Mindfulness Meditation

There seems like no better time than now to post my new illustration for Mindfulness. What makes this post even more poignant is the onset of the Summer holidays. The kids will be off school meaning even more reason for us to have that Mindful moment or two. Maybe a candlelit bath, Mindful walk or even a Mindful trip to the park with the kids. Yes, once you get used to the regular daily practice of meditations you can to find peace wherever you are.  What is there not to LOVE about that!!!!

I’ve been undergoing this very slow transformation from the inside for two years now and as the days, weeks and months go by the symbol of the Butterfly has become very important to me. They feature greatly in my meditations and are regularly released as negative feelings which I let flutter away from me.

I’m always thinking of ways to illustrate the positivity and freedom Mindfulness Meditation has given me. But, with time who knows maybe one day I will elaborate more for those who are interested in learning more about the simple art of ‘Being’. I’ll be happy to share with you how it has reduced my anxiety, heightened my positivity, increased my memory and physical stamina. Happiness isn’t just for other people anymore! 

So reader, this is dedicated to wonderful you. For dropping by and sharing  your precious time with me. Live, Love & Doodle Mindfully  x x x  

Elena x

Christmas is coming!!!

Well It's certainly festive in here. The Christmas tunes are keeping me busy whilst I work away at my doodles and I love it! 

I've had the pleasure of seeing a couple of school Nativity plays today. I found it so inspiring that I'm contemplating taking my sketch book up to bed with me where I will cwtsh up with my hot water bottle and see what I come up with. It's just the sweetest thing seeing the kids on stage singing their little hearts out. As parents all round smile with pride. I always like to look out for the characters. The one that isn't happy to be dressed up, the one who eagerly searches out for their family and waves with happiness once they've been located and finally the cheeky one who will stand there and stick their tongue out and pull faces. It's all fabulously heart warming! x x x

If I don't get to be on here before the big day arrives I will wish you al now a wonderful Christmas and leave you with a few old festive illustrations.

Big Warm and hugs to you all x x

Elena x x x x x 

Illustration Friday- Radio

Hello to you all x x x Just a short post. I'm so busy at the moment wrapping up the book that I'm working on that I had to raid through my portfolio to see what illustrations I have that contained a radio!

 I eventually found one from last years London Welsh Fun Day. It was a lovely little commission which had me painting and photoshopping confidently (Hurray I tell the world proudly!) the London Skyline and every Welsh Speaking child's favourite TV chick. 'CYW' X 

Good night to you all. Remember if you are on Facebook you can see more of my work. Just search for Live, Love & Doodle. Come on over it's a happy page x 

 

Metamorphosis- From Water Baby to Academic x

Just a quick post today as I have a million and one things to get on with. Primarily a search for my youngest daughters school bag? Where could it be? 

I haven't participated on Illustration Friday for like EVER!!!!!!! So here is my submission for metamorphosis. I have real mixed emotions about this transition. As a kid the only thing that got me through it was the knowledge that September would bring my Birthday. Now as an adult I get excited for my girls. The wonder of knowledge and how fortunate they are to have such freedom to play, grow and develop x x 

My dear friends. I am so embarrassed that I have been away for so long. It seems I find it hard to do everything. My Blogger has been neglected! * Hangs head low and slaps wrist*

 I can't believe it has been a whole year since I last posted. *What a year it has been* 

                            Book covers have been illustrated and sold

                                          Fights have been had

                                                            Anxiety has followed

                                 And thankfully Mindfulness restored

If I could have one of those film montages you would have see a woman at the brink, saved, enlightened and once again on track and heading for triumph. Hurray I hear you say!!! 

So like countless other mothers I find myself at the end of another summer holiday. *Looks at watch counts the hours, seconds and minutes* I think it's the smell of all the new school stationary in the air. The sharp pencils and empty notebooks ready to be filled with ideas. New beginnings. Everything is possible. 

