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Hope it was cathartic! You could do worse than Carlos and the lads.

Ain't that the truth, Dinahmow! Love this one, Andrea...:)

This is a great sketch. It reminds me of an old friend who used to write stuff on slips of paper and put them in a box deep in the closet so she would remove them from her head. I can't for the life of me remember what it is she put up there, though, so that memory was useless. I could also relate to some of your boxes which was scary. I'm used to "cute". Welcome back for the circus!

That actually gave me a shiver! Do you feel better now?

That's such an amazing sketch. Super powerful.

Thanks guys, yes, it's a dark place - under my bed!

Dan, I love that idea. Now that would make a great drawing. Dark, yes, but I don't think it's such a bad thing, emracing the darkness.

Cheers!

I love this drawing every time i look at it i can feel everything you were trying to get across you are a great artist.

Tower Bridge. And I love it!

Tower Bridge. And I love it!

I LOVE this, so clever.

I think it is Tower Bridge but not entirely sure myself!

thats bloody brilliant, I love it!

So smart, I love it! My partner is telling me London Bridge is in America, some rich guy bought it thinking it was Tower Bridge, he bought the wrong one, and after all that it didn't fit!

also on
www.bazaartales.com

My guess is Tower Bridge. I think London Bridge fell down. Or it's currently falling down. I heard it in a song once.

The red pens are cool. I really like the idea.

Yeah, that's Tower Bridge and it looks fantastic!

Thanks, folks.

You know, the last time is was in London I stayed in a hotel that was on the doorstep of London Bridge (you can see a drawing I made, of one of the souvenirs I bought whilst there, in the last post, in Danny's book) and it looked absolutely nothing like this. Yep, it's definitely Tower Bridge. Apparently, this is a common mistake.

And, yes, London Bridge's only fame is that it's falling down. Although, it looked fine when I was there.

Cheers, my dears.

I love your work, this is how I would love to be able to sketch. Though I will not be commenting on all you posts I will be looking at each one.

Hi there excellent blog! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount work?
I have absolutely no expertise in computer programming however I was hoping to start my own blog
in the near future. Anyways, should you have any ideas or tips for
new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject but I just needed to ask.
Kudos!

Feel free to visit my website: blog.lishin.tcc.edu.tw

Thanks so much, Polly. I remember looking at other artists work when I started out and thinking 'I want to sketch like that'. I never achieved drawing like them, but somehow found my own thing.

Cheers.

That table is awesome.

Thank you!

I like the softly blended values, you did that so nicely!

An alternative solution to your photo problems would be to post a small image with a few detail shots, if you make them all slightly different sizes (simply by cropping and resizing) it would make it a lot harder for people to use them commercially.

An alternative solution to your photo problems would be to post a small image with a few detail shots, if you make them all slightly different sizes (simply by cropping and resizing) it would make it a lot harder for people to use them commercially.

She is beautifully done. Lovely art!

Also, you could reframe the issue a little bit: how many of the people who see your work would not see it if this didn't happen? How many people who now use your work, would pay for it if they could not pull it from the web?

I think you might be not losing any business, and gaining exposure, using the bigger images.

However, things like details and so on sound like good ideas as well. Maybe my pov it's just a matter of perspective, so that you don't get a feeling you're losing sales, but you're gaining potential clients. :)

Thanks, guys.

Yep showing some of the details sounds like a way forward. But, you know, Gotes de Lluna, I think I'm come back around to this point of view. I really do.

Cheers.

reguarding your problem with the resizing if people want to read the text there is a zoom facility on the pc under tools or you could do ALT+X and zoom in on your text it only takes second and people must want to read what goes with the drawing to get the most of ajs craft hope it helps

I am so wondering and ispire by your unique sketch drawn style can you tell us which pencil, pen are you using? Mzrlers? together? Thank wou so much

I love being able to click your images and get a large view of your work. But I know it makes you vulnerable. I don't like the idea of watermarking artwork, either. Too bad cyber space is not free of pirates. Your work is awesome.

