Home Sweet Home

 I thought I'd share one of the lovely commissions that I worked on last year, they all make me so proud and happy but this one in particular from 2015.  People get in touch with me from all over the country/world with requests for these, and luckily, thanks to digital cameras, it is very easy to accomplish!  This is the largest size I go to currently and is just a bit smaller than A1.  Painting on such a large scale is quite daunting but such an accomplishment when it's finished and in it's new home.

If you're interested in having a house/home illustrated by me then just get in touch, charlotte_vallance@hotmail.com prices are very reasonable, starting at just £35, and there is one that should suit every budget.  You can see more information in my Etsy shop under the commission listings.

A gorgeous Mother's Day gift

I had the loveliest request the other week.  To illustrate a family home for a present for Mother's Day!  This is one of my favourite parts of what I do, illustrating peoples homes, favourite cafes or shops(for example).  This particular house is so adorable and has some lovely little features that I hope I was able to catch!  I've added personal touches such as their dog, Frasier, in the downstairs window as well as their daughters tap shoes in her bedroom window at the top of the house.

If this is something you'd like me to do for you, then please get in touch!

Pet Portraits for Christmas

I was asked by an extended family member to illustrate their Mum's French Bulldog for them to gift to her at Christmas - what a lovely present!  I didn't share too many photos of this in progress as I didn't want their Mum seeing anything she might recognise.

So meet Dave, the French Bulldog.  Isn't he handsome?  Get in touch if you'd like me to illustrate your pet for you or a loved one.

Travel Bunnies

I had the absolute pleasure of painting this commission for a gift from a friend to her sister as a little gift to wish her well on her travels round Thailand.  When younger, the sister had a toy bunny and upon seeing my bunny doodles for the Brown Paper Bunny (aka Jessica Mack) she was inspired to ask me to do a special one.

Are you off on travels?  Or have you been to Thailand?  Share a little story in the comments!

I went to Thailand for a month in 2009.  I had intended on seeing a temple made of beer bottles - recycling to the extreme!  Only I never quite found it, no one knew what I was talking about.  Next time I shall do more research before I go :-) I enjoyed a very relaxed lifestyle and enjoyed the Thai food, even did a cookery lesson.

A winning commission

A few months ago I did a big giveaway on here - thank you again to all who entered, you can read about the runner's up here.  Jodi of 'Art by Wiley' won the big prize of a custom illustration - YAY!

We started off with Jodi letting me know that she wanted the illustration to be of her house in Melbourne, Australia and was kind enough to take photos for me from all angles (having to take these myself would of been a bit pricey!).  I got going with my sketchy rough draft, following a few pointers from Jodi of key pieces that should be included.  I then got way-laid with commissions to do which you can see here and here - Jodi, you were so understanding, thank you!  And finally, I got on with painting and sharing my progress with Jodi.  This was one of the best kind of commissions that I get.  I absolutely love it when people want me to do a piece for them, they let me know what they would like it of, but other than that they are happy to see me interpret it as I like.

The Wiley's have 3 lovely chickens too which got pride of place in their garden.  This illustration arrived safely in Melbourne and is now happy in it's new home!

Rosie Williams Day

Following on from the Christening commission I did the other week, I was asked by the same client to design a flyer for 'Rosie Williams Day' in aid of 'Ovarian Cancer Research'.  A day to honour her recently passed Mum and to help further support Cancer Research.

They have a beautiful poem, (said by Audrey Hepburn and also read at her funeral!) 'Beauty Tips' and wanted me to illustrate it in a similar fashion to the Christening piece.  Handwritten text supported by my illustration.  For the text, I've opted for a more script-like, free-flowing handwriting.

My first thought was to illustrate the poem literally, but there are just too many body parts going on, and there being a photo on the reverse, we thought that a face would be too much.  I then went to focus on hands, or perhaps a nice border.  We wanted it to be prettier!  Rosie, often Rose, loved the Wild Irish Rose, and it really seemed to fit.  A flower is such a thing of beauty, and this nice subtle link made it the perfect image for the illustration.

I then used the same illustration on the reverse, with a picture of Rosie and all the details.  If this inspires you, all donations are welcome!

