if you can sign-up for any kind of reminder next year. On the basis of that which have experienced so far, I can definitely recommend it.

On that note, it's time just to wish you a great week.

More soon.

___________________________

Like this post? Tap or click here to subscribe to BoundingSquirrel

An "Autumn Bounty" Thank You Design...

          

Hello there and hope you've had a good week.

I'm posting this later than I'd like, for reasons to do with minor home improvements that *finally* finished today and will leave us better-prepared for winter...Yay!

So there was time after all for this week's card sheets, which are perfect for this season, and all designed on the theme of rich autumn or fall colours, autumnal bounty, falling leaves, and the idea of thanks and thankfulness. (They should all be available in my Craftsuprint shop by the time you read this).

Because, whatever is going on in the world at large, it would be pretty difficult to feel anything but thankful for some of the beautiful, golden-washed scenes the Computer Man and I have been lucky enough to enjoy and capture this year...and whose colours were a *big* inspiration behind today's sheets.

Like this shot of a pergola in Southwark Park...

Or the changing colours in the lesser-known little gem that is Downhills Park...

We've been so spectacularly lucky with the conditions this autumn, that even our neighbour's rosebush has come over the wall and got in on the act. (Who knew that roses could make an *autumnal* spectacle too?...Maybe everyone but me ;-) )...

I guess the point is, whatever's going on in this particularly crazy world in which we seem to be living right now, beauty and nature are constants, and whatever else is also true, I'm so, so, grateful for that colour, beauty and joy.

More soon.

___________________________

Like this post? Tap or click here to subscribe to BoundingSquirrel

Echinacea Art Journaling, And Daring to Be Imperfect...

 Hello there, and hope you're feeling well and thriving.

In social media land, everyone always seems to be thriving, after all. There they are, tirelessly churning out *amazing* artwork day after day, or so it seems. Good for them, if that's how it really happens (and by the way, if that person is you, wow, and can you please get in touch and let me know how you do it? Thanks!).

One thing I keep meaning to get into is the habit of planning these posts in advance. "Keep meaning to," as in, "haven't done yet". So, what you see is what you get. Which is a problem, if it's Friday, and the feeling assails me that I haven't done enough that's bloggable, this week.

(Don't get me wrong, plenty has been done, but more of the sketching ideas, walking in the sunshine, and re-connecting with people variety).

And then I remembered...    

And then I remembered this Echinacea art journaling:

Echinacea art journaling. You're welcome to
share this on social media, but please keep the
watermark intact. Many thanks!

Which put me in a spin, because it was art journaling just to clear my own head... I hadn't really meant to share this at all. For one thing, a traditional watercolour (and as a mostly digital gal still, I do get nervous about sharing those. The lettering is digital, but still hand-lettered, another rarity for me).

But now that I see it, and am about to hit, "post," it' dawning on me that this is the perfect, "imperfect" post to share. 

"Perfect Imperfect," is Probably Where We're All Mostly At, Right Now...

For am guessing that I might not be the only one feeling a little wind-blown by the last couple of years. If you can relate, then I hope the idea of seeds having been sown gives you as much of a boost as it did for me.

In any event though, if we all keep posting just the shiny, sanitised, "perfect" versions of ourselves and our work, then we're creating an exhausting and ultimately, unsatisfying,  rat-race of comparison for ourselves and others.

On the other hand, if we do our best to be as real as possible, and  to acknowledge that life happens in ways not always easily sliced into blog posts, then am guessing there'll be less stress, and a lot more fun  for everyone.

In any event, thanks for  being here and reading this (I really appreciate it), and have a lovely weekend.

Update and PS. It turns out that this image is striking a chord for some people, so I've also popped it on a sticker here:

Buy this sticker at Redbubble

Not the outcome I expected, but thank you.

More soon.

If You Go Down to The Bench Today (You're in For a Big Surprise)...