Blessings,
Fay

hi Andrea -
first - big fan here for a long time and please watermark. as much as i adore looking at your drawings in detail I hate to think of someone stealing your work. Those of us who love your stuff won't mind ;-)
I read the last few posts about learning Photoshop and laughed cos this was my New Years Resolution! I've struggled with it for far too long and had given up but this year I'm determined. I'm sure you've found all kinds of tutorials online but here's one I'm going to use - I've watched a few videos and I actually find her very understandable and thought perhaps you might too :-) Here's the link:
www.jessicasprague.com
then click on learn with Jessica then click on Photoshop Classes (there are some free ones :-))
Good luck with the Photoshop!

I'm so glad you drew. That's most definitely a word in MY vocabulary! And I love this drawing! Wow! I can see the passion you had for your craft in every part of it. I want to learn photoshop too, but for illustration reasons. How do you know if somebody is using your artwork without permission? I have my stuff on about 6 different sites, and don't check them very often... but I never see my artwork popping up any place else. I guess I'm not the one to give advice, but I'd love to receive some too!

Andrea, I don't know anything about photoshop. But I do know that people could lift your drawings and enlarge them. Not the same as hi-res, but if thieves are only after cheap knock-offs ... There is a way to put a watermark on your work and you probably have the programme for that. I'm sure someone else can help there!
Anyway, it's lovely to see you back in the saddle.700.Way to go!

Tough call about image size. This one looks ok in the blog, but is not sharp enough to read the text or really appreciate your incredible attention to detail (at least viewing on an iPad). I guess you could watermark your images before posting, but of course that would impact the presentation. Never been a big fan of watermarks.
Been following and enjoying your work for awhile, btw. Thanks.

Katherine, the thing is that you never know unless somebody tells you. Because people who know my work have pointed it out I've found my drawings on tote bags, mugs and posters. They are mainly in eastern Europe and Russia and there's not really anyway of stopping them do it. I do contact them but get no reply, so unless I make my images small enough so they can't be used.

Photoshop is going to take some time!!

Cheers.

Thanks, guys.

Yep, that's my worry that they are not as sharp, I do want people to read all the notes. It's a difficult one. I'm not a fan of watermarks either. But, maybe that is the way forward. Hmmmmm. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

Cheers.

Andrea, People can still lift this drawing . From my browser I was able to increase the size and find both a "save" and "print" command easily (I didn't do either of course). You should be able to put a watermark on your work in PhotoShop, which would be visible on the drawing in a browser, and would make any image a bit less desirable. You can't put it on a mug with a watermark and expect folks to buy it.

I've seen a number of discussions on various art pages on the web that focus on how to protect one's art work. This problem of stealing artwork concerns artists everywhere. I have never read a good solution to the problem, either. Watermarking is the only way I've heard of (besides dragging someone to court) as a good solution.

As usual, the drawing is lovely. It's a shame that people don't respect artists enough to keep their hands off!

Oh dear. Wrote up a longish comment and when I got to this point, it was gone. Well, it was too long anyway.

This problem of stealing artwork on the web is one I've seen on a gazillion art fora -- and no one seems to have a good solution other than watermarking. You should be able to watermark your work with Photoshop very easily.

From a browser it is possible to both enlarge your drawing and save/print it -- it's the nature of the beast. People who have no morals will steal anything, and copyright laws don't faze them. Although watermarking will 'show' it will stop your images from being used commercially.

Keep up the good work. Photoshop is a lot of fun -- I've used it for a long time to clean up old photos and process new ones. Avail yourself of Adobe's help, and search for tutorials, of which there are a gazillion. One really terrific site is lynda.com. She's been working with software and doing tutorials literally for years. And adobe's help is very good as well.

Congratulations, you are an inspiration, just got "An Illustrated Journey" I very much enjoyed reading your section.

Andrea, I love, love , love your art. I could not read your "thoughts" in this drawing though - too small. Maybe you could enlarge just parts of the drawings in separate pictures?