It's great to be back and I look forward to sharing my news with you. Here's to all who live and work hard for the dream xx 

Be kind to yourselves, It's best feeling in the world x x x x x x 

Equality

Just a quick update seeing as though I've got a lot of work to get on with before I once again head off on the school run to pick up the little darlings. For regular updates go to my facebook page. Live, Love & Doodle.  My world is so hectic it's much easier to update my comings and goings from my phone. Go on pay me a little visit and 'LIKE'. My worlds a happy one x x x 

Now that the studio is all set up I am looking to build a new website. I'm taking a deep breath and preparing myself for a lot of all nighters. A tough job to do when the little ones depend on you the next day. I do often wish that I had a normal husband, with a normal job that saw him home of an evening. But that would not have then been my boy. He dreamt of making movies and there he is now living that dream. Together the girls and I will hold the fort until he returns and when he does we will glow with happiness of being a Whole once again. 

Have a wonderful week. Love to you all x x x

Sweet

Don't you just love the word sweet?  It says it all for me. I can taste it, feel it and smell it. This week I'm submitting this illustration for IF. It was a Christmas commission for a film loving Grandmother who loves no better those sweet moments when she gets to take all her grandchildren to the cinema.

We all have those special places. There is nothing better than being with the ones that we love and sharing moments of togetherness. Whether it's over a cup of tea and a biscuit, a trip to the shopping centre, a walk in the country or simply snuggled up on the sofa enjoying the peace and a small get away from life and all its problems.

This week has me working on a few projects. I have a few photoshop projects to get on with, character designing and the writing of my book. Half term had me away from the drawing board so it felt good this morning to sit by my in tray and sort out my work load. 

I hope you all have a good week. I am going to leave you with two illustrations that I did as birthday gifts last month.

Lots of love to you all. Maybe see you all again with another doodle if I get the chance x

'Washed Out'

Inspired by a wet Bank Holiday Monday. I scribbled this whilst wrapped up in a duvet in my living room.  Yesterday my family and I attended The Eistedfodd Yr Urdd in Pembrokshire. If you aren't aware of this cultural festival that takes place every year in Wales  you haven't lived. It is an amazing event that sees children and young people performing their hearts out in various competitions. From Singing, dancing, recital, drama and much much more. From February schools, groups and individuals work on their performances with the dream of making it to stage and winning.
Again my daughter competed in the solo singing. Again like many, many others she didn't make it to stage but she sang so well and we are so proud.

I'm off to London today to see my family and breath in some of that hubbub which regenerates my batteries and so often helps me with ideas when the creative pool is running a dry.

Good bye for now internetlings. I know this is a very short sweet post but I feel this is at least is better than posting nothing. All my love and art to you all x x x

Tension- 'The moment we behave as childish as they are'

Hello my dear visitors. How perfect that Illustration Fridays topic is 'Tension' this week because there has been an awful lot of it about. My youngest daughter who has started full time nursery in her new school is coming home exhausted and with it having terrible temper tantrums. They have been pretty hard to deal with and this doodle is the result of the relaxing process that comes after a full on stand off.

La La saw this illustration on my desk the next morning after our fight. She picked it up and tried to hide it in my portfolio. It is safe to say that this piece struck a chord with her and believe it or not since seeing my feelings painted for the world to see she has been behaving!!!!!! 

Its been a really good week creatively. I finished off another private commission. I promise to publish pictures as soon as the birthday girl in question receives her gift. In the meantime I 'm posting another commission of some very loved dogs and their Steam Punk loving owners. This was a fun little illustration to do.

Right off I pop to make Friday Night Dinner. Huge Big Hugs to you all x x x 

My Topsy Turvy World!

Dear, dear fellow navigators . I can only apologise for my absence. It has been so long since I last blogged but you see doodlers my world since the 28th of December has been turned UPSIDE DOWN.

It's a long story that began with curiosity, a new development of houses and a dream of moving away from London to Wales. 

During the Christmas break we a took a trip across the border to see family. Whilst there we spotted a tidy little development of new houses. Curiosity took us up its street on a cold, wet dark blustery afternoon. There we found our home and the reservation deposit was put down. 2013 began and the countdown to this life changing move began. 

We have been just a month in our new home and we are slowly settling into our new life. 

I am proud to report that Live, Love & Doodle now has its own space for me to work from. Long gone are the days of doodling at the kitchen table or free corners safe from sticky little fingers. 

I have been doodling and have so much to post. Including exciting news about my first published book cover. The commissions are still coming in and I am getting back into the swing of Living, Loving & Doodling. I promise to post more soon. In the meantime especially for you some sketch pad doodles of our crazy world x x x x

All my love to you all.

