Blog | illustratinglouise

Time to enjoy

Finding the time to enjoy painting is something I struggle with especially in the darker months. When work is all consuming it can be...

illustratinglouise

Jan 2, 20221 min read

Pastel joy

As I continue to develop my pastel paintings I am finding so much joy in the process. Experimenting with pastel pencils, sticks and...

illustratinglouise

Dec 26, 20211 min read

Pastel journey

I’m currently on a pastel journey, exploring, learning and developing techniques in this wonderful medium.

illustratinglouise

Nov 21, 20211 min read

Calm

This week I’ve been finding ways to remain calm amidst all the stresses of life. I found one of my photos showing my lovely bamboo and...

illustratinglouise

Sep 26, 20211 min read

Best friends

Sometimes a dog is all you need. Created using coloured pencil for a beautiful person and her best friend Izzie the whippet.

illustratinglouise

Sep 12, 20211 min read

Happy Medium

Recently I’ve been exploring coloured pencils. I feel like this might be my happy medium to use. I created this piece using Derwent...

illustratinglouise

Aug 22, 20211 min read

Vibrant blues

I wanted to create something using blues. This plant grows in my front garden and begins with bright yellow and orange flowers which turn...

illustratinglouise

Jun 27, 20211 min read

Panpastel

After my last piece I was left seeking a more painterly look. Panpastels are great for achieving this without using paint. This is my...

illustratinglouise

Jun 20, 20211 min read

Mixed media

This piece was going great! I used Derwent Lightfast coloured pencils on top of Derwent inktense. I was happy with the results…but then I...

illustratinglouise

Jun 12, 20211 min read

Inner peace

I’m often in conflict with the need to be loose and creative and my desire for realism in my paintings. Recently I’ve rediscovered my...

illustratinglouise

May 23, 20211 min read

Let’s get digital

I wanted to get more out of my botanical drawings and design some cards. I did a mock up of the original drawings but felt that they...

illustratinglouise

May 16, 20211 min read

Mixed media

For these tulips I created an under painting using derwent inktense. I finished the piece with derwent lightfast coloured pencils. These...

illustratinglouise

May 3, 20211 min read

Finished!

I started the succulents again, this time I used Derwent inktense pencils with Derwent lightfast pencils to finish. I am pleased with the...

illustratinglouise

Apr 29, 20211 min read

WIP

These succulents are taking a while but two down, one to go! I’m enjoying the slow process it’s almost meditative. Take your time and enjoy.

illustratinglouise

Apr 18, 20211 min read

Tulips

More tulips here. They are such enchanting flowers and a great subject to draw or paint. I am working on improving my composition,...

illustratinglouise

Apr 8, 20211 min read

Spring tulips

The start of spring is filled with an abundance of tulips. The best thing about tulips is that they keep on giving. From tight graduated...

illustratinglouise

Apr 4, 20211 min read

Impact

I’ve had the opportunity to relax and fully immerse myself in my artwork this week. I’m really pleased with these poppy seed head as they...

illustratinglouise

Feb 18, 20211 min read

Work in progress

I don’t usually share work in progress but I think it’s important to remember that things take time. I’m working on this piece when I...

illustratinglouise

Feb 7, 20211 min read

Hold On

I was inspired to create this piece after speaking to a parent who was struggling with the current lockdown. I thought about how...

illustratinglouise

Jan 31, 20211 min read

Paper choices

This Tulip was created using coloured pencils on Strathmore 400 series bristol vellum. A change from the paper that I was using...

illustratinglouise

Jan 10, 20211 min read