I don't know if this will be helpful, but you probably know a really good printable piece is going to be at least 300dpi. 72dpi is considered sufficient for screen viewing. So I've always made my image 72dpi (but retained the dimensions I want) when I plan to post it online. That doesn't mean it's no longer printable, but it certainly won't print nicely, thus making it less desirable for stealing.

well, half the fun of looking at your drawings is inspecting every little detail and every nook and cranny. so i'd vote for the watermark, even though i don't particularly like those. but i see that as less intrusive on your drawings than not being able to view the fabulous details of your drawings. just my two cents worth ;)

Try resizing to 800 px on the long side ... big enough to enjoy.

Andrea! This is gooorgeous. Really. So happy you were able to make time to really draw...would you send some of that over my way?

I'm so sorry to hear about your drawings being used without your permission. I wish I had some advice, but I struggle with this same issue too. I detest watermarks, but is this what its going to have to come to?

I look forward to checking back in here and seeing what others suggest.

This beautiful drawing is the one that brought me, for the first time, to your site, and it WAS disappointing to not be able to read the text, especially as I could relate so well to the concept.
I use Photoshop quite a bit. If you go to image size, you can save your work at 72, or even 100 dpi and it will look great on screen, but will be too low res to make a decent print. Depending on the size of your original text, that might need to be adjusted for readability. Is this drawing saved at an even smaller res than that? My drawings are about 8.5 x 12 inches, so maybe that's a bit bigger than yours, I can't know.
Anyway, love what I can see of your drawing!

Lovely feeling when you take a stroke for a walk and you hardly remember the journey. Sorry to hear about the use of your images. You are not the first person to mention this on your blog. I don't know how you could stop it altogether. I use Pixresizer and make my largest dimension 300 and it is ok on the blog but if you try and enlarge it is is too small. I am not worried about my work being copie as it isnt professional standard so no-one would want it. I guess the small c thingey for watermarks is another possible solution with your name at the side Hope you find a solution.

I miss being able to read what you've written on this drawing, and being able to see all the wonderful detail you put into these. I'm like you...I'm not crazy about watermarks especially when they run right through the middle of the image. I've toyed with the idea of watermarking mine across the bottom, but then folks can just crop it out with some images.

Since your work is actively being stolen, please start using watermarks. At least that will make it more difficult for thieves. I think it's very generous of you to share all your images and you gotta do what you can to protect yourself. If we want to see your work in all it's detail and glory, we can visit your etsy shop and buy it. Meanwhile, we're all grateful for your robust imagination and wonderful drawings. Keep it up, Miss 700 Posts!

Hi Andrea, well done on all you have achieved recently, the book, and the theatre art and mentions in that mag in London, I keep reading about your adventures!! Brilliant.
I'm only just learning on photoshop, and i'm not sure how you get your drawn image onto the computer? but, if you scan, it needs to be low res, like 75dpi, not sure if you can go lower, and then in photoshop you flatten the image (in the bit where you create a new layer I think), then save as a jpeg. This makes it smaller to send as an email. Hope this makes sense, our friend Lynne could probably help with the photoshop?? Good luck, I can easily imagine images getting stolen, I often think should I put images on my blog? It's a shame. X :)

Thanks so much guys, this is all very useful info.

This is saved at 72dpi. You can still print it? Wow. I don't know. It seems that watermark is the way to go? I really don't like them but I suppose you have to weigh up that against getting your work stolen.

Or, maybe, I should just get over it and continue to post as I normally would? It's a tough call but your input really helps. thanks.

I'm going to play around some more with Photoshop - try out some of he things you've suggested. I suppose it's not until I become more proficient with Photoshop that I find a better solution.

I want you all to read the notes and view my drawings in the best light. That's my priority.

Cheers!

Congratulations! Both on the 700th post and on the zenlike drawing experience. The image is fine, except I cannot read the text (sigh).

