Dark Lane Volume 5 illustrations

Every year I do some artwork for Tim Jeffries, who edits the Dark Lane Anthology - we are on volume 5 now. I always enjoy doing this kind of artwork, as I don't get a chance to do much gothic art these days.
Here are the illustrations for Volume 5:

'Death of a superhero' by Christopher Fielden

'Onryo' by David Rose

'I am called Mystery' by Robert Pope

'Holly's Web' by Bill Davidson

Sausage bits and pieces

I've been making some new jewellery bits for a craft show coming up this Saturday (alongside painting, more of that to come!).

 

Sausage dog bag charms. I love the black, enamel ones - they're pretty difficult to get hold of, I have to get them from China. Also I've used some lovely beads, lovely gemstone amethyst, which look so gorgeous in the light. These bag charms are £8 each, which is good value considering how long it takes me to make them!

 

Sausage dog earrings with Swarovski crystals. These are on sterling silver ear wires, which clip together so they won't fall out. I sell these for £6 each. 

 

Bookmarks- I like making these as I can experiment a bit with the beads - and it's a good way to use some of my favourite charms.  

Hare's Dream

This painting was inspired by the imagery I was using in the 'Hare Dream' cushion. It's a narrative told from the hare's own perspective.
I wrote a short story to accompany this painting, which is scratched into the background. It doesn't matter that you can't really read it; it's just supposed to be evocative.

Pendants with regular chain

Here a a few new pendants with snake and cable chains. 

 

I'll just try a mixture of both and see what sells. 

New Rosary style pendants

  I've just made some new necklaces and really wanted to try using Rosary beads instead of regular chain. I like this black beaded one (is it better than using plain chain? More eye-catching perhaps? Probably it's down to personal choice. ) Anyway, I need to try something as I can't seem to sell the pendants. They are £10 each, which is reasonable I think- especially since making the actual pendant is really fiddly! I'll write a blog on how to do that at a later date. 

I've also got these turquoise and clear beads:

 

I quite like the clear beads, really not sure about the turquoise. I'll probably re-do those. 

'Tyto' - the end result!

Background scraped, ink flecks added and I think it's ready!

 'Tyto'

mixed media (oil pastel and lino ink).

Scraping away the lino ink

The scraping stage: I'll concentrate on the owl first ....
I use a tool that you buy to scrape away scraperboard (or scratch board). It's better if it's not too sharp, or you can tear the paper, so use a tool that is quite worn down.