Earlier this year I signed up to the Make Art That Sells Home Decor Course with the wonderful Margot Tantau.
Table Ware Collection
My ski book project then began gather steam so I have been busy working on this, whilst learning home decor design on the side. I like to listen to learning content while I create, as this can help to distract the conscious mind and allow the subconscious lead on the creating.
As I have been creating so many ski themed illustrations it has made sense to bring these icons and this theme into the home decor surface pattern designs. I have also brought the warm colour palette across from my ski work, painted in the Japanese watercolour paints.
I explored different designs and mocked them up to see how they will look on home decor products, both tableware and also soft furnishings and wall coverings. I mocked the products up in Procreate and with Spoonflower.
I’ll be developing this work but if you see something that you like and would like to license the design for your use then please email me at inspirebykim@outlook.com
Watch this space for more ski illustrations as I continue to develop the Ski A to Z book in advance of the upcoming winter ski season.
I like how this feature wallpaper design looks with the snowflake icon warmed by these sunny hues.
If you like to listen to podcasts then check out Margot’s Windowsill Chats podcast. For the wonderful courses by Lilla Roger’s Make Art That Sells click here.
Thanks so much for being here and for your support.
I’m busy working on the Ski A-Z book. Painting, writing, designing spreads and what has astounded me lately is the sheer number of decisionsi I am making every day.
Decisions about what to illustrate, where each line should be, I have a tip on this read on to see. What colour to choose, which brush – wet brush or dry, how far to dip the brush for the right amount of water, stroke direction, which colour to add for darker shades. Thousands of adjustments, choices, micro-decisions.
I am getting quicker, not that I was slow as I dip, paint, brush, dip, stroke, wet. I might apply more water to go lighter or might use the apply and and then dab to remove technique – choosing the optimal moment, to give the right impression of the fabric texture, to in effect unpick the paint (like when unpicking in sewing, but here doing it deliberately in order to add a highlight,
The right line – I have found that when drawing the right line is often between the first line and the second line. For example when drawing, if a line doesn’t look right and is overdrawn the right line will often be between the two. So I’m learning to not go so far to the second line and finding I can reduce the number of lines to get to the sketch that I want to use as the basis for my illustration. A time saving hack for my practice, And time is key at present as I steadily move towards the content deadline for the Ski A-Z book.
I’ve another time saving hack which is my lightbox – had it for long time with it languishing under utilised. It has since become a daily tool and probably the more time saving £15 I have EVER spent. Placing my sketch on the light box and painting backlit has saved soooo much time, removing the need to trace my completed sketch onto paper whilst avoiding unwanted pencil lines and rubber residue at the same time!
The process after drawing and honing the sketch was – trace, prep the reverse, trace on and then as I’m too heavy on the pencil, rub back to just visible. The light box has taken away all of these drawing stages. Happy dance – ideal for someone like me who gets bored quickly with monotonous processes.
This does mean, sadly, that I’ve not been able to work on watercolour paper blocks, but time is key at present.
Here are the latest posts from my Instagram, it’s a little less busy than normal there as I’m incredibly busy making the book. But watch this space for news on the book release plans.
Ski sun. Reinforcing the message about eye protection in the mountains they have their goggles on.
I’ve been going back to my roots for these illustrations.
I so enjoyed painting and reminiscing for this piece. Remembering sizzling hot summer days racing on the dry ski slopes.
I always enjoyed dual slalom the most of all and Summer Race League which was slalom in the morning and dual slalom in the afternoon.
The cows chewed grass just over the wall and pretty foxgloves grew by the ski lift track.
Ski Rossendale where I enjoyed my early years. If we weren’t there we were at another dry ski slope, our family travelled the length and breadth of Britain ski racing. Happy days.
Happy days ski racing in the hot sunshine. ❤️☀️⛷
Hot weather dry slope race days had a great atmosphere with friends and family enjoying the sunshine whilst watching the races.
Spectators would have their folding chairs, picnic rugs, parasols, and cool boxes of food and drink. It was a bit like beach meets skiing.
I recall fondly the camaraderie and joking when all of the racers were waxing our skis at the top of the slope.