WOW Andrea 700 posts!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Not sure if someone has already mentioned this. I think the way forward is watermarking. I usually post low-res images of my drawings on my blog, but if there is an interesting detail I want people to see, I add other images that are only the details.

For example, you could post the low-res image of this drawing with a watermark. Then, in the high res version in photoshop, you can zoom in, use the "rectangular marquee" tool to select detailed areas and crop ("Image" and then "Crop") to save details. You can then post them individually so people can read them.

That way people can still see high-res versions of the juicy bits, but it's much less likely anyone will steal them, as they're just bits and pieces of the whole picture.

Hope this helps!

I love your work! your illustrations are very beautiful! you can visit this page: psd.tutsplus.com/sessions/photoshop-basix/
there are a lot of shrot tutorials, some of them talk about resize image and how to save and present a work.

Hi Andrea, I love your drawings and would hate to see them on some cheap tote bag. I would definately watermark them...there are ways to do it very subtley and it can look professional. Your real fans will understand why you have to put a watermark on. I found this very clear video for you that might help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JssogKr-Vhk . Persevere with Photoshop, it is totally worth learning. Also, I agree with one of the comments above...you can make closeups of the writing in your drawings so people can read it.

Watermark, my dear. I believe photoshop may have an "add a watermark" command that would make it simple to protect your work. I do love seeing the huge images, but I don't want people stealing your work!

I'm really sorry you've had drawings stolen from you - that's horrible :(

I've pinned some of your drawings to Pinterest, but they link straight back to your blog and say in the comment that it is your drawing.

If you would prefer that I delete them, I will happily do this.

Only comment about the image size is that when you click on it, it doesn't get big enough to read, which makes me sad. I enjoy your random comments on your drawings!

Just wanted to add, the pins look like this:

http://pinterest.com/pin/244461085992718887/

I will of course remove it if you would prefer - it was never my intention to steal, and I hope you don't view it that way.

Thank you everyone, for such an amazing response.


Kim, no, no, problem. That's not what I mean by stealing! Please fell free to share my work. I'm grateful, in fact. Nope, it's when it appears on some cheap product, that I get no control over and no credit for, but is being used for somebody else to make a profit. That's what really hurts. And on the Pinterest subject, now there's something else I need to learn. Easy? Worthwhile? Or, just another place to post?

Thanks again. I am going to give watermarking a go on one of my brand new drawings, to see if I can live with it. I'm still not sue that I can. Cheers!

I'm a self-taught photoshop user. Honestly, there is a lot within the program. I took my time and experimented and had fun.
As for copyright....yes you can add watermarks and I've done this but it's not an absolute. Additionally,it's strongly suggested by experts,Scott Kelby, never to upload the highest quality nor original size to the web.

Kayshine, thanks a lot. Your message is encouraging. Sometimes (always) when I open up Photosop I'm totally overwhelmed. It's going to take some time. Cheers.

This is a lovely drawing. It seems like there were a few of us who couldn't sketch on Saturday.

Yes it WILL pass and you'll soon be back to your old productivity.

Why not try the 15min thing in the meantime? Try to draw for 15minutes sketch your feet, cup of tea, something. If after 15mins you've had enough then stop. You may find you continue longer. Sometimes helps.

This is a very nice sketch. Drawing block is always the worst, but I saw your ideas for the graphic novel! I hope you get a reply soon, I am sure that will motivate you to no end! :)

Thanks, guys.
Sue, yes, I always miss those days soo much. i just love catching up with everyone and i always come home with a handful of drawings.

Afk, it is the worse. But I picked up my pens yesterday and feel I'm pulling through!

Cheers.

All the answers - some would be nice. I'll keep an eye on this post as I have no idea how to balance.

Love the backdrops - they look gorgeous!

Hi Andrea,

Take a look at why you want to 'redress the balance'. Are the reasons your reasons or other people's reasons? What else (besides drawing) is important to you?

Once you know the important stuff, you can make time for all of it, on your terms.