The Christmas treadmill.

Hello to you all. Well here I am again apologising for the neglect of my blog. I have had so many jobs in that Living, Loving and Doodling isn't leaving me much time for sharing these brief words with you all. So I have finally put a link to my Facebook page which you can see on the top righthand corner of this page. I drop by there quite regularly and it would be so lovely if you could join me. Please feel free to  leave me a message and a LIKE. Oh what fun we will have! You'll see x x 

  I  really can't believe that we are in December. On the 1st at around 12:30 as I drove home from my daughters dancing lesson on the radio was playing Wham's 'Last Christmas'. With that I turned a pale shade of grey and in my head a klaxon sounded and the Christmas treadmill quickened pace. Leaving me wondering whether there will be enough time to get everything that needs doing done before the big fella drops down that chimney.

My Christmas illustrations above have been inspired by the hypnotising candle pictures which I have been creating over the past few months. The one with the little girl looking in the tree is a self portrait. I remember lying underneath my tree looking up at the twinkling lights and baubles feeling so excited I was left dumbstruck. I caught my eldest daughter doing the same thing yesterday morning. I'm sure this is something we have all done which makes Christmas's best gift to us all, the lifetime of memories that can warm our hearts and souls whenever and wherever we are.

Finally my last illustration, is one that all working Mums can relate to. This piece was a commission for 'Baby Buzz Magazine' Nickie Evans the Editor asked me for an illustration of her busily working frantically. I feel just like her as I sit here tip tapping away. The kids and my much beloved are fast asleep and I'm burning the candle at both ends. So with that I am going to bid you all goodnight.

All my love to you all. Wrap up warm and enjoy the memory making x

Diwali 2012

Last night I was working in my studio on a commission and as I painted the sky around me was full of fireworks. I couldn't help but put down my pencil and and do this Diwali inspired illustration.

Happy Diwali to all my friends. All my love and bright hugs to you all  x x 

Illustration Friday-Tree

A quick submission for this weeks IF. I love Autumn. This is a rough idea that I had for a piece of art. This was back in 2009. I've been meaning to work on it again in watercolours. I just haven't had the chance. 

The colours on the leaves are awe inspiring and it troubles me that busy people don't take a moment to stop and look at the beauty that surrounds us. A few weeks ago I picked up these leaves for my weekly art class. The children drew them in their sketch pads. Next week I will take photos of their work so you can see Autumn through the eyes of children.

All my love and have a cosy weekend. x x x x x

A busy time of year.

 Hi everyone, well here I am with a brief opportunity to update my blog. I'm starting with a picture which I drew in a sketch pad during festival season this summer. I thought she looked 'shy' enough to be my Illustration Friday submission.

It's all been so chaotic here this week. The children's 1/2 term break is coming to end so not only have I had to keep the girls occupied and happy, finish on going commissions, I've also had a flurry of enquiries for Christmas commissions. 

I've mentioned my family portraits to you all in the past and I am thrilled that what started off as just one offs for dear family and friends have now become a major part of Live, Love & Doodles income.

They are so much fun to work on and bring such happiness. It's a pleasure to share my splashes of love and colour to the world.

Finally my dear friends before I leave you all to get on with Sunday Lunch, these last two illustrations are what I quickly doodled yesterday. Last night me the girls and one of their school friends went to a firework display in order to celebrate bonfire night. I did the pencil sketch before we left the house on our return I couldn't resist but paint it. I feel my years in costume have influenced this illustration. It takes me back to the days of penny for the Guy and this 1940's boy enjoying the celebrations.

If you are celebrating Bonfire night tonight or tomorrow, wrap up warm and enjoy. 

Whilst you are looking up at the sky wowing at the beautiful fireworks don't forget to take a moment to look down at your kids and see the magic of Bonfire night in their eyes. 

Big warm hugs and kisses to you all x x x x 

Haunted

Well here we are. That time of year again. The beginning of the holiday season. The leaves are falling off the trees, the cold wind is blowing hard, the clocks have gone back and Halloween is here. Our pumpkin has been bought and is waiting to be carved, the spooky fairy lights have been taken out of their box along with the rest of the decorations and the kids have their costumes ready to go. 

