Fiona Meakin Designs - Draw With Fi

Here is a work in progress of one of my 'summer inspired' illustrations. I don't even have a dog but they seem to be recurring themes in my work at the moment! I would like to have a rescued grey hound at some point and the character I'm creating currently has a grey hound called Tilly. This summery lady is wearing my interpretations of fashions, that I spotted in magazines on holiday. She's also wearing my lilac Birkenstock's so there's a little bit of me in this drawing! Perhaps she's me really?...I'm too scared of heights and would never walk that close to the edge of a cliff even if the view is worth it! For more images visit my Cargo page portfolio http://www.fiandme.co.uk/

I thought it might interest you to show one of the processes that I go through when creating ideas and getting inspired. I have always used sketch books or note pads (note pads, were especially useful when I was acting) to capture any imagery and thoughts that will inform my new project. One approach is to collage found material from magazines, postcards, wrappers etc. Often I get a feel for the colours I will focus on, or a recurring image may crop up and I will rework it until I have a final illustration. I have used this process on my recent holiday down in Cornwall. I miss the South West when I am not there( I lived in Torquay for a few years after university when I was touring Devon and Cornwall with a theatre company). St Ives and the surrounding area was amazing and so inspiring. The Tate's summer exhibtion was really refreshing and I was absorbed, especially by Naum Gabo's sculpture. Here are some images to hopefully inspire you too! I've thrown...