The thing that was a breakthrough for me is that I have a choice. There's really no such thing as "I can't" ('Oh, I can't do x, I have to do y'). You are actually choosing to spend your time on something every time a choice comes up. If you choose what feels right to you, and not what you think you 'should'('shoulds' tend to come from outside (family, friends, society)), then you won't feel pulled in two different directions. Sometimes your choices won't please everyone, but since you can't ever do that anyway, there's no point in trying! What you can do is choose your priorities, and then focus on those.

Cheers,
eSeN ([email protected])

Congratulations AJ. I'm so so glad for you.

Humans are put on this earth to find what it is that makes them passionately alive and to share that with the world.

If drawing is that for you, you're already in balance. Moreso than the rest of this crazy world, for sure.

Provided you're not hurting anyone, just live into what you're supposed to do. Draw, lady. Draw like it's your soul made visible.

Years ago I was deeply, obsessively into flying. It was on my mind pretty much every waking minute. I remember the panic I felt when imagining the day I didn't do it any more. It seemed like I would lose the core of who I was.

The answer was that whether I'm flying or not: once a pilot, always a pilot. The magic will wait for you if you have to take a break.

Maybe the answer lies in combining your love of drawing with other things in your life: more sketchcrawls, more sketching with others, teaching your skills to others, or including drawing in those parts of your life that you feel have been neglected.

I wish you the best in finding the elusive balance. May your search lighten your soul:)

they look amazing on that huge screen!

I am in the exact opposite position - an amateur artist who hasn't created regularly for many years. Your blog of wonderful drawings is one of several inspiring me to dust off the sketchbook & supplies. I'm starting my own journey back to regular drawing and blogging about it. Whatever you decide is the right balance for you, thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your talent!

eSeN, has the solution I think. The most difficult might be to put into practice maybe. But yes, I guess the only solution to be in peace with our everyday life, is to listen to ourselves as much as possible.
You draw a lot, maybe too much in the some peoples eyes, but you do it well, and you don't seem to loose a second of that time spend drawing. It really seams worth it, your work is beautiful Andrea!!
Thank you for your passionate dedication, it's a gift to all those who are lucky enough to see your drawings!
Helen

eSen raises a good point.

Death is certain and the time we have is not. What you do with your time is important. The fact that you are fully aware of what you love and that you prioritise it is incredible.

So few people know and love themselves enough to do what you do.

Even when you think you are drawing every minute, you still make time to do what needs to be done - go to work, clean the clothes, call your Mom, etc - so even though doing these things make you feel cheated of time, I don't think they are part of the balance issue. Balance for me is doing ART as much as I can until that dreadful time when the muse takes a vacation. Then I spend that time doing research and reading, preparing for her return, then, when she does, I do as much ART as I can. That's how I stay balanced.

I've been reading a book about visioning (which sounds daft, but actually just seems to mean working out what you want so you can go do it), and had a wee go at it myself.

Essentially, you're meant to picture your life in x number of years if everything went just how you always imagined it. Then (in the present tense) you describe in detail the way your spend your week, or how you interact with the people around you.

The amazing thing is that it really does make it easier to work out what to do now in order to get there (and it's not always what you think it's going to be).

I'm with Aggie, as another amateur artist, (and mother of four teenagers/young adults) I find it a struggle to carve out time each week, never mind each day (which is my goal) to find time to draw and be creative. Relax and enjoy this time you have because before you know it other things will creep in. Thank you for sharing your journey and your achievements, it is always inspirational.

eSen talks a great deal of sense - as long as you are not in danger of being evicted, starving to death or hurting anyone, I see no problem in spending your time drawing. It's what you are brilliant at and it is starting to pay dividends. I quit art completely in my early twenties after many setbacks and various people telling me I wasn't good enough. After 13 years, I came back to it and thought to hell with anyone else, I'm going to do what I love. It's been a long hard slog but I can finally call myself a professional artist. Now I feel I have to catch up with those lost years because let's face it, we're a long time dead!

Andrea,

From your perspective you have done 'nothing but draw'.

