Fiona Purves Illustration

Close-up

2012-02-21T03:59:00.001-08:00

A reaaaaally close-up picture of some lovely pink flowers I painted yesterday. Part of my big 'secret' project so that's all you're getting to see! Today I am going to work on more drawings and lettering and a bit of my business plan. Then I am going to eat a lot of pancakes.

:{D

2012-02-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post today. Since I'm working on quite a big project I don't really want to share toooooooo much of what I've been doing as it will give the game away and I want to keep it under wraps for now! Anyway, I most definitely have the ball rolling now and right now, I feel pretty happy. So just wanted to share that. I think yellow is becoming my new favourite colour just now. Sorry, green.

An adventure to the Botanic Gardens

2012-02-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Today I went on a little walk around the Botanic Gardens, for some flowery inspiration. Of course, it's still winter and there aren't really any flowers out just now... But, it was lovely to see all of the little buds just starting to come out, and some bursts of colour here and there. Now, back at my desk and gearing up for an evening of drawing and movies. Lovely.

Elie

2012-02-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

I was asked by my friend Becca to draw a picture of the bay at Elie, Fife, for a birthday gift. I really enjoyed doing this commission - little houses, the sea.... perfect!

In other news I am busy working on business plan things and some brand new designs - both part of a big project/plan which is taking shape swiftly. I am very excited!

A date with my desk

2012-02-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Been drawing lots tonight. Should probably go to bed now.

Drawings!

2012-02-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you follow my Facebook page, you may have noticed I'm taking part in 28 Drawings Later, a drawing challenge for February. So far I have been trying to draw things that aren't related to my current projects (with the exception of today's submission...) to try and establish a 'drawing for fun' routine and to help me to become more engaged with just drawing for the sake of it again! It's also helped to open my mind up a bit, as it can become difficult to do this when you're completely focused on a project. I'm currently at the 'exploring ideas' stage of something just now - so I will probably just end up submitting drawings I am doing for that... but they still count so it's OK.

Newest

2012-01-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here is my first finished drawing of 2012 (well, I haven't actually finished Photoshopping it yet...)! It's a drawing of Marchmont in Edinburgh (I live there), and will be available in my shop to buy as a print very soon! It isn't very experimental or different to other things I've done recently but is something I've been meaning to draw for a while, so it seemed like a good place to start to get my head back into drawing mode. I have a couple of commissioned things to finish tomorrow, and new card and print ranges to develop, and some businessy stuff to do too! Seem to have lots going on all of a sudden, which is great. Looking forward to a busy week!

Experimenting!

2012-01-24T07:41:00.001-08:00

p.s. apologies for the poor grammar!

Getting going

2012-01-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today I did some proper illustrating for the first time this year, at last (despite being ill, again!). So far January has been rather unproductive, and I have been trying to avoid having a quarter-life crisis, mainly by reminding myself that in 5 years I will probably be freaking out about turning 30 and will probably be feeling ten times worse. So, taking stock of everything positive and resuming my usual optimistic outlook, I am gradually feeling more motivated as I scribble down more thoughts in my journal and discover more opportunities. Just need to do lots more drawing and scribbling.... So for now here's a picture of some nice hazy winter sunlight. I will have some drawings to post here very soon! Yes, yes I will...

Take Two

2012-01-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Ok so I took some better photos, hurrah! Please do take a look. More new prints to follow shortly...

A little shop update

2012-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have just added some new(ish) prints to my Etsy shop. Updating it slowly as I make new work, whilst getting rid of the older stuff! Attempted a little photoshoot as well - still not quite sure how to get the best photos with my new camera and I don't think my lighting was quite right so some of the photos look a bit grainy... They will do for now! Now to sort out all the old files on my computer... Doing some pre-spring cleaning!

Beginning with a break

2012-01-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

So, it's 2012! I have had a pretty slow start to the year so far - I have had a whole week off from my day job and feel like I have earned a break! December was crazy busy. Spending most of this week either asleep or wandering around Edinburgh, yesterday I eventually started scribbling down some thoughts on where I'd like to go with my work in 2012. I can't wait to get started on devising my next projects and am excited about where they might take me. Instead of writing out a big list of 'resolutions' that I know I won't stick to, I have just listed a few things I know I can do more of....