I haven't been blogging recently because it has all been so chaotic. My husband's still been away on a film production and I continue to get commissions which I juggle tirelessly in between my duties as a mother of two very busy girls. But you know I wouldn't have it any other way. Even if on some mornings I look like a Zombie, exhausted with all the late nights working. They are all worth it. Especially when clients receive their pieces of art and they are so happy. I love sharing my splashes of colour with the world. 

I wish you all a wonderful safe Halloween if you are out and about trick or treating. Big spooky hugs to you all x x x x 

Spare a thought for those doing it the old fashioned way x

The book of love doesn't warn you about this chapter!!!!!

Hello all x x x 

Well here I am again with another heart in action. Over the past few months families and life have been on my mind. We all run our households differently. It's all so complicated, very busy and mentally exhausting.

My husband inspired this illustration. He has been away on various productions for over six months. We have become passing ships at night. I'm so grateful for technology because thanks to facetime we have at least had the chance to have face to face conversations and been able to settle many of the girls disputes together as a couple. It's not perfect but we get to see our hero's tired face at night before he goes to bed in his lonely hotel room. 

 Now with a bit more time on my hands and my girls growing up I am finally able to  change career path. I hope that my illustration will be enough to help our hero on his quest to keep us happy, warm and fed. 

Hug a breadwinner and don't forget to say thank you. It's a tough job x x x x 

Picking up the pieces x

Music's a major influence on my illustrations. One song that I've been playing over and over on the school run is James Walsh's 'Start Again'. It's a wonderful piece of music which no doubt will ring bells for couples all over the world. 
These are difficult times for everybody, especially for those with young families. The costs are mounting and the hurdles seem never ending. 
The message in my illustration is one of hope. Hope that when we fall out over life we can together pick up the pieces and put love back together again. 
Goodnight to all my wonderful friends. Live, Love & hold on to each other tight. Big kisses, Elena x x x

It's that time of year again!

Hey folks!!!

 How are you all doing? Last week I was posting illustrations of a mother at the end of her tether and this week we have a scene of serenity as a happy lady takes her children on the school run.

With my girls back this week. I've been able to sit at my sketch pad and doodle lots of ideas for new illustrations, my imagination is running wild. I can't wait to see how much I grow artistically now that I have a few hours to myself. 

September has always been exciting and magical for me, and as the years pass by I am pleasantly surprised that these feelings aren't subsiding. I assume it's because on 30th I celebrate my Birthday. I know that deep down I should be denying that another year has flown by and with it a few more wrinkles and grey hairs have appeared!!!!!

 It's not all about my special day though. It's also the beginning of the best season in the year. I simply adore Autumn. I look forward to the evenings drawing in, the cosy clothes making their way out of the wardrobe and watching the trees turn golden brown making London look spectacular! 

Here's sending all lots of warm hugs. Until next time x x x x x x x

Hello September my breath of fresh air x

What can I say, of course it's been a joy to have the kids home. No 6:30 alarms going off,  no traffic jams, no after school clubs. Just long hot summer days. Bliss?   

 On Wednesday my girls will be all dressed up in their uniforms enjoying their first day back at school. And I will have my first chance of freedom after many weeks. So to celebrate I intend to pack my sketch pad and pencils and take a well earned trip into London, where I will sip coffee and draw the world going by. How will you be regaining your energy? 

Thank you August you've been wonderful. Hello September my breath of fresh air. x x  

On your marks, get ready, Bake!

Tying in with this weeks IF - TEACHER. I am posting this illustration of a very happy me.

The Great British Bake Off returns with two of the country's best bakers at hand to judge and give advice to all it's anxious contestants. All the apprentices who are masters of their art at home find themselves thrown into the deep end with the hope of winning this exciting competition.

I'm just so excited to have it back on our screens.  I have a smile from ear to ear. The big old gap that has been left since the end of the Olympics is about to be filled again. Britons  re-dress your bunting, wave your flags on your marks, Get ready, BAKE! x

Still on the theme of teachers I thought I would like to add the little farewell gifts that I painted for my daughters teachers at the end of this academic year.  They were thrilled to bits. The children will miss these three inspirational ladies. Diolch Mrs George, Miss FFion a Miss Evans X x

Big hugs to you all x x x