Ice skater illustration for the Ski A-Z which will be part of a spread of other activities to enjoy on a ski trip.
It was great to be back on the ice this week after such a long time of rink closures and restrictions.
I learned to skate in a ski resort, fell in love with skating in Les Arcs, France. There was a rink by our apartment and due to growing knees skiing was painful so I skated lots that holiday.
Things don’t always go to plan and we experience setbacks. “Get up and dust yourself off”, they say. If anyone is struggling to get back up, know that there are better days ahead.
Time to go glacier skiing. I painted this alarm clock and then sewed the clock hands on to illustrate that you’ve got to start earlier for a glacier ski day in the summer months. The warmer temperatures make the snow melt and become heavy, so the early skier gets the great morning snow. See a stop motion animation of the alarm clock on my Instagram feed. https://www.instagram.com/inspirebykim/
Thinking of a powder snow day, so deep that you need a snorkel to ski.
Deep, light, dreamy snow to bounce through.
Ski illustration with a mermaid vibe, bringing together two things I love, skiing and snorkelling.
Thank-you!
Thank so much for reading, I really do appreciate the support. Have a wonderful day and may you find joy and love.
As I needed a new profile image I painted a fresh self portrait. As an illustrator it doesn’t feel appropriate to use a photograph for professional social media profiles. It’s an opportunity to give a sense of myself and my work.
Watercolour on 100% paper February 2021
Lovely illustration agent, and teacher, Lilla Rogers reviewed my Instagram feed in November and seeing the following portrait gave some advice which I’ve now had the opportunity to put into practice.
Watercolour – November 2020
As I’m developing my illustration skills my self portrait timeline is a measure of ongoing artistic development. I’m sharing this as I’m pleased with the progression, and to bare my past work in the hope that this inspires people to keep practicing at whatever you wish to improve. The portraits below go gradually farther back in time.
Watercolour on canvas – September 2020
A self-portrait can possibly be seen as self-indulgence but a lot can be learned by learning to observe and portray the features. As it’s face one sees most often, although in reflection, and it’s always available as a subject it’s a helpful subject to draw or paint.
Ink on paper – December 2017
Learning the techniques, materials, surface, observation, brush dexterity and choice of hues all plays a part in this progression. I find myself using a range of brush sizes, tube and cake watercolours, and am very surprised that I am often holding a magnifying glass to paint tiny details.
Charcoal on A1 size paper (huge) – July 2016
I use the mantra – Practice Makes Better, as I don’t believe in perfect; and I think that the pressure of attaining perfection can stifle experimentation, and thus can also inhibit progress. So I practice, practice, practice…
Acrylic paints on Canvas – March 2016
I look forward, next, to simplifying my portrait and maybe using a concept to communicate more. Here’s to seeing where the future leads.
Watercolour on paper – February 2016
The below is a bit of an anomaly, I feel it’s quite good compared with some of what came after, but no path is ever completely straight.
Markers on Paper, Then Digital – February 2016
I’m sharing this because everyone has to start somewhere, and is a beginner at the start of a new endeavour.
Enjoying the journey, whilst developing is, in my opinion, a wonderful exploration. I wish you luck in your creative practice and those activities at which you’re determined to get better. What is it you want to develop skills at? I’m interested to know how you motivate yourself forwards?
Here’s to a creative 2021, hopefully one where we can all enjoy more freedom.
I can now reveal my new project, the A-Z Ski Glossary illustration project. This will become an illustrated book, you can follow along as the work develops over the coming months. Here’s my creations for A-C.
A is for Apres-Ski and Alps
Intending to capture the atmosphere after a day on the slopes and feeling everything from euphoria of achievement, to relaxing relief, I painted this conceptual illustration in honey based watercolour paints.
The painting in progress
Because Apres-Ski is reputed to be a party straight from slopes, whilst still wearing ski boots, it’s all happening in a ski boot.
The artwork features a live music band entertaining skiers and snowboarders, some are dancing on tables, two are relaxing in deck chairs, there’s a little romance on the balcony whilst a discussion of the day’s route tales place over a piste map, and a light hearted snowball fight is underway.