Hello there. Hope you're thriving. But if you're feeling in need of a pick-me-up or a bear hug, I couldn't resist sharing a photo of one of our newest local residents, who re-inspired me utterly the other day. 

Imagine my surprise the other day, when, wondering round the neighbourhood (frankly, in need of a little inspiration and hope myself, at the time) I came upon this cutie on a bench.

Who left him, and why, remains a mystery. But this huge and adorable teddy bear has also been spotted being a bench companion to people of all ages since. So however he (or she!) got here, this bear is doing a real public service, going beyond even providing much-needed whimsy and joy.

I am no stranger to teddy bears...

If you're a regular reader here, you might already know that I have a  very soft spot for bears.

For example, this little bear that I put onto Redbubble a while ago...

Buy this teddy sticker on Redbubble...

and this cute bear cub illustration...

Buy this postcard on Redbubble...

Re-inspired?

Yes, meeting the bear on the bench did re-inspire me, though in all sorts of ways, bear-related and none. A piece of work in progress is on my Instagram feed, if you'd like to see it.

But all of that's for another day. Today, it's just enough to share something that's inspired me, and hope that you've been able to have a joyful and happy surprise from it as well.

Have a lovely weekend, and more soon.

Follow on Bloglovin' to get blog updates sent straight to your inbox
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Twitter

New Artwork: It's OK to be Happy, People Need Joy

Hello. 

If you're in a space to be thinking about joy today, I have something for you.

(To share this image, retaining the watermark, the link is here)

This was a piece of digi-art journaling (hand-lettering and painting, but in a digital art program...Krita, in this case) I got up to this week. 

If you've read these posts for a while, you'll know that this isn't the first discussion of "can art/happiness be justified when X is happening,". But this just wanted to come out, as a full technicolour reminder that joy helps the world rather than hindering it.

And yes, it's a little brighter and bolder than I might have necessarily done things for a good while. Some of the credit for that must go to the workshop I'm on this week. Am purely a participant, not an affiliate or anything, But if you've been having any kind of creative block, stuckness or general "loss of colour," in your life or work recently, it may speak to you too, and you'll find all the details at:

https://radiantearthstudios.com/unlock-your-artist-challenge

And finally

And finally, pretty much for fun, I did put this image onto Redbubble as well, and am enjoying the look of it on magnets, mugs, and the like, here.

So I'll leave you with some more visual goodies (clicking on the pictures should click you straight through if you're interested.

It's OK to be Happy People Need Joy Magnet

It's OK to be Happy, People Need Joy Mug

It's OK to be Happy People Need Joy Cushion/Throw Pillow

And more than anything, I wish you a happy and joyful weekend.

New Inspiring/Funny Quote Illustration: Life *Is * A Bowl of Cherries. But...

It's cherry season here. Somewhere in the course of the first few this year, I got to thinking the thought, "Even cherries have pips". Which evolved as you see below.

Find this magnet on Redbubble

Just a fun thought for a Friday, which you're also welcome to share via the image below if you'd rather.

Hope you have a happy weekend. More soon!

Follow

Free Inspiring Quote Image and Ecard: You Can Do This...

Let's face it, life continues to be various kinds of weird for a lot of people at the moment. Which (maybe) is why this illustration popped into my head. This woman *is* managing to balance her strange and heavy load at the moment. Maybe the message, "You Can Do This..." that goes with it *is* all she needs.

If you know someone who would appreciate this, it's fine to tap, click or right-click (according to your device) on the image on the left and send it to them. Please leave the web address and signature on it, though.

Also...

Also, if you'd rather send them something more physical (or have some encouragement yourself), I have greeting cards, magnets, badges and more that carry the same message, available on Redbubble.

(You can see what some of them look like in the images below).

Buy on a tote bag here

Buy as a sticker here

Buy on a greeting card here

And whatever you do or don't do, remember that you too can do whatever is in front of you. And that, better yet, you have the power to let other people know that they can, too.

Hope this helps anyone who needs it. More soon!

