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