A Christening Piece

One of the loveliest commissions I've done ever!  Karen got in touch with me to illustrate a verse/poem for her Nieces who were to be baptised.  The brief was to hand draw the text and illustrate to compliment the script, in a way suitable for children, to go in the girls' bedroom.

' May the long time sun shine upon you




All love surround you




and the pure light within you




guide your way on '

After jotting down a couple of ideas we met for a coffee at the lovely Seasons in Old Amersham to make sure we were both thinking along the same lines.  It's so nice when I'm able to meet with clients to discuss their illustration before I go head on into it.  You can be clearer and get much more across than over email I find.  (If you're on the other side of the world, maybe I can take a holiday?! Or there is always Skype!)

The script is used in Buddhism and while Buddhist imagery would be suitable for adults, neither of us thought so for children.  I focused on the idea of light, and following, being outside (the sun).  I decided to work with a blue (sky) background, with prominent black handwriting text and either kites or butterflies.  Karen loved the idea of butterflies, and we were able to discuss this take on the design and develop it to be relevant for her, the girls and their family.

Do you have a family saying/song/poem that you'd like to see illustrated?  Thinking of my own family, they wouldn't be quite as sweet as this, a bit more jokey, possibly a funny quote from my Nonna that would bring a smile and a tear to the eye all at the same time.

Twickenham

Inspired by my 'London Town' map I illustrated for 'They Draw and Travel' at the beginning of the year, I had a couple approach me with a commission to illustrate Twickenham for them.  This is the town where their son and daughter-in-law met I do believe!  The brief was to include both flats and pretty much all the quirky little bits in-between, that they love about the area.

First up, a day trip to Twickenham :-) I took my lovely boyfriend and we had a great day out.  I'd been supplied with a little tour almost, so that I wouldn't miss seeing particular bits, buildings and streets.  With this to hand we had plenty of stops for coffee, snacks, food, viewing points, etc.  I can't say I'd actually been before, so it was nice exploring the area, and part of the commission was for me to include those little bits that might otherwise be forgotten (but would be missed if not included)!

I then came home with initial sketches, photographs, cards and memories and started work on the rough draft.  Showing a rough draft often doesn't get us anywhere.  Luckily, my clients have a lot of faith in me and know that as long as I'm happy with how it's going, they know that they'll love it when it's coming together a bit more with colour and detail.

Once I have the initial sketch down on the paper (big, clean, white, lovely sheet) I find it a lot easier to get going, with more detail, then to add colour and finally to add finishing detail to bring out certain points for the viewer.

TA DA!

Give Away

Thats right, you heard me correctly!

I am giving you the chance to win an illustration by me commissioned by yourself.  An A4 illustration of your choice, a complete one of a kind illustration specially for you.  I will use watercolours and add fine line detail, which is the style I tend to opt for when illustrating.  I'll allow a border of paper round the edge to make framing easier.

Some examples of past commissions I've done

In order to enter, I'm asking that you visit my Etsy shop and give me some feedback.  Now.  This doesn't mean that you have to buy something, (although that would be nice if you are tempted).  It means that, I have recently added new products, experimented with the photography and altered my postage costs and therefore would love to hear what you, my lovely customers / fellow illustrators / crafty folk / friends / family, think of it all.

Ideas for you customisable illustration:

• Home / House
• Favourite city
• Garden
• Invitation
• Favourite cafe/shop
• Sweets / Chocolate
• Logo
• Favourite plant
• Pet
• A trinket
• Favourite shoes / bag
• Or you might just like to tell me a few things that you like and see what I come up with!

Please follow this link: www.etsy.com/shop/charlottevallance

And either leave your thoughts in a comment below here, email me, send a message via Etsy (there is a link to 'contact me' on my page) and of course let me know how you would like to be contacted if you won!

I'd love to hear what you think of my photos, the postage costs and the actual items for sale.  If you think something needs improving, let me know!