However from those of us who have followed you for these years there is more to it than that. There is inspiration (both to spur the artists among us to create more, as well as the sheer joy of seeing the beauty of the world through your eyes), excitement of watching your career develop, and the hope that with all this great work will come greater recognition for you. As I've posted before, your blog is the starting point for student projects in my university drawing classes, which undoubtedly has a ripple effect unforeseen.

Next things? More exhibitions, travel, a reality show? Whatever 'it' is will hopefully dovetail with what you do now so we (selfishly) won't lose you.

Best wishes.

Thank you SO much for the kind response to this post, folks.

I have read and reread through all of your comments and appreciate them more than you know. I, too, will respond (to your response!)by posting very shortly. Sorry, I haven't ot around to it sooner, I've just been a bit 'all over the place' recently.

For the first time, yesterday, I suddenly felt like drawing and had a deluge of ideas. This makes me happy.

A blog post will follow shortly. In the meantime, a HUGE thank you. I'm very touched.

I understand how you feel. Re-Adjusting your life when you have a strong passion for something isn't easy at all... If you sit down and really think this through I'm sure you could make an effort to balance out your passion of drawing with other things in your life!

I'm a new fan of your work!(btw) Whatever you do, just please don't stop drawing :)

andrea, i hope these amazing comments have helped lighten your mind

with so much wisdom i'm not sure i have much new to add.

looking forward to a "balanced" you and some sketches :)

Beautiful backdrops Andrea. I have no answers either. I am absolutely consumed with making marks. ??

Great sketches. Tom certainly looks human and I love how you have captured the top pose.

Thanks, Sue.

As I see it (I haven't been following you for 5 years), this is just another example of how you've taken the common and made it Uncommon. I've enjoyed every post. This one is as good as the first.

!!!

A cliché is worn-out & meaningless... but a classic is something of lasting worth, it's timeless. Every artist has to develop & keep evolving their personal style - which you've done *quite* well! This earlier piece of yours is still a good piece - it's a classic :-)

I suspect you have a cookbook commission...?

Well, I think I can wait a bit to say "I was sure" :)

fabulous, love your work

Thank you, guys.

Caroline, you might be barking up the right tree!

I can reveal all, so to speak, soon.

Cheers.

very fine drawings...you have got your own style...nice blog...

Wow Andrea. I remember you posting this! I can't believe 5 years has gone by.

Congrats on all you have accomplished in that time. Your work is stunning.

Can't wait to see the new project ;)

love this picture! it tells such a charming story ;)

can't wait for the reveal of the secret project!!

i love this picture! and i can't wait to find out what it is you're working on ;)

Andrea, I am digging your drawings of people too. The composition of this one is so clever -- it goes right to the essential. Cool arm!
Love

I love it! Actually, it does make me wonder if your style wouldn't work with tattooing. I think it would because of the ability to use fewer needles for the fines lines. I had a piece done by Noon, which does have a very hand sketched quality to it.

Thanks, girls.

France, I'm finiding it the most exciting thing - drawing people, right now. maybe because it's so new. It makes me feel even more in awe of what you do.

Kaitlyn, I am really interested in this idea. Loads of people have asked me to design tattoos for them in the past but I've never fancied it. I think getting involved in the whole Dr Sketchy thing has made me feel very diffierent about that now. I imagine some of the ladies I've drawn would work really well. So many things I'd LOVE to do. So little time!

Thanks, girls x

Dang, seems like you found your style to draw clean stylish faces, well done!

Thanks, Chelle!
It's difficult and going to take a LOT of practice.

Every time I visit your blog I'm amazed and inspired by the quality and beauty of your work. Also, it's always so interesting to read what you have to say! nancy

Love your style! Great drawings - from someone that has sat at a table and tried to do the same thing.

I'm with Nancy! I love your style of drawing - the detail combined with the softness is fantastic! And though I had to decipher your writing on the first drawing because it was so light in the pic, I made the effort, because it IS so interesting :)

I agree! Good food is important. Lovely illustrations, as ever.

