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.
I’m celebrating my work being published in a brand new book by an Extreme Skier in the United States. I was commissioned to create 24 bespoke illustrations for the book. It is wonderful to see my work in print.
I’m delighted to be able to now share the story of the extreme skiing illustrations I created this winter for the new book of Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur – 30 Years In A White Haze.
The Work
I created 24 illustrations in November and December 2020 for the third book of renowned US extreme skier Dan Egan.
Having seen my ski A-Z work, the US Hall of Fame skier Dan Egan, star of many of Warren Miller’s breathtaking ski films, asked me to create illustrations of his ski life for his third book.
It was fabulous, and a great distraction from lockdown restrictions, to be able to spend time vicariously in mountainous environments, creating high-adrenalin action art for 30 Years in a White Haze.
Anyone who knows my work knows that I’m a huge fan of colour, but I accepted and relished the challenge of conveying the excitement and thrills of Dan’s extreme skiing career, in black and white tones. It was key to show energy, movement, big air and Dan’s likeness in the artworks.
The Illustration Process
The Back Story
When I was growing up, our ski club, at the artificial ski slope in Rossendale, Lancashire, (England) used to hold Warren Miller film screening events each year. I loved the films and was in awe of the jaw-dropping stunts; so I was honoured when Dan asked me to create illustrations for his new book.
The Illustrations
With just a few weeks to go until the day that the book would go to be published I created 24 bespoke illustrations.
I worked in black and white tones of watercolour paints, and sometimes digital art, to capture and represent the excitement and thrills of extreme skiing.
Dan originally asked me for 15 artworks, I’m pleased to say that he liked the work so much he commissioned a further 9 pieces, it meant long days working, but it was fun. “Wow. The illustrations are amazing! You up for few more? “, Dan said.
Dan commissioned work from 4 other illustrators for the book. This investment in fresh ski art is wonderful. Art can cross boundaries, Dan was in New Hampshire, US and I was in Sheffield, UK, yet we were able to work together across the miles.
This short video gives a flavour of my extensive work for the book and the process.
Illustrating Skiing
I’ve skied since I was five years old including racing, teaching, and later promoting ski holidays. In January 2020 after a day skiing in Les 3 Vallees, France, I started what has now become a considerable project – the Ski A-Z, an illustrated glossary of the sport, that I hope will be published during 2021. It was this work which Dan saw on Linked In and prompted the work for his book.
My ski illustrations are intended to resonate with avid skiers, and attract new people to the sport, by demonstrating the exhilaration and joy of skiing. Through my work I want to encourage people to find and feel joy, to feel uplifted and inspired.
The Work In Print
I’m incredibly proud to see my work in the book. Every time I turn a page and see another of my illustrations the feeling is magic.
I’m so enjoying the reading the book. This sums it up…
“Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur’s Thirty Years in a White Haze is not only a story about Dan Egan’s worldwide adventures and the evolution of extreme skiing, but also a visual tour through the history, places, and relationships that help define both Egan and the sport of skiing.
To capture the joy, craft, and diversity of people and places readers encounter in the text, the book features custom illustrations sprinkled throughout the story. Egan called on the help of talented artists and designers to make this mixed media presentation come to life.” Said the ‘White Haze’ team.
Get A Copy
Dan said, “The book’s available on Amazon, on Barnes and Noble, on all the big retailers. It is also available at white-haze.com and if, of course, if you just Google ‘Dan Egan White Haze’, it pops right up. Shortly we’ll also have the audio book and the Kindle book. Next Fall, we’re going to release a special limited edition hardcover copy of the book. The book’s really special, you know, it has a lot of different elements in it. Of course, it has our story in it but each chapter opens up with beautiful illustrations.”
Unfortunately for many people in the UK and Europe there isn’t presently the opportunity, to ski the mountains; Dan’s book is a great way to get a ski fix until next being able to enjoy the slopes.
Thank You!
So a big thank you to Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur for this amazing opportunity, I am very grateful, and will treasure the book.
To be able to produce commissioned illustrations on a theme which is so much part of my existence was a wonderful opportunity, especially having seen Warren Miller films from such an early age.
Thank you to my husband for his support and being a helpful sounding board during this project. Thank you to my Mum and Dad for their dedication to our skiing and the wonderful mountain experiences that defined our upbringing.
Thank you to everyone who follows my work and supports with Likes, Comments and Shares, it really does mean a lot and makes it possible to keep going.
I’m delighted now to be able to speak about the project and show the work. If you’d like to know more please get in touch.