1. Be more focused - only start projects I know I can finish!
2. Be more realistic.
3. Seek inspiration from a broader range of sources - don't rely on the internet!
4. Experiment.
5. Take time off.

And, I would like to blog more, with more detailed posts (starting with this one!!) and better photos. I bought myself a fancy camera just before Christmas and hope to use it loads, and hopefully I will manage to take some decent photos soon!!

In other news, I am having an ace weekend so far - spent yesterday evening staying with one my best friends in Glasgow, watching crappy movies and eating far too many chips, then wandering around some shops and having lunch this afternoon. Now I am back in Edinburgh with a giant cup of tea, browsing some pretty blogs, and this evening shall be spent watching Adventure Time and more silly things on the internet.

2012: so far, so good.

Farewell, 2011!

2011-12-31T10:56:00.000-08:00

So that's the end of 2011 already! It has been a super fast year, and also one of my best years yet! This year I really focused and feel like I've got things going and I have a clear(er) idea of which direction I am going in. I am excited about the next year ahead and can't wait to start planning what I'm doing next...

For now here's a picture of my parents' dog, Max, on a walk by the coast on Boxing Day. I also turned 24 on the 24th December this year, and spent the afternoon at the Zoo with my family. I got to see the lovely lovely Pandas - here is the lady one scoffing some Bamboo!

So, here's to an excellent year, and looking forward to an even better one!

The Morran Book Project

2011-12-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

My copy of this lovely book arrived about 10 minutes ago! I am so pleased to have my illustration right on the front, and to be involved with such a great project.

Winter is heeeeeeeeeere

2011-12-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr, it's officially winter! Starting to get some work ready for a couple of Christmas Markets... First one is Made in the Shade's Holiday Hullaballoo in Glasgow on Saturday 10th December, and second one is The Market, in Edinburgh on Saturday 17th December. Come along and say hello (and buy things!) if you are in Edinburgh or Glasgow on those days!!

A little piece of Paris

2011-11-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am addicted to drawing two things: birds and Paris. I can't help it.

Waddle!

2011-11-29T04:30:00.000-08:00

Working on some new drawings....

Frrrrozen

2011-11-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Today I watched a couple of episodes of Frozen Planet and did some very quick scribbles of the animals. Haven't worked like this for aaaages, and even if it was from the TV it felt worthwhile.....

The Letter E

2011-11-13T01:24:00.000-08:00

I made a letter for this fantastic collaborative project. The deadline for submissions is midnight tonight so there is still time to enter if you are fast!

Christmas Cards!

2011-11-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

Dear blog readers, I have now put some half-decent photos of my little Christmas cards on my Etsy shop! Go have a look! I am also plotting some sort of giveaway/promotion type thing in the next week or so. Watch. This. Space.

My New Suitcase

2011-10-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

I got this beautiful suitcase from the wonderful Cupboard Vintage... I absolutely love the colour, isn't it amazing?! Emma at Cupboard Vintage has a huge selection of gorgeous cases, have a look! And she has some rather nice illustrations, too (by yours truly).

more Glasgow....

2011-10-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't drawn anything for a wee while... too many other things to do! Argh! So here is another Glasgow illustration, which is available to see and buy in the lovely Boxwood, on Byres Road in Glasgow.

A whole year...

2011-10-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

Hello! I haven't been very good at updating my blog of late... I have been busy though (promise). Anyway, it has been one whole year since I started this blog! Above is all of the finished (kind of) illustrations I have produced in that time (I think...), which I know doesn't look like a lot when you see it all together, but for me, it is. Finally feel like I am getting somewhere with my work, and it has taken me a long time and a lot of effort! College now feels like a long time ago, and it is great to have that distance between my college work, and my work now. So, hopefully the next year of blogging will be even better! I have some big plans ahead in the coming months....

website update!

2011-10-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have just finished updating my website with some bits of new work and a slightly different layout, with lots more colour! Have also finished my Christmas Cards, which you can now buy in my online shop! If you are very organised, that is. Aaaand I have finished a little Autumn promotional type thing, pictured above. It's a little leaf shaped concertina, with some Autumn-coloured coats scattered across it like leaves! Phew! In other news, I splashed out and got an A3 printer, eeek. So, hopefully some larger prints will be available soon. Next on my list are a couple more doggy pictures (they are kind of secret), and another secret project which is quite exciting. I am always saying that but this time it actually is. Honest. Watch this space!

been a while...