Why don't you look for a part-time job as a journalist you can let yourself be invited to restaurants, many magazines have a food section, and you can draw amazingly well, and you are also a great writer.

Thanks, folks.

Chelle, I would love that! It sounds like a perfect job, but I'm no writer. I think I'd need to go back to school before that could happen!

Thanks guys, you are kind x

While yummy food is a must, I just wanted to remark on how much I lurve your handwriting. So whimsical and sweet. Matches the pictures perfectly. :)

(P.S. I must concur with a few comments up. Why not become a foodie? Get paid to write about what you eat...and draw it, too.)

no-no you do have a fun style for writing, as a matter of fact the short stories you write here always complete your drawings very nicely, you are being too modest. You could make an example 1/4 of a page type, or a full page type of example article, and send it to editorial staffs ... people are always looking for (new) stuff and people to fill them magazines, and every now and than you might want to take a little risk. Think of all the free food you might get o_O

Love this post. Now I'm inspired to go draw at a cafe!

The two people in the wheel trim? :)

The two people in the wheel trim :) ?

That would be the reflection in the engine cover plate :-)
And the drawing is actually quite charming. ;-)

There's a couple in the chrome cover near the brake pedal. It appears as if the couple is a reflection in the chrome. The woman appears to be writing or drawing in a book.

jeff

There is a couple near the brake lever. The woman appears to be drawing or writing in a book.

jeff

I think a young couple made their way to the gas tank (or is it under it?) :))

The drawing is cool (no rubbish), and the man you describe in the text that is watching you draw is super cool, only the front wheel is crummy ... If I was you I would tear of a small piece of paper on the side, or drip a drop or red wine on it, or maybe a cigarette burn, having it look as if an accident had happened, and nobody would ever know that the missing part was a queer front wheel : D

Btw the scribbling is funky, it gives the effect that the motor is running and vibrating, some of those choppers do sound really crappy.

Anyway, nice work!

Well I think you are being awfully hard on yourself - the bike looks mighty fine to me. And for just a moment, I had the feeling that I was standing next to you while you were sketching it and could see our reflection in the chrome. For just a moment. It passed.

The reflection on the shiny bit!

The picture of a bridal(?) couple?
Well, it made me smile. :-)

Oh! Happy Birthday, Andrea! (Only spotted that when I enlarged the pic just now for a better look at the couple!)

the reflection! ;)

Thanks, folks.

Yeah, you got it. That is supposed to be me, drawing the bike in my Moleskine, with the Rockerbilly owner of the bike watching me drawing it. Does that make sense?

Dan, are you telling me that was you looking over my shoulder?

Chelle, I actually like the front wheel. After the self portrait it's my favourite bit. It's just ALL of the rest of it I dislike!

Thanks, Di.

Thank you all.

In my next life I'll be a Rockerbilly, but I am just as cool. Really.

I'm late to the party as always but would have said the reflection too - and it's a darn sight better drawing of a motorcycle than I could do!

the reflection of the man and the woman. who are they? i loved the whole drawing! thank you for sharing it.

I love your "squashed" car - it would also probably get better gas mileage than the full size. Great sketches!

OK, so you squished the car. Just a bit! But the Forever Sketchcrawl tattoo more than makes up for it! Laughing my socks off here!
(I thought of "Wagonized"when you drew the Consul)

You see here's what happens: any car you draw goes through a transformation and becomes really cute!

what a charming vehicle! love it!

Thanks, guys.

I'm finding it very difficult to draw a car and not make it look like a France Belleville car. More practice is needed!

Dan, I just like cute cars!

Cheers, my dears.

I just love all of them packed on the sofa to watch the Telly! So cozy and cute!! Nancy

I love it too...you were a poet and you didn't know it:)...love all the artwork you've done for James and the Giant Peach!

I love it too!...you were a poet and didn't know it...:)...love all the illustrations you've done for James and the Giant Peach!

These are brilliant Andrea!