There’s a bar and snacks for refreshment and an open fire to take the chill off as the sun sets and the party goes on into the evening.
This will be applied as editorial illustration and wall art for limited edition prints email me for an order form at inspirebykim@outlook.com
B is for Basher, Piste-Basher
Predominantly nocturnal machines they are responsible for grooming the pistes. I love to feel the corduroy they create.
They make the glide magical and the speed exhilarating. It’s a treat to see them in the daytime and enjoy their fresh track with short swings turns. Also referred to by the brand Pisten-Bully.
This piece was inspired by when I was lucky enough to drive a piste-basher. It was challenging and fun.
C is for Chalet
Chalet – a wooden house with overhanging eaves, common in alpine regions.
Copyright Kim 2020
After a satisfying day on the slopes in the fresh air and cold it’s lovely to snuggle up and get warm. In the mountains it feels easier to disconnect and go offline with a good book or watch a movie undisturbed. Get comfy and unwind. There are a number of things which begin with ‘C’ in this illustration.
You can follow my website to see the next instalments of the A-Z Glossary of Skiing and my other visual communications projects. Just pop your email address into the subscribe box.
I created this design as an online and offline greeting. A still illustration with photographic and digital art, and also a gif with flashing fairy lights.
The design swops Santa’s sleigh for a sports car based on my favourite car design. I originally made the car in cut paper for this ‘Going to the Seaside’ Paperart piece.
Santa is joined by a little white dog, who is enjoying the ride, and a small festive robin.
The little white dog features in that artwork and those who’ve been following my work will know is the character Sam, who I’ve also painted for the Children’s book – The Dog Who Wanted To Fly
Sam – Copyright Kim
I chad created the Santa for commercial Christmas illustration I was also working on…
Using the design I created a limited print run of just 10 Christmas cards. Then my printer stopped working.
I added sparkly details with gel glitter pens and sent the fleet of greetings to family and close friends.
I next went on to bake this design in Gingerbread. See this story here…
Click on the image to see the gingerbread version of this design…
Once created I felt that the robin on the picture needed to ice skate. So I added skates and made an animated gif. A little winter sport fun for my favourite festive bird.
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas. Thank you so much for the support and to everyone who has read, Liked and Shared my work. It means so much.
Please Like and Share this post, if you wish to. I’m keen to reach as many people as possible to brighten their Christmas.
Instagram Post: Prompted by @flow_magazine #50waystodrawyourbeautifulordinarylife using the techniques from @tutorbill ’s course #drawpaintclickillustration
With #inktober in mind, and the instructional illustration prompt for #portfolioclub for August, I drew the elements of the recipe whilst travelling to Wembley Stadium and back by train.
One of my favourite books at the moment is, Flow Magazine’s 50 Ways To Draw Your Beautiful Ordinary Life, which set a task of an illustrated recipe, as a family heirloom. I thought it would be sweet to use French for this for my neice.
After adding some colour in Inktense pencils I added water to activate the ink pigment.
These pretty buns made with my niece, who so carefully and beautifully decorated them, were the inspiration for this recipe illustration.
I assembled my drawings in Pixelmator app using a vertical flow for the instructions., I wanted the colour to be subtle and to keep the recipe more drawings than words.
Here is the final outcome,
This is a favourite recipe from family baking as a child, if you bake it do enjoy and it would be lovely to see what you’ve made and hear about it,
I was delighted to see that @Helendardik was holding a workshop on this side of the Atlantic. So immediately booked on the course in Rotterdam.
Helen furnished the beautiful Rotterdam studio with boundless beautiful bouquets. Wonderful teaching with a lovely group of creative people.
I had seen and followed Helen’s work. Always wondering how she achieved the effects with paint, to create her stunning pieces. I was keen to learn from Helen.
Lovely to meet Helen. I felt like I’d stepped into Instagram. I learned so much and had a truly lovely day. .
I continue to explore the techniques, and materials, here are my favourite pieces so far….