After all the entries have been placed in a hat I shall select one lucky winner and three runners up.  If you are a runner up, I'll be sending you a little goody bag :-) ppppst I've just had confirmation of a piece of Naida Crystal Jewellery to be in the runner up prizes...you can see her work here: www.etsy.com/shop/naidacrystal

So a total of 4 prizes to be won, you have just under 3 weeks to enter and closing date is the 22nd August at 8pm (UK time).

Most importantly, anyone can enter!

Good luck

X

Wedding Invitations

Extra Special Wedding Invitations

Finally I can share these with you!

My first wedding invitation design!

What makes these so special is that they are for a close friend of mine.  She is the first of my friends to be getting married, starting her own family.  And I've got to say, also probably the most grown-up as well.  She didn't have too many demands for me to work with, which was nice.  Just the bits that add some structure into the starting point - she wanted traditional features, aka, doves, flowers, bells and ribbons.  And the colour scheme was 'Cadbury Purple'. Lovely.

For ages I've wanted to get my designs letterpress printed and this gave me the perfect opportunity!  The Bride-to-be fell in love with the lovely swirly text and soft somerset paper that Blush Publishing use on some of their letterpress prints.  We were able to combine this with my illustration and come up with a layout that worked well and was loved by all.

If you'd like something similar designed for you for your wedding/party/celebration or even just personal stationary, I'd be more than happy to help and advise where I can so do please get in touch.


Thank you
x

Artist of the Month of March

Artist of the Month of March at Seasons Cafe @ Rowan

I'm so happy to tell you all about my upcoming exhibition (My first ever proper one don't you know!) which takes place for the whole of March and is situated in the lovely Seasons Cafe @ Rowan.  

They feature a different artist every month, and take on work of all disciplines ranging from illustration to fine art to photography and all thats in between.  This provides a great rotation of gorgeous work for all who work at and visit the Cafe and the Garden Centre that it's located in.

I'll be showing original illustrations in watercolour, silkscreen print and drypoint print.  These will be available to purchase along with digital copies, cards and a few other bits and bobs.

I'll be having a preview evening for those of you who are local and are able to get to Chalfont St. Giles by 5pm on a Friday!  There will be drinks & nibbles or tea & cake, depending on what takes your fancy, from 5-7pm on Friday 2nd March.  Come along for a chat, ask any questions you may have, and enjoy a nice look at my illustration up close.

Hopefully the evening will be nice and clear as it's staying lighter and lighter in the evening already and there are great views across the fields from the cafe.

You will need a car to get there.  If you are visiting on a weekend, give me a shout and I'll join you for a cup of tea!  If you're visiting from afar (maybe via train?) Then hopefully I can give you a lift as well! Otherwise the closest train station is Chalfont and Latimer on the Metropolitan Line, which you can get a taxi from for not too much.

I've been busy working on these lovely stickers for promoting this exhibition.  I opted to create a sticker that could be used on the already existing A6 postcards from the Cafe as then visitors can view the map!  I'm very excited about distributing my 'QR-code' stickers :-) which when scanned will bring you straight here (to my blog) where you can see all I've been up to.  A few have been sent out to friends over seas, so keep an eye out for photos of them in random places!

Frasier

Frasier

Frasier was my first illustration commission of a dog.  Therefore quite a bit of pressure, nerves, excitement going on.  Luckily, I actually know Frasier quite well as he belongs to friends of the family. I think I've captured his cute little face, and the client seems very happy with them indeed!  There are 2 paintings of him, one face on and one a side view.  The couple who commissioned Frasier were buying them for each other for Christmas, as a little extra I wrapped both up so they would both have a christmas surprise!  I had a lovely phone call on Christmas morning praising my work, which was so nice as even though I was really proud of my work, it's the clients thoughts on the end product that count the most.

They were lovely enough to take some pictures of Frasier up in their house.  He now has a new home towards the front of the house, going up the stairs, so anyone coming into the house will see him!  To say I'm chuffed is an understatement! 

If you're interested in having me do an illustration of your pet (not just dogs!) or maybe it's a friends birthday coming up?  Please get in touch, either by leaving a comment here, email me charlotte_vallance@hotmail.com or by phone 07793710416 - please be sure to leave a name and number if I don't manage to answer.

Thank you for reading!