EvE Designs: Animal Art Advent Calendar 2013: 2013

Tuesday 24 December 2013

December 24th: The final window, and my favourite animal: My little donkey (for Marty) xxx

Copyright/All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013.
Inspired by our beautiful cheeky son, Marty Wilson, aged 19 months old,
and a Donkey Sanctuary leaflet that came in the post.
Pencil and watercolour on cartridge Paper Sketchbook.

Well, I couldn't resist a drawing of our darling son, now could I?

My mother mentioned that she remembers me saying, when I was around twelve years old, that, "I can't imagine a day without a pencil in my hand"... I'm beginning to feel that way again.

Merry Christmas everyone, and here's to a wonderful 2014!!!

Much love,

Elissa

P.S. Happy 6th wedding anniversary to my gorgeous husband.

xxxxxxx

Monday 23 December 2013

Just 1 more window to go...

Thank you so much for taking a look at my animal advent calendar this year...there will be one more 'animal' tomorrow, and then after a small break for Christmas it's end of year tax return fun for January! I'll be back next year and do get in touch if you need anything drawn.

I LOVE DRAWING!!!

Elissa xxx

elissavevans@hotmail.com
07968371553
Facebookpage: ElissaVEvans EVE Designs Artist & Illustrator

December 23rd: 2 for the price of 1! A Meerykat Christmas and an Iced Bunny Cake (For Bella and Roger)

2 for the 23rd!

I went delivering cards and gifts today and called in to see our old neighbours in Brynmill (we long to move back). I took Marty with me as the last time I saw them, he was in utero. It was so lovely to see Bella and her and Marty really hit it off... her saxophone playing meerkat in a santa hat went down a treat, so this sketch is for Bella. x

And then, when Marty and I got home, having had a lovely day, and a great lunch with one of my oldest friends (Thanks Kathryn - Marty and I love you!), we found a Bunny cake in the dinning room which our pal's father had made Marty, for Crimbo! How bloomin' lovely is that?!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Thanks Roger - Dean, please tell your dad it may not last until Christmas day... going to have a cuppa and a slice, or 2 after posting this. xx

December 22nd: A Bluebell Chicken (for my dad)

I tried uploading to blogger, from my mobile yesterday, but no matter how I tried it wouldn't work. So I gave up and posted the pic straight onto Facebook.

This is one of my parent's Bluebell Chickens, and it's for my dear pops, who was snoozing right next to me on the sofa as I drew. I once sketched him as he snoozed, too!

Saturday 21 December 2013

December 20th & 21st: An Angel Gerbil and a gift giving Asian Small Clawed Otter ( For Ethan Dodds and Lia Wilson)

December 20th - late again!

Copyright/ All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
Drawn from memory(of our hamsters... same thing, almost?) with added Angel outfit.
Pencil and Watercolour on handmade paper

My friend Sophie (pretty much another sister), told me her little lad is sad this week as his gerbil, Sunshine died ... poor little love. Here she is for Ethan - as an Angel Gerbil. Not quite the Angel Gabriel, but... XXX

December 21st - well it is 1am, so thought I'd do it early for one.

Copyright/ All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
Drawn from wildlife booklet collected from a trip to NYC when I was in college,
with added pressie.
Pencil and Watercolour on cartridge paper.

My sister-in-law, who lives in the USA, loves these little otters... so I give you this cheeky chappie as a gift, Lia. From across the pond, with love. XXX

Thursday 19 December 2013

December 16th, 17th, 18th & 19th: A 'Woof', a 'Baa Baah', a 'Grrrr' and a 'Gobble, Gobble'. (For everyone!)

I've really not had any time to sit and draw these last few days, and no time to get on the computer... so quickly, this evening, I am catching up with windows 16,17,18 and 19. I've just had a rummage in my studio and found some older EvE designs, so I hope you'll except them in place of new drawings... it is Christmas time, the time for forgiveness, after all...

December 16th:

This is an old sketch of our family dog - my parent's mental spaniel, Morgi. He is a dear old thing. Often smelly, but a lovely woofy.

December 17th:

Some acrobatic sheep - designs for a range of cards I sold last year, or maybe even the year before. Will make more for 2014 I think as they sold well.