2011-10-04T03:39:00.000-07:00

Oops, I have been terrible at blogging recently! Everything I've done lately has had to be kept under wraps, but will be appearing on my new improved website which I shall be creating this week (hopefully!)! Above is one of my Glasgow drawings which will be on display in Boxwood, Glasgow soon!

Hello, Autumn!

2011-09-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Starting a little Autumn-themed project. I love Autumn, all the colours are so pretty.

Multiples Market

2011-08-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from yesterday's Multiples Market at Edinburgh Printmakers. It was their very first market, and I thought the space worked really well. Hopefully they will do more in future...

Here is a list of all artists involved: Genevieve Ryan, Eleni Kalorkoti, Verity Keniger, Robbie Porter, Louise Smurthwaite, Rosie Walters, Mina Braun and Catherine Hiley.

Etchings!

2011-08-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Been busy at Edinburgh Printmakers this week experimenting a bit more with etching, and also to make some work to sell at the Multiples Market happening there tomorrow afternoon!

been a while...

2011-08-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Ahhh it has been aaaages since I last did a little post, so here is one.... Have been very busy moving house, forgot how long it takes to get organised! Getting back into working at last, making work for the Summer Fayre at Edinburgh Printmakers this Sunday (11 till 4, 23 Union Street - Edinburgh people come and say hello!), and also a little show at Boxwood in Glasgow next month. The image above is a sneak peak of what I have been working on for Boxwood...Also been enjoying the Edinburgh Festival, volunteering for the art festival and seeing some shows. So much good stuff this year, it has been difficult to resist going to everything! Adam Buxton tonight, wooot! STEVEN!

Doggies!

2011-07-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

This is a pet portrait I did as a commission a few weeks ago, have just been informed the recipients are very pleased with it and have put it straight up on their wall!

Oldies

2011-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Been packing up my stuff for moving next week, came across some old work from third year at college. The top one was an illustration for a poem about the number 13, I think I was a bit obsessed with painting rain on everything.... Below is a page from a life drawing class at a jazz rehearsal. It's funny how things look much better when you look at them years after you've done them! Kind of.

H is for Haddock

2011-07-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

So I can finally share this exciting project I took part in a few weeks ago.... A fantastic e-book by the lovely folk at Creaturemag, which is an A to Z of Endangered Creatures. It is full of brilliant illustrations so do take a look!

In other news, I had a stall at Magpie Market on Sunday with talented ladies Gen Ryan and Libby Walker. Here's our table just as we were adding the finishing touches before the market opened!

Porcupines!

2011-07-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

Doing some sketches of Porcupines in preparation for a little experimental etching project.

Forgot to mention in my previous post that this blog is 'blog of the month' over on the lovely Sunshine Smile Publications!

Summer so far

2011-07-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

My summer so far has been pretty excellent! Been rather busy, with the Coco window, Art Fusion exhibition and market, and have also been doing fun things like going to see bands, going to the zoo, to watch movies outdoors, to the new Anthropologie store (my good friend Stephanie Webb is responsbile for making their amazing displays!) and to see The Lion King in 3D! I'm having a lazy couple of weeks as I am on holiday from work so sitting around the house sleeping in late and eating chocolate and biscuits, doing the odd bit of drawing and making plans for my next few projects. I am moving back into Edinburgh in about a month, so also trying to sort out my stuff and think about the mammoth task of packing it all.... I also have a few craft fairs lined up, Magpie Market on July 17th, and the Byres Road Makers Market on July 30th, as well as Edinburgh Printmakers Multiples Market on August 28th! Aaaaand I am veeeery excited for this year's Edinburgh Festival: Shonen Knife, Best Coast, Adam Buxton, Tom Green!!! I didn't see anything last year so hoping to make up for it this year!

Phew, writing all that has reminded me how much I have to do! Doodling some lobsters this afternoon...

Geometric Glasgow

2011-06-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here's my piece from the exhibtion, 'Geometric Glasgow', which was part of Glasgow's Art Fusion (the stall I had the other weekend was also part of this!). The show is still up until 27th June, so go have a look if you are in the area!

penguin parade!!!!