Find Joy: An Elephant Fridge Magnet Painting

 Hello there, and hope you're doing well and thriving despite all. Couldn't post this photo before now as it was a present. But this "watercolour elephant in a fridge magnet," has become, not just what was right to send then, but an idea that keeps floating around for me...

The elephant fridge magnet in question (please excuse my bad photography)

'Cos let's face it, if 2020 has proved anything, it's that deciding to find joy can help to keep us sane, healthy and happy. So that's what am planning to do, whatever happens in 2021. You're welcome to join me in this, if you'd like.

And although am not officially posting as a 100 day challenge anymore, will be posting regularly, because have missed it in the last week. Nothing has, or will disappear (I just need more time at weekends, and for projects that take longer to complete).

So there will be more very soon. And in the meantime, I wish you health, happiness, and all the joy you can find, whether you're reading this at New Year, or any other time.

Day 38: Inspiring Stuff?

 

Today, I was simply playing around with getting wax to resist watercolour. Some days, you just need to moodle along, and this was one of them. Then this thought occurred to me..Maybe it resonates with you, or someone you know.

And in any case, there'll be more tomorrow.

New Echinacea Inspiration-Free Printable

Hello again and hope you're managing to keep safe, well and as happy as possible in these strange times.

In order to help that along, this image  is fully printable, and yours to download and share if you wish. Echinacea is traditionally a plant associated with healing, so it felt like a good choice. Just right-click and save to download.

Thanks for being here, be well and more soon!

PS. As ever, if you happen to be feeling crafty and want to work with just the image, it's available in various craft sheets here.

Art Journaling...& Should I Even Try It In A Crisis?

There was a conundrum you see. The situation does seem a bit sticky round these parts at present. (Not to mention the myriad of unusual practical issues that are facing millions of us right now).

But on the other hand,  the sun is shining today. My partner and I are also lucky enough to have all we need at this moment. And we're told that the best thing we can do to help others is to stay indoors.

So, daring to do some art journaling, did feel somehow, right. And, though in normal times, I'd probably "tsk" at this result and not post it, by doing it at all, I suddenly felt 100 times more positive.

Therefore, if you're in a similar position, I dare you to go ahead and make some art. Affirm that life *does* and will continue...And share every shred of joy you can find.

Pen and wash with wax and water-soluble crayons & Posca Pen on mixed-media paper

Like this post? Please follow BoundingSquirrel on BlogLovin' Follow

Yay-November Is Art Every Day Month!

Yay! This isn't just how I feel to turn to a new month, finally feeling vibrant after a yucky virus that gave me an October to forget.

Much more importantly, November is Art Every Day Month, and I'll be participating in the challenge this month.

It's a lovely chance to be creative every day, (and also to be kind to yourself if you skip a day or two).

This pic is my illustration for the first day-which I did letter and colour by hand, but via digital graphics pen and the Krita app.

If you'd like to take part as well, the sign-up page and all the details are here.

And let's all have a great November.

New Whimsical Illustration: "Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Awesome

Doodled this a few days ago, and posted it to the Creative Every Day group on Facebook. Was never going to post publicly, but it seemed to resonate with people there, so am posting it here so that it's shareable.

This is only a lo-res image, but feel free to share and download (right-click and save) if it appeals to you too.

Daily Illustration Challenge Day Eight (Digital Watercolour Inspiring Image)

Needed this today-it warded off a bout of a  distinct "Friday feeling".

May it do the same for you too, if you need it.


(Watercolour lettering and leaves stroke by stroke in ArtRage4).




Subscribe to BoundingSquirrel by Email

A New Digital Painting (And A Sneaky Peek Ahead)...

As usual, this is completely out of synch with the season ;-).

But it's a little peek of project I'm working on for next year. (And the reason why I haven't posted lately.

Watch this space...

And if it speaks to you-please share it.

More soon...

Update 11/2/14: This giraffe is just one of the illustrations in, "Fall in Love & Stay There," available here.