December 18th:

I have a little wooden bear in my studio, which I cherish form a relative no longer with us. I must have drawn him for a card for someone, and never sold or sent it. I noticed the card sticking out of my bookshelves this evening, so I thought he'd like to appear in this window. Also, whilst visiting pals yesterday (to catch up, deliver Crimbo presents and drink lots of tea) I noticed 2 small wooden bears at Elena's house. She told me they were much loved keepsakes from her childhood (an eldery neighbour's) and she suggested I drew one for this blog... I will Elena, not for the blog, for you. Next time I come down I'll sketch the pair of them. xx

December 19th:

This page is from a sketchbook of mine (2010) and is rather apt for this season of over eating. Although I'm not a vegetarian, watching a program about flavouring meat while it is still a living and breathing animal must have struck a chord.

I used to sit and sketch all the time, even when 'watching' telly... I don't anymore, but perhaps I should. I do like the way I draw when not worrying about drawing.

And I like their faces. Even though they're not very happy. Poor gooesy goosey.

By the way I have never eaten goose, and doubt I ever will, now.

Sunday 15 December 2013

December 15th: A gingerbread cat biscuit (for my gorgeous hubby, Owain Wilson)

The 15th day of December has been a soggy wet Sunday, so we spent most of the morning decorating our hand made gingerbread cookies, for friends and family.

Our little boy, Marty tried very hard to eat all the icing and sweets and my hubby and I found it a tad stressful. Plus it takes so long!We'd be rubbish in The Great British Bake Off!

Still we are pretty pleased with the results and after we got used to it, we actually found Marty's constant attempts to destroy them all, rather funny!

Go on have a go, and have some family festive fun! Yum, yum!

Saturday 14 December 2013

December 14th: The Mouse King (for my Mummy).

Copyright/ All RIghts Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
Inspired by the Royal ballet's Mouse King earlier this evening, drawn from memory...I managed to notice the King had little mice heads in amongst his crown mane! Ewww.
Pencil, watercolour and ink on handmade paper.

On a very wet and windy 14th evening of December, my dear mum took me to see The Nutcracker Ballet(streamed live from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, to our local arts cinema in the Taliesin at Swansea University of Wales).

What glorious music(Tchaikovsky) and what talented dancers! There were a few kids there, with their mummies and daddies, and the little girls were all dressed up in pretty frocks and head bands. I bet they all want to be ballerinas when they grow up. They probably go to local ballet classes, just like I used to do. I wonder... is it too late to train again? Hmmmm. I think so! Nothing stopping me do a few pirouettes in the kitchen for Marty, though, is there?

Thanks for a lovely evening Mummy! Merry Christmas! xxx

Friday 13 December 2013

December 13th: The unlucky Magpie and a Parrot made with love (for you Vicky Archer).

Copyright/All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013.
Pencil, Ink pen and coloured felt tip on the back cover of my sketchbook.

On this the 13th day (a Friday!) of December, whilst walking along one of the main roads in Swansea, I came across a poor injured Magpie huddled in a door way of a shop. I tried to gather him up in my warm hands, in order to take him to a quieter spot, or even to the bird hospital, but he was too frightened and kept attempting to fly/ walk off. In the end I had to leave him... I wonder if he's made it through the day? What an unlucky day for him.

Sorry for the sad post... here's a happier bird to cheer you up:

My lovely Aunty Vicky made this felt parrot on a hoop for my darling baby boy, when he was born. Vic the Parrot swings underneath the lamp next to Marty's cot. We say goodnight/nos da to Vic every night. This post is a belated birthday drawing for you, (Aunty) Vicky Archer... better late than never, eh? Lots of love. xxx

December 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th ! A mini zoo ( Giraffe, Monkey,Penguin & Polar Bear Cub) for you; Laura Kircough, Rhian Mai & Ffion Jones, Asa Seljestad & my darling Sis, Meriel Evans)

December 9th:

Copyright/All Rights Reserved EvE 2013
Giraffe drawn from a photo I took at Folly Farm, back in the Summer.
Tree inspired by, well, a tree.
Pencil and Watercolour on handmade paper.

This rather lovely Giraffe is for my old school friend, old as in from the 80's, not old as in 'she is old...', oh dear. Hmmm.
Any way a Christmas Giraffe was suggested, and so this is my offering. I think it has a certain charm. Merry Christmas Laura! xxx

December 10th:

This little sketch is a Monkey, or rather it should say 'Mwnci', as it is for my Welsh speaking friend and her daughter (one of Marty's baby/toddler girlfriends). Hope you like (hoffi) it, Rhian Mai and Ffion ? xxx

December 11th:

Copyright/All Rights Reserved EvE 2013
Giraffe drawn from a photo in my dear friend, Asa's FB album.
With added military star ribbon, just because.
Sharpie pens and pencil, on the back of a brown envelope.