I wrote this article for my new website but didn’t want my subscribers not to see this. Please see the article then come across to my new website, to continue to follow the fun. This website will be disappearing shortly and I don’t want to lose you. New website at http://www.inspirebykim.com New book Ski A…
Thank you for your support, come across to my new website. Subscribe to continue to receive notifications and news, and illustration tips as they arise
The latest illustrations for the Ski A-Z book are for the contrasting subjects of Avalanche, Zest and Zen.
Avalanche Essentials
Avalanche Kit Essentials – new page illustration on a serious subject for the Ski A-Z book. This will follow the lighter mood Apres-Ski illustration.
Training for Avalanche scenarios is advisable as part of a tool kit of knowledge and equipment.
Concept inspired by the @actionman_official toy kits that my brother had when we children.
Illustration prompted by the many people who tragically lost their lives in avalanches this season.
Zest
The exhilaration, full body workout, fresh air and stunning scenery makes skiing a fabulous way to switch off from the daily grind, to get new perspective, and to revitalise the spirit.
Ski illustration on a citrus theme for @makeartthatsells Bootcamp, doubling up for the Ski A-Z.
I love the idea of skiing through beautiful citrus flowers that have fallen. Really enjoyed creating this piece.
This is a truly multimedia piece, the mountains are sewn using free motion embroidery techniques (on my trusty Bernina sewing machine) and there’s watercolour and digital work.
Zen
Z for ‘Zen’ in the Ski A-Z book.
Zen mountain meditation to illustrate time to enjoy restorative calm.
I find that after the exhilaration of the day on the mountain there is a quiet satisfying stillness. It’s like the vibration of the body is calmed; and the muscles are relaxed, soft and numb feeling, in a good way, after the dynamism of the sport.
Painted in watercolour, metallic inks, and with diamanté jewels.
I’ll be completing the Ski A-Z book in the coming months, follow to see the project progress to fruition.
Here are the latest posts… thanks so much for being here.
I wrote this article for my new website but didn’t want my subscribers not to see this. Please see the article then come across to my new website, to continue to follow the fun. This website will be disappearing shortly and I … Continue reading New Book Is A Gift For Families And The Ski Curious→
Thank you for your support, come across to my new website. Subscribe to continue to receive notifications and news, and illustration tips as they arise
I’m delighted to share that I’ve completed the Ski A-Z book cover design which I’ve been developing over the past month.
The Cover Design
It’s a bright, bold design with three cover stars supporting the title letters in a mountain setting, The book will appeal to both those wanting to find out more about the sport, and to seasoned skiers.
Here’s the cover mocked up on a coffee table setting with ski themed props to bring the book concept to life. Notice the ceramic snowflake as a coaster for the edelweiss coffee cup.
The Book Concept
The Ski A-Z book concept – a practical, informative, fun, illustrated glossary of skiing with hints, tips and advice.
It’s the kind of book that you’d recommend to the friend that wants to get into skiing, it’s a gift for a ski lover, it’s a conversation starter for an evening in the chalet during your holiday.
The Design Process
I created the background and skiing characters in watercolours and ink, used a glue gun to give the letters texture and composed it digitally in Procreate.
My mini model Bruce posing for this character’s painting.
I had an idea to animate some of the book characters ‘excited to meet the readers’ to demonstrate the energy of the book.
Watch This Space…
Watch this website, my Instagram or Facebook page for updates on the project.
Here are posts about my latest work. Thanks so much for following my blog. Please feel free to share it with friends and colleagues who will enjoy it.
My final creation of 2020 was a two storey chalet with balcony in gingerbread. This was continuing the Ski theme which was key for my work in 2020.
The chalet had an overhanging roof, shutters, chimney, a log pile, and sugar windows in warm hues.
The Design and Construction Process
The chalet was based on one which I painted earlier in the year.
I drew the chalet design and then determined the pieces required before cutting card templates for each piece.
Once all the panels and components were baked and beautifully golden the construction could begin, with edible glue and royal icing to hold in place.
LED fairy lights, paper skis, poles, and a painted background completed the scene. I added snowflakes using the Procreate snowflake brushes that I’ve made.
Skis in place.
Gingerbread construction is a lovely thing to do, I find ceramic hand building techniques useful in this process.
I used the Mary Berry recipe for the dough, I’ve used this before to make two gingerbread houses, and a gingerbread car, each time using my own templates.
See the stories of those in the links at the foot of this post.
I completed the house on New Year’s Eve, and so the year closed. A challenging but creative year ended. See my highlights of 2020 at the link below.
I had a wonderful start to 2020 with skiing in France and Bulgaria, and little did I know when watching Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall in March that it would be the last theatre visit of the year. Since we first went into lockdown in March my creative work has been enjoyable distraction and focus. As a result it’s been a productive year for my art and illustration work.