You're bloody cute lol!

So love these drawings - they just draw my eyes to them - I love the black and white buildings with the peach above them. Your work is wonderful!

very cute, the critters on the sofa! i love the facial expressions of the two worms/bugs at each end!! they don't look very happy

Thanks so much, folk.

Alarmcat, yes, hose two do not get on!

Cheers.

Hah! I am so far behind with everything I shall meet myself coming back!
But I wanted to let you know Bristol has crown chimney pots, too! Still have not seen any in London...

Hi Di, a pity you didn't come up last weekend the weather was gorgeous. Or next weekend you could have helped with the exhibition!!

This is absolutely gorgeous.

Thank you, Intorverted Art!

I understand you're happy with this drawing... I should be too.

It looks like the baby elephant is standing there all cold and naked ... asking to pleease put me on some pink pajama's. btw you also might want to give the plant a touch of green so all the elements that are alive in the pictures have a bit of color.

i truly enjoy your style of sketching, this is a wonderful piece.

i also have begun using my mini moleskine journal and love it too. I also thought it would be too small, surprise.... !

Thank you, guys.

I know that little elephant will get coloured in. i can feel it in my bones! Cheers.

Oh wowee I love it! Zooming in on my iPod isn't enough. I need to view this on the big screen. Loving the sense of depth in your drawings of late. A treat for the eyes.

Wow, this is gorgeous.

Best bench ever :)

The detail of your work consistently blows my mind.

There's a certain beauty in decay and broken things -- if we allow ourselves we can identify with it even more easily than with the perfect, the new and the unmarred. Our things, our selves and our civilizations decline with a remarkable beauty. You have to capture it or you're not describing the whole story. Beautiful work!

A broken bench is moving like anything else has been a silent witness to many important things, but never recognized as this, and left ungratefully in the lap of the gods.

Amazing drawing by the way :)

Oh I love this one. Makes you wonder what conversations took place upon this bench, once upon a time...

This is lovely! I wonder who sat here and what was said...

Thank you, guys. Loved your ideas about why it's a touching image too. Joy, that's beautiful and I believe it's true.

Cheers.

I love decay, so interesting. Great drawing Andrea.

It looks lovely. And just think of the conversations the art historians will discover centuries from now when they gently pry up that wall of suitcases to reveal the drawing beneath! :)

Great sketches! Loved looking at these

I can see why you didn't like it - too dark which doesn't show your usual high detail. But console yourself that one day when you are long gone and incredibly famous, they will discover that hidden drawing and it will be worth millions....
I also think you are very brave to show a 'failure' - mine are kept very well hidden!

You never cease to amaze and amuse me. Just what is "taking the Michael". Is it sorta like kissing the Blarney stone?

I love your wall of suitcases and sure wish you lived close to me so I could beg to go along with you on your crawling.

xoxo

i love your editing before and afters! i have "ruined" so many sketchbook pages and quickly covered them up with heavy layers of Gesso. what is a Prit stick?

I completely agree- I no longer use a few of my old sketchbooks because I find some drawings so unattractive. I love how you changed this one, though!

Zia
http://singing-blue.blogspot.ca/

Thanks, guys.

Haha, love the art historian theory!

Vicki, taking the Michael = taking the Mick = taking the piss. Does that make it any clear?!

Jenny, a Pritt stick is just a glue stick. The kind kids use. I love them.

Zia, just stick stuff over the bad pages. That's what I do. but don't tell anyone.

Thanks everyone x

It was a wise decision, your wall of suitcases is just great! Have you ever seen this photograph?
http://pinterest.com/pin/284993482639836703/

Oh WOW. Ersi, that's the most gorgeous thing I've seen. Swoon.
Thanks for sharing.

Like it!


WhereORwhat.blogspot Design and illustration.

xoxo

It's just good to know that even the greats make mistakes too. Thanks for the idea.

Totally cool. Mistakes obviously motivate one to stretch the limits of creativity ... well, yours do anyway :)

Thank you, lovely people.