Blackboard

Some new blackboard images

Frog

Above is part of an illustration (still a work in progress) that also shows the benefits of my shamisen and also kimono research. This image is very dark and the only light is from a lantern held by the frog character. As always I will post the completed illustration (in approx 1 week).
I have also included a photo from the Oshima Museum of Picture Books in Toyama. This photo was taken after I had read a picture book (Where is the Green Sheep) to a small group (pictured) at the museum.

Shamisen

I have left the sweltering heat of Japan to arrive home to rain that feels like ice needles and snow on the mountain.
Happy to be home and now starts the hard work of putting all of my visual research in Japan to use. The photo above shows the start of an image idea, created a few days before I left for Japan. Then you can see some of the photos taken in Kanazawa at the Shamisen shop. And lastly on the right is the ½ rendered image of the character ‘Mayumi’ playing the shamnisen. Going to the shamisen shop and playing a shamisen has allowed me to change my sketch concept to allow for more accurate details, ie. The fabric in the right hand that goes between thumb and forefinger to allow the hand to guild along the neck, the rope tie patterns that hold the three strings, the notch between the body and the neck and the skin pattern on the face of the body (that lots like an upside down face of the frog character). I will post more of this image as it continues and others based on my research in Japan. I will avoid the temptation to post many of the photos I have taken while away as this is not a travel blog. So photos will be relevant to images being created (I hope).

Ceremony

Japan is hot, very hot. Even the locals are saying that this is an extremely hot summer. Im in Kanazawa today, I am heading to see a local shameisen manufacturer for research for some drawings im doing.
The Ceremony went well, it was good to catch up with old friends and make new ones. I was luck enough to talk to a few of the judges, they gave me some good insights on what they look for in entries and what they liked about my work.
I had an interesting experience here in Kanazawa last night. I stumbled across a small alternative gallery in a trendy alternative section of the city. Three young artist were having an exhibition. apart of the exhibition was community participation wall of card written or drawn on. People were invited to respond to the sheet that was blank except for the answewr to a question, [ ...... _ Human|.
When I sat down and unpacked my portable studio, water colours, pens and pencils, they were surprised. Appologies to the young artist as I haven not included their names.

SpiritedAway

If anyone wants a hand drawn coffee cup, head down to Tasmanian Coffee Roaster in Sandy Bay (Tasmania) and say "I'd like that that coffee cup with he Bath House guy from Spirite Away on it". Theres only one so 1st in, best dressed!.

VLAD

Here is a section of a fun project I have started with a friend of mine. It's called 'Vlad' and the aim is to create a hand drawn 45 second animation, at 24 frames a second thats a lot of drawing.

CoffeeFrog

CaptainHaddock

Here is another recent Chalk board. Created while sipping coffee and planning a trip to Japan.

Kanazawa

Above is my “Tin Tin” Chalk board at Tasmanian Coffee Roaster. I am really enjoying playing with the black background.

I am also planning my trip to Japan for the Oshima award on the 21st of August. I am hoping to spend some time in Kanazawa. I have visited Kanazawa twice before but on as I passed through for ½ a day each time. Apart from the amazing historic buildings and gardens, I hope to visit ‘shamisen –no-fukushima’ a traditional shamisen manufacturer in the area. The shamisen is a traditional three-stringed instrument made from wood, silk and skin (dog or cat normally, Im sure my pets will forgive me!)