Autumn colours

After too long a break from drawing 'en plein air' I finally managed to get out into the elements last week to capture some of the beautiful colours of the trees in the Meadows, Edinburgh. Even dressed in my down jacket I was still chilled to the bone by the time I had finished painting but I am pretty pleased with the result...

Sheep exhibition at the Watermill

Here are a couple of photos of the sheep exhibition I have been working on in collaboration with Ana at the Watermill, Little Salkeld. The exhibition shows some of my drawings of the Watermill's woolly residents along with examples of Ana's woolen items knitted from these particular sheep...

There is also a book in progress along the theme of where wool comes from, watch this space!

Recent commissions

I have been enjoying some fun campervan/camping related commissions lately from customers inspired by my illustrations of Gus. This one was in celebration of a wedding on Jura...

and this one was commissioned as a birthday present in memory of campervanning adventures in Australia...

Exhibition at Dancing Light Gallery

I am very pleased to be a part of this years Summer exhibition at the Dancing Light Gallery at Whitmuir Farm near West Linton in the Scottish Borders. The exhibition shows a wonderful mix of local artists work and I feel privileged to have my work on show amongst such a showcase of creative talent...

Drawing at the Mill

On my way back up north from Cumbria I dropped in to see Spring's new arrivals at The Watermill, Little Salkeld. I followed these lovely 2 week old lambs around the field until they escaped away from my prying eyes to wade in the river and cool off...

This sensible hen had made a nest for her little chicks in the tall shaded grass behind the goat shed...

Drawing at Whitmuir farm

On my way down to Cumbria on Friday I dropped in at Whitmuir farm in the Scottish borders and spent a very productive few hours drawing the numerous characters I met there. I began the day drawing in a coat and woolly hat in a thick fog that seemed quite reluctant to lift but by midday me and all the animals were basking in the sunshine! 

This cockerel was a noisy character...

These chickens appeared to be having a bit of a conference...

Some suspicious ducks...

Lilly the collie during a rare alert moment in between snoozes...

 This drawing fell into the pig pen and so actually has genuine pig muck mixed in with the paint!

The best of my drawings will be exhibited at the up-coming summer exhibition at the Dancing Light Gallery at Whitmuir Farm in a couple of weeks time (more details to be posted later).

Drawing sheep and coos

On Friday I spent a very enjoyable morning drawing animals in the fields near West Linton. Here are some of the characters I met...

I followed this sheep and her lambs around the field for a while until finally they at last chose to stay still for long enough for me to put pen to paper...

This Highland Coo 'Meg' and her calf proved to be great posers for me...

And so did some of her friends in the neighboring field...

Westmorland Gazette feature

I am very pleased to have had my exhibition at Wilf's cafe featured in this weeks copy of the Westmorland Gazette, the local newspaper for the South of Cumbria.
The article can be read online here:

http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/leisure/art/news/9655683.Sophie_Martin_captures_Lakeland_life_in_Wilf_s_cafe_exhibition/

Musselburgh and Portobello

Over the weekend I managed some new local drawings whilst dodging the rain showers with my big golf umbrella. I have been meaning to attempt an image of Musselburgh for a while now and this view of a busy Saturday afternoon beside the River Esk drew my attention...

Whilst Ali was walking the dogs on Portobello beach I was also able to capture this bustling beach scene before the rain descended...

Exhibition now hung at Wilf's cafe!

My exhibition is now on the walls of Wilf's cafe in Staveley, Cumbria. I have taken over the top two rooms of the cafe with one room dedicated to local scenes around Staveley and Kendal and the other room displaying animal drawings and original illustrations from my campervan book. Here is a taster:

The exhibition will run until at least the middle of July so there's plenty of time to pop over and have a look!

Up-coming exhibition!

I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to exhibit at Wilf's cafe in Staveley, Cumbria. I used to work in the cafe back in my student days and always admired the exhibitions there so I am very chuffed to be able to become an exhibitor myself. The exhibition will be showing my pen and water colour drawings of local scenes around Staveley and Kendal, as well as animal drawings and some original illustrations from my I love/hate my Campervan book. Here are a couple of tasters of the new landscape scenes:

Wilf's Cafe

Sunday morning, Staveley

The exhibition opens next Tuesday April 17th and will run until the end of July. All artworks are for sale as well as a selection of new greeting card designs and books.

Please do pop in and take a look if you're in the area, it's worth the trip even just for a sample of Wilf's famous chocolate brownie!

For more details about location etc check out Wilf's website here www.wilfs-cafe.co.uk

Press release!

I am pleased to post that my Campervan book has been featured in the March/April issue of VW Camper and Commercial magazine. If you are a fellow VW fan this magazine has an abundance of interesting articles and plenty of pictures of temptingly beautiful VW buses! Buy your copy at their website here: www.volkswagencamper.co.uk

New online outlet

I am pleased to report that I have a new online outlet for my book. Wubs Dubs is a fantastic online shop selling all sorts of funky VW gifts and memorabilia, I am chuffed to have my book featured on their website, check it out here:

http://www.wubsdubs.co.uk

Book promotion

It has been a slow start to the year for me on the illustration front, which has actually been a bit of a relief after a very hectic December! I am now getting stuck into some self promotion and I have high hopes for my Campervan book sales this year. Things have started well as my book gets a mention in the News section of the February edition of 'Classic Van and Pick-up magazine', thanks Ted! The magazine can be bought from most big newsagents or directly from their website here: http://www.classicvan.co.uk/

I am also hoping for a mention in the next issue of VW Camper and Commercial magazine among others so watch this space for more details!