Happy summer!
Travels, inspiration and lists
Summer kind of crept on me whilst I was in hermit deadline mode. And somehow I managed to time it just right with a short break lined up just after sending off the interior illustrations of the next book. (Of course I’m still finishing it off and tweaking, because a book isn’t really done until the real thing lands at your door!)
I suspect the holiday only happened because I wrote it on our shopping list board a few months ago. Just like checking off the book spreads - once I’ve written it in a list, there’s a fair chance it will get done. Does anyone else rely on lists to function? (Also, I can’t bring myself to wipe it off the board now that I’m home!)
We spent a few days in Seville and Cádiz, with a day trip to Córdoba. Like everyone my relationship with travel changed a lot during the pandemic and this was the first trip out of the UK since 2019, which only made it all the more inspiring.
I mostly sketch on loose blank postcards and old off-cuts. Throughout the week, I kept making connections with things I saw and facts from our guide at the Alcázar about pattern, perfection, mistakes and perspective. I ran out of time to draw everything that inspired me, but I scribbled another list full of ideas whilst on the journey home.
Summer books
If you saw my Woodcock Dispatch from earlier in the year, you’ll know that I officially have a thing for drawing snow. But I do also enjoy the vibrancy of summer, so here’s a few sunny moments from some of my books to wish you a happy summer, whatever you get up to!
Thank you for reading.
Fiona
I'm with you on the lists! We haven't ventured out of the UK yet so your sketches and photos are very inspiring. I need to add renewing my passport on to the list!
What delicious holiday photos!