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 

There's a lot of Bounce in London this summer.

Rule Britannia

Well  here we are in the middle of a historical summer in London town. I am so proud of how the Olympics have been organised and awe inspired by all the athletes, winners and losers.

 I find it hard to believe that last year at this very moment Londoners hearts were breaking with shame and upset as the London riots unfolded and now we are basking in glory as we hold our heads up high knowing that the world is seeing us in our true old fashioned glory.

 At 3:00 this morning I was woken up with the above illustration in my mind. I had no choice but to pull myself away from my bed and doodle our Heptathlon Gold winning Jessica Ennis. As I type this Andy Murray our struggling tennis player has won Gold on the very spot he lost the Wimbledon Final 28 days ago.  Heavens I need sleep. What brain baby will I gestate as I sleep tonight.

Save the date
The London Welsh Centre 13/10/2012

Finally before I go this is the poster that I designed for The Welsh London Playgroups. They will be having a fun morning which will be held in The London Welsh Centre,  Grays Inn Rd, London. 13/10/2012 at 10:30- 12:30. All proceeds from the event will go to the NW and South London playgroups, who weekly offer art, crafts and music all through the medium of Welsh. They are a place where Mums can meet for a chat a cup of tea and a slice cake. Come along if you are in the area. Everybody welcome whether you speak Welsh or not.

With a full heart I wish you all lots of love   x x

Lonely

It's a lonely journey but I'm slowly climbing up the mountain in order to claim the top of it in the name of Live, Love & Doodle.

I haven't been able to post much what with the craziness that is my life at the moment. The kids are home for the summer leaving me only evenings to get on with all the work that I have to do. 

The book cover is going well and all the private commissions for family portraits leave me feeling so satisfied. I'm so happy that my art is able to make people smile and I'm proud that I can spread some cheer during these dark economic times.

Along with all the commissions I'm also working hard on my black & white portfolio.

 Whilst on holiday in Llangrannog in Wales last week I worked on the above picture inspired by daughter who found a dead smelly crab. She was so excited but I found it heartbreaking so I just had to bring him back to life again.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer, keep safe wherever you may be holidaying.

Happy Doodling folks. I'll update again soon. x x x x