Continuing my bird work. 😊
When I accidentally dropped a huge blog of opera pink on my brand new sheet of paper this snail character emerged.
Sweet flower in the garden
Tulip repeat pattern assembled in #pixelmator
Love all life – response to the horrific mass shootings in the US that day.
Cornflower Blues
Flowers, butterflies and balloons
Self portrait following this style. Created in stitch and paint to represent my favourite mediums
Love how the pinks pop against the blues.
Summer Party themed painting
Even being blue can be beautiful
Helen has a workshop planned in Canada in September. I highly recommend her workshops, more info at her website
Tiny lavender bouquet brought by bluebird, delivering relaxation and sweet slumbers.
Textile illustration using hand and machine stitch with appliqué.
First sketched as part of the #illustrationworkshop process before being made in paper, then fabric.
Inspired by the lavender at #dawnirelandtextileartist group
Poppy stages embroidery inspired by our morning walk.
Saw this pretty poppy on our walk yesterday morning so I decided that it would be my subject for an appliqué embroidery. It’s not quite finished, a little hand sewing to follow, please pop back to see the completed work.
Created at @dawnirelandtextileartist workshop at #stitchedupandfleeced
“Symptoms of capsicum allergy result in serious situation like anaphylaxis or mild signs like asthma, abdominal pain, hives, eczema and head ache.”
Free Download – I’ve created an illustrated download for those with Bell Pepper allergies and intolerances. This is for use in restaurants, hotels at home and abroad. Please feel free to print and/or share this with someone that it may help, and to raise awareness of this food allergy. Card size set to 9 x 13cm.
During #inktober I created my first bell pepper allergy illustration. I then saved this on my phone to show when ordering food in restaurants.
Watercolour painted peppers added to the original many language background
Now don’t get me wrong it’s not that I don’t like peppers. I find them deliciously tasty, but it took some years to pinpoint that being doubled over with severe stomach cramps, hot and cold sweats, three days when I couldn’t get out of bed, diahorrea until my system was empty, was due to eating bell peppers.
Bell Pepper Allergy and Intolerance Symptoms – Found through research.
Give me a chilli and I’m happy and fine, but a fragment of bell pepper or a pinch of paprika and I loose the next few hours at least. Until my body has painfully fought the peppers and kicked them back out of my system.
It was suggested to me by a GP that it may be IBS, which is why I believe some people could be thinking and dealing with what they believe is IBS when they might just need to drop peppers from their diet.
Heatpressing hand painted peppers
Machine rendering after hand sewing
Now peppers are very nutritious for some people, but they can be anaphylaxic for some. However they are almost never listed on food menus and food packaging as allergens. Often they’re not written on food menus, despite them being part of the dish. Due to their colourfulness peppers are often used in ‘food on the go’ meals such as salads. Really helpfully they’re often finely chopped and written in minuscule font on the ingredients list on packaging.
So I just want to make people, you even, more aware of the possible reactions and physical responses to peppers. Maybe this work can take away someone’s pain or discomfort.
So I’m asking people to think before they eat and serve bell peppers and paprika, I’m asking food retailers to think before they add bell peppers and paprika and to make it as an allergen, and for restaurants to always state where bell peppers and paprika have been used in their dishes. And please use a different chopping board for peppers.
Thank you for reading to the end. Next time you eat peppers just observe in the time afterwards how you feel. If you have any of the symptoms listed in this article you might want to see if the symptoms clear up or cease.
Eat happy, be happy, consider pushing aside the peppers.
Related work: Work that relates to the techniques is at the following links. I often find that the work is stepping stones to the next creation, like a bright creative path where the next step is revealed upon completion of the present one. These creative projects led to this work.
Next Step – in the campaign is to use the content created with supermarkets, restaurants and through PR and social media to raise awareness of bell peppers as an allergen.
Mini Case Studies – If you’ve a bell pepper story please email me as I’m collecting personal accounts and experiences that can demonstrate how this intolerance can affect individuals.
With #inktober in mind, and the instructional illustration prompt for #portfolioclub for August, I drew the elements of the recipe whilst travelling to Wembley Stadium and back by train.
Early work by Kim 
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