I have explored editorial illustration, children’s picture book work, and the themes of food and travel. Enjoyed the wonderful Make Art That Sells global community, and also the UK/US illustrator group that I’m blessed to be part of.
Ski Illustrations
After a day skiing in Les 3 Vallees, France I relaxed by painting ski related equipment.
This initiated the Ski A-Z book project which I have worked on throughout the year and will be in book form in early 2021.
Sharing these ski illustrations on social media led to an exciting client commission, which I will be able to reveal in the coming weeks – watch this space.
Here are my favourite ski illustrations of 2020 (that aren’t embargoed). I find that often the favourite pieces are breakthroughs in terms of the detail, materials, and/or techniques.
My intention with the project has been to demonstrate the joy and emotions of skiing and related activities in a way that is often less apparent in photographic images.
There are people who are at their happiest when skiing, unfortunately many of them aren’t able to ski at present, I hope they can feel some comfort by seeing the work and vicariously having some ski escapism.
I’ve had a number of people requests prints of the ski work, so I’m pleased to reveal that I’ll be producing limited edition prints in 2021. Follow my blog for more details when they’re available. If there are ski illustrations that you’d like to be included in the selection made into prints please email me inspirebykim@outlook.com
Top 9 of 2020
Here are my overall favourite 9 pieces of 2020 across ski, travel, food and character design…
I worked hard on the first to show an expression of joy in this freestyle skiing pose. The second was a children’s book character I created for the Make Art That Sells Illustrating Children’s Books briefs. The third was a painting of juxtaposed elements of our biking holiday in Flamborough, the stunning scenery and incredible bird life.
The fourth was for an illustrated travel memoir of heli-skiing in Russia. The fifth is a conceptual illustration for Apres-Ski fun, my entry for the AOI World Illustration Awards. Sixth was my favourite piece from a number of dessert illustrations.
Seventh – the delightful feeling of calm and seclusion when enjoying some quiet time after skiing, warm and snuggly as the temperatures drop outside. I contacted Eddie (the Eagle) Edwards for a quote about the feeling of flying, and created this illustration from images that at Eddie provided. The ninth was a festive illustration/animation of steel deliveries at Santa’s Metal Workshop, commissioned by steel stockholder K Steels for their social media channels.
A particular highlight of lockdown, and since, were regular ‘Art Chats’ with my friend. We simultaneously worked on our individual creative projects on video calls. Being able to see the development of each other’s work, and to get ‘work in progress’ feedback, was helpful, I have found that chatting can help to divert the conscious mind and allow the subconscious to create in flow; the art nirvana that one can experience in particular circumstances and creative activities.
In the course of the chats my friend created an entire 2021 calendar of bird watercolours. You can see his work at
For me personally good has to come out if a challenging situation, and thus I’ve made it a productive year with development of my skills and evolution of my illustration work. Here’s to a good 2021. Enjoy this short illustrated gif…
Thank you for each view, like, comment and all the support in 2020. Sharing my work gives me the impetus to continue to create, and to push myself to be able to more and more effectively express concepts visually.
It is always my mission to spread joy and inspiration so I hope that it contributes to the positive vibes going out into the world consciousness.
Here are the newest illustrations for my Ski A-Z Book are for the letter ‘N’ along with my Top 9 ski illustrations from 2020.
I started painting ski icons after a great day skiing on January 2nd 2020, in Les 3 Vallees, France. I continued to create the work through the season and when it started to gain momentum I decided that the word would form an illustrated glossary of skiing The Ski A-Z. I hope to make the book a reality in 2021.
Here’s are the latest illustrations…
Night Skiing – slight play on words for this illustration. I thought about floodlit night skiing but skiing by torchlight is truly exhilarating.
Inspired by the amazing armour at Warwick Castle. Remembering a New Year’s Eve torchlight ski in Austria. Painted in watercolour and metallic inks.
Skiing by Torchlight – I created this digital piece whilst exploring the colours and light of torchlight skiing.
Nordic Skiing by Moonlight – Bringing together floodlight and Nordic skiing I imagine the crunch of the snow under the skis and the nocturnal wildlife visible in the moonlight.
2020 – It’s been a momentous year for my ski work, and it culminated in an exciting project that I have to keep under wraps for the time being. Follow my website to see the work.
Top 9 Ski – In the meantime here are the Top 9 Ski themed illustrations that I created in 2020.
There are many of us who aren’t able to get out on skis at present, hopefully the ski illustrations can help spark some good memories. Thanks for being here. To see all my ski illustrations pop ‘Ski’ in the search box on my website.
Thanks so much for being here. My latest posts follow.