2011-06-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

My favourite bit of yesterday's visit to the Zoo. Did a shamefully small amount of drawing whilst I was there but never mind....

Wish I was here....

2011-06-14T04:28:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam last June. Would love to go back soon...

Today's stall.....

2011-06-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here I am, looking a little windswept, with my stall from today at Art Fusion in Glasgow! Luckily we got some sunshine this morning, then it got windy and cloudy which wasn't so good. Despite the weather, loads of people came along and I had a really successful day! It was my first proper fair too, and I saw loads of dogs which was ace.

Art Fusion

2011-06-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

I have a stall at this year's Art Fusion, as part of Gibson Street Gala in Glasgow. Exciting! Photos to follow next week....

Coco

2011-06-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today I did a window display for the lovely folk at Coco in Bruntsfield. The inspiration for this window was their cute little bags of chocolate fish! It was great fun and really nice to work on something large scale! And I got some chocolate as payment which was totally ace.

Illustration Friday - Soaked

2011-05-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Oooh it's been far too long since I last submitted to Illustration Friday! Should really do it more often. Thought this little splashy Jack Russell would be perfect for this week's word!

sketchbooking

2011-05-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Developing some illustrations for envelopes and some other bits today. Working backwards here - blobbing bits of ink onto the page first and then fitting in heads, arms and legs around them. I find this a fun way of working and produces an unpredictable, spontaneous result which is always good...

busy busy busy

2011-05-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

Been neglecting my blog a little recently (and my desk, for that matter!) due to having lots to get organised and a last minute trip away last week. Back at my desk for now but have a lot of stuff to get sorted for some Summer craft fairs and a few other bits which I will post about soon!

Spring/Summer

2011-05-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of warmer weather and holidays... But am being good and saving up for a mega-adventure next year!

candycoloured

2011-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

I got some new inks!

proper posh frocks

2011-04-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Sketching for a project I am rather excited about!

sneaky peak...

2011-04-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sneaky peak of my latest personal project which is taking the form of some little books with recipes.... Halfway through the first one, going pretty well so far!! Above is my original drawing before I added any colour, and below is the finished version (after lots of photoshopping)!

Birdbook

2011-04-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Just received my copy of 'Birdbook 1: Towns, Parks, Gardens & Woodland' from the lovely folk at Sidekick books. I have five birdy drawings in it and it looks fantastic, they've done a great job!! Looking forward to looking through all the other poems and illustrations from all of the very talented contributors!

If life gives you lemons....

2011-04-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Finally finally finally got my last project finished and in the post, thank goodness. Who knew something so simple could take so long....

Started a brand new project today hurrah, I'm excited!

SSSSSSSSpring!!

2011-04-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

is allllmost here in slightly cloudy East Lothian...

This is part of a promotional thing I'm doing, enjoying drawing bright colours!

I've been spelling

2011-03-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Not had the most productive of weeks recently, getting back into some illustrating today. Here's a (not very interesting...) picture of some lettering for my latest project.

In other news, free shipping in my Etsy for the whole of Spring!!!

tweet tweet

2011-03-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

So I got me a twitter. Bad/good idea?

Website update!

2011-03-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Updated my site with some new work, and ever so slightly changed the appearance. Nice bit of Spring freshening up :D

Um, you have ink on your face

2011-02-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

Drawing people today, didn't turn out as bad as I thought it would considering I haven't rrreeeeeally drawn a figure since college (!). Got a bit too much ink on this little lady's chin...

A Labour of Love...

2011-02-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

Spent my Sunday so far drawing some faces (more on that later...), and baking these amazing sticky cinnamon buns, mmmm. Hard work but well worth the effort, I have just eaten two....

Cards, again.

2011-02-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well I will eventually stop banging on about these cards of mine.... This is/was my production line for cellophaning, pretty laborious stuff! Worthwhile, hopefully, though. Have put a couple of birthday cards onto my etsy shop, more to appear there shortly.

Sunday sketchin'

2011-02-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Today's work in progress.... finally drawing something besides animals!
Ordered my cards from the printers, very excited to get them next week, the proofs look great, can highly recommend Centreprint.

Cards Ahoy!

