Picture Hooks

Above: images from Tracey Smith's 'Beauty and the Beast' created for for the Waterstones ‘Picture This’ competition. 

Below: sketches in her sketchbook of beasts.

For months now I have been in happy anticipation of the winter program of Picture Hooks at the Scottish National Gallery and today was the first event hosted by illustrator Tracey Smith with author Vivian French.

Picture Hooks is a mentoring programme which pairs up established illustrators with recent graduates and it is in it's second year.

It is always fascinating and insightful to see the working processes of children's book authors and illustrators and learn various tricks and tips for inspiring, creative working practice. 

Today its was great to see Tracey's sketch books, dummy books and prints and benefit from Vivian's years of expertise and experience in the world of children's books. 

Sara Ogilvie Masterclass I

Yesterday I treated myself to a workshop with illustrator Sara Ogilvie at the National Gallery
 It was lovely to be able to see her working practice right from the initial ideas 'on the back of an envelope' right through all the development stages to the completed book. The images here are from the book Dogs Don't Do Ballet (Simon & Schuster) written by Anna Kemp.

Scottish National Gallery Head to Toe

Sometimes playful things should not just be left for the kids. 
Last week we visited the Scottish National Gallery with a friend Sophie Orton and I picked up an activity trail for Freya as I looked through it while we waited for Sophie I thought we should all do it. Head to Toe was designed and illustrated by another friend of mine Sara Ogilvie and it is wonderful, really engaging and great fun, but so was the company.