I continue to create the Ski A-Z book, spurred on by the upcoming winter season, here are the latest illustrations…
‘L’ for Lunches
A long lunch after a great morning skiing is a delight in the spring months. The cool morning air is replaced with the sun, which bathes and warms away any winter blues from long winter nights of the previous months. A leisurely lunch on the mountain restaurant terrace is ideally followed by time reclining in a deck chair.
Initial sketches and the final painting.
But not every day is sunny with blue skies, the snow has to fall sometimes (preferably at night).
This illustration represents the lunch breaks on colder days, maybe even in a whiteout or blustery weather.
Warming up on a cold snowy day in the refuge of a mountain restaurant is like finding a safe harbour in a storm.
This illustration is based on a memory of a very cold day when I was a kid. My Dad helped me to get warm, which seemed to take a long time as I’d been lost for an hour.
The intention is to illustrate the feeling, not a likenesses to anyone in particular.
Once warmed up and recharged there’s chance for more fun in the snow, and if it’s accumulated a chance to ski deep snow.
Although I’ve created illustrations for the letter ‘F’ (see the illustrations here) I kept feeling called to represent family ski days – so here is the content I’ve created…
‘F’ for Family
Skiing is a sport that all ages can do together. Meaning it’s great fun family time. I treasure many memories of skiing together as a family, from being a child, to leading the children and instructing, and now letting them lead when it’s safe for them to pick their own path. This one is inspired by a fab three generation ski day in Meribel, France.
Pop the word ‘Ski’ in my blog search box to see all the Ski content created so far and follow on social media to see the work as it’s created…
Thanks so much for being here, please share this post with ski friends who’ll enjoy seeing it. If you work in the ski industry and would like illustrations for your promotional activity then please email me at inspirebykim@outlook.com
Thank you for your support, come across to my new website. Subscribe to continue to receive notifications and news, and illustration tips as they arise
Children’s book illustration for the culmination of Jelena’s journey through a winter wonderland, to reach the stars.
“Grandma said Mummy is polishing the stars, so that they shine on me.”
My character Jelena (meaning Bright) is helped by the mountain animals to go closer to the stars, where she believes her late mother to be.
I’m delighted with this latest work. I can feel the progress, enjoyed painting it and am pleasantly surprised with the final piece. It’s already framed and on our wall.
Having lived with the next generation effects of childhood bereavement I wanted to create a work that speaks to children, and the child inside the adult, who lost their parent.
Jelena realises through the narrative that she is not alone, and is reassured by the support and kindness from her new animal friends.
The stars are so bright and you can see multitudes of them above the mountains, as there isn’t the light pollution. It can be breathtaking to walk at midnight in the snow and gaze up in wonder.
I created this painting for the Make Art That Sells #matsprep assignment. The inspiration for the mountain setting is from the Ski A-Z book that I am presently working on.
How This Piece Was Created…
I painted the alpine wildlife that we see when we visit the French Alps, and the Vanoise National Park.
I have often seen deer, foxes and wild boar whilst driving the mountain roads at night. The marmots we see emerging from hibernation in the spring, enjoying eating crocus as the snow melts away. I once encountered an imposing bouquetin at high altitude by the glacier near Val Thorens. We would also see herds of bouquetin grazing and fighting on the slopes of Champagny Le Haut. Mountain hare tracks can be seen from the chairlifts indicating their nocturnal presence. Whilst driving by Lake Annecy a family of five wild boar crossed the road ahead of us, parent and their young, so cute.
I also painted a Eurasian brown bear which lives in the Caucasus mountains of Russia, where we skied over bear tracks in the snow. Next to our hotel was a woodcarver’s yard where he whittled life sized bears from huge tree trunks. I chose a small carved bear as a souvenir of the trip. To read about heli-skiing in Russia click here.
Collage of the animal paintings
My first composition (below) felt predatory, I needed a less confrontational arrangement of the elements.
Therefore I chose a tower of animals, united in assistance for the story’s main character, painting them in a less literal style for the final artwork.
A3 Painting in progress, using masking fluid, watercolour paints and acrylic gouache.
I’m determined to keep learning and growing my skills through study of theory and techniques, practical art and colourful exploration. You can follow my blog to see work as it develops and the projects progress.
My intention is editorial illustration work, ideally the cover of Flow magazine, and commercial artwork for ‘change for good’ marketing campaigns. The big dream is an interactive art TV programme.
If you would like artwork to support a positive project please email me at inspirebykim@outlook.com
Thanks so much for being here.
Signup to see new work as it is available. Please ‘Like’ if you do, and if there’s someone who you think would enjoy seeing the art and illustrations please share a link with them…
I think you’d really like to see this illustration. Take a look.
Early work by Kim 
You must be logged in to post a comment.