2011-02-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

Finally finished my range of cards! Finished products are yet to be ordered from the printers, so here is a slightly blurry photo of some crappy print-outs....

Oh, and a couple of them are available to buy as prints in my etsy shop!

Underwater Odyssey

2011-02-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

Been drawing some underwater animals today... this is mister crab before I put him into the sea (or really just painted over him with sea-coloured ink).

Managed to catch the amazing Winter Exhibition at the Illustration Cupboard last week in London. I was very happy to see some Brian Wildsmith artwork in the flesh alongside tons of other amazing stuff too.

Tea time!

2011-01-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

This is my dog, Max, and he likes to jump up on my lap to let me know it's nearly time for his tea (usually an hour and a half early!)

And, I finished all of my illustrations for Chicken and Goose yesterday, whoop. Now I just need to make it into a little book and it's all done, but meanwhile I am off to London for a couple of days so I shall finish it when I get back....

In progress

2011-01-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am finishing my little Chicken and Goose project over the rest of today and tomorrow (at last). Here's illustration number 8 in it's current unfinished state!

Also, just realised I went to the supermarket with ink splattered on my face... oops!

Another favourite...

2011-01-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Sealions are one of my favourite animals, this is the first one I've drawn though...
He will feature in my new range of birthday cards which I have just completed! Phewf. Available to buy soooooon!

Not a bird drawing!

2011-01-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

At last, I'm drawing other animals besides birds!! Working on a wee range of cards which will be appearing in my online shop soon and hopefully in real life shops too in the near future. Watch this space!!

Online shop open!!

2011-01-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

Finally, I have set up my online shop! Hurrah! Find it here. Need to sort some things out and add more, just now there are tons of bird prints....

First drawing of the year...

2011-01-03T09:15:00.001-08:00

...part of my Chicken and Goose project, which will (hopefully) be nearing completion in the next week or two!

Back to work!

2010-12-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

These guys are available to buy as prints over on Projet : D'art, alongside a great selection of other prints and original artwork.

Time to get back to doing some work after my Birthday, Christmas and Boxing Day, all of which were spent mostly eating chocolate and watching John Hughes movies.

Chicken and Goose

2010-12-13T05:09:00.001-08:00

away for a walk!

Rainy Day

2010-12-12T14:16:00.001-08:00

Wrens in the rain.

Anteater!!

2010-12-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Drew an anteater today, for a project which I will post about very soon (hopefully!).

Tomorrow I'm starting an internship with the lovely folk at Edinburgh Printmakers Gallery.

A little Wren

2010-12-05T11:41:00.001-08:00

Cluck

2010-11-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

More chickens... preparation for a little project.

In other news, I've cut off half my hair and I have a cold head/neck, think it's time to get a woolly hat. Also, I love Heidi Burton's work, especially her little egg cups!

Sketchbook project: done!

2010-11-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Finished my sketchbook for the Arthouse Co-op's Sketchbook Project, at last! It's soon to be flying off to the USA on an adventure....

again....

2010-11-22T04:58:00.000-08:00

Yet more Parisian rooftops!

Anthropologie

2010-11-21T09:24:00.001-08:00

Have fallen in love a little bit (a big bit) with this catalogue, amaaaaazing!

Farmy Birds

2010-11-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

These are one of my favourite things to draw! I seem to (unintentionally!) have made these ones look a bit suspicious/angry, especially the Goose....

More scribbles...

2010-11-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

Another sketch, Copenhagen this time. Experimenting with drawing places I've never been to.

Rooftops

2010-11-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick scribble of some Parisian rooftops, trying to experiment a bit/draw things other than animals!

Also, loving Katie Turner's work just now.

Sneak peak!

2010-11-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse of a page of my sketchbook, for the Arthouse Co-op's sketchbook project 2011!

Also, I got two fantastic books this week - the beautiful Magpie's Treasure by Kate Slater, and the extremely useful Creative, Inc. by Joy Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco. I'd highly recommend both!

Well hello there....

2010-10-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hello hello! Welcome to my new blog. Thought I'd start with a fairly recent drawing which is part of the 'Home' exhibition at the Mill House, Windsor, courtesey of The Two Magpies. The exhibition has been up since the beginning of September, and is on until November 1st.

Please excuse the slightly shoddy appearance whilst I try and remember/work out how to use blogger properly....