Tuesday, February 24, 2009

'Winderful Whitstable' art


Following hot on the heels of 'Whitstabubble' came another retro-style seaside postcard, 'Winderful Whitstable'. The idea came from the Thames estuary windfarms built a mile or two out to sea a few years back (just visible oon the horizon)and the pose is firmly and unashamedly non-PC style! There's little point in trying to resurrect the lost art form of British 'Saucy seaside post cards' made famous by the likes of Donald McGill if you are going to be answerable to the PC brigade.

'Best wishes from Whitstabubble' art



The final watercolour original, painted last summer on Langton Rough 300gsm paper. Note the inclusion of the winkle little shell, a nod to the 'Crab & Winkle' railway line that Whitstable is famous for. It was the first passenger railway that ran from inland Canterbury to the coastal town. The line has since gone, but a lovely bicycle route exists in its place at least. This is available as a postcard in Whitstable, outlets listed on the right.

Sketch for 'Best wishes from Whitstabubble'



Original idea scamped on the train for the popular Whitstable Seaside Series Postcard series, drawn last year.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Meritein, France, weekend of 14 Feb 09



Also in the house was this lovely vintage pot sporting extensive 'craquelure'. Medium: Graphite pencil and watercolour on 300gsm Langton Grain fin NOT paper.

Meritein, France, weekend of 14 Feb 09



Spent a weekend visiting my brother who lives in South-west France. Found this garlic braid in the kitchen and took it outside in the sunshine to paint.

Illustration for upcoming 'Lake District Map'

Hand-drawn in brush pen with digital colour.  © Peter Gander