An extremely quick drawing for the 11th day of December. 11.12.13, was a busy old day for me but just enough time to do a doodle penguin for my lovely gal pal Asa. He's for you Asa babe! x

December 12th:

Copyright/All Rights Reserved EvE 2013
Polar Bear cub from memory after a visit to Poundffald Farm Winter wonderland.
They had a grotto full of mechanical animals and Santas and all things Christmassy.
It was really great.
Parker pen biro on handmade paper

And on the 12th day of December I drew this little fella for my beautiful and talented Sister who came over from Paris to join us for a trip to Winter wonderland, so Marty could meet Father Christmas. Such great memories! We all loved the grotto en route to Mr C with it's winding path of animals, singing Christmas trees, life size nativity (with a rather old looking 'baby' Jesus, the jazz band Santas, fake snow machine and real life reindeers (although one of them looked rather sorry for himself which made us all feel rather sad, too). Thanks for coming 'home' Sis - we'll come to you in the New year for some French memories! I love you!!! xxxxxxxxx

Sunday 8 December 2013

December 8th: A handful of Elephant (for my boy, Marty)

Copyright/All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans (and Marty Wilson)2013
Life drawing of Marty's Elephant handpuppet made by Bambia (an Aldi purchase).
Carpenter's pencil, with added lines and expressive marks by Marty Wilson, aged 18months.

On the 8th day of December, whilst still in my dressing gown, I was playing with our gorgeous son and all his stuffed animal toys. Bambia elephant(handpuppet) posed for a quick drawing and it was all going well until Marty decided he wanted the pencil. I think he felt my drawing needed loosening up a little. My head of Fine Art, back in Art college, would agree with him and I,too, think our joint effort is actually rather lovely!

By the way I take commissions and love drawing other peoples long loved toys. A great way to keep them alive long after they have lost their eyes and limbs and fur! Contact me on elissavevans@hotmail.com or via my FB page

Saturday 7 December 2013

December 7th: A Kangaroo and Joey (or rather, 'KangaRuth & Joey Bach', for you and Sam, Ruth Cronin!)

Copyright /All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans
Kangaroo and joey inspired by Wikimedia image, original photo by Jenny-bee on Flickr
Fine-liner coloured pens on handmade paper.

On this the 7th day of December and after going to 2 different Christmas family fun events, with our lad, O and I are truly worn out. So this little drawing is a quick portrait for a pal and her son... Sam, look it's you as a joey ,and Ruth, yes that's right, you as a Kangaroo! Hmmmm... still friends? Hope so. xxx

Friday 6 December 2013

December 6th: Mrs Tiggy-winkles needs our help (this one is for me!)

On this the 6th day of December, my boys and I had a little trip to Cardiff Bay to collect an exhibition that Jazz Heritage Wales* had on in the Senedd (Welsh National Assembly building). We stumbled across an outdoor Christmas market and spent an hour looking round all the lovely stalls. One stand was for the RSPB and whilst chatting to the chap running it I discovered, to my horror, that our hedgehog population really needs our help. In the 1960s there were some 35,000,000 little spikey friends roaming around our fair isle, and now in 2013 there are only an estimated 1,000,000 left! We need to help create their natural habitat again... too many patios,concrete,and tarmac gardens all of which are walled or fenced in. Outdoor lights left on and cars everywhere don't help matters, either. I really hope it's not too late... absolutely heartbreaking. Can you help?

Thursday 5 December 2013

December 5th: Gini the pooch, with and without a Santa hat. For you, dear Abbe Elson (Oops Vaughan!)

On the 5th day of December, and after eating a lovely kebab with my man and a pal, I (rather quickly) drew this rather sweet pup - Gini, the pooch. One of my friends, Abbe, suggested a picture of those poor pooches that are made to dress up as Santa...so I've sketched her little woof(or is it your Mum's Abbe?),and below is a version with a Santa's hat. Please tell me you don't dress her up in real life? Poor woofs.

Copyright/ All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
My friend's doggy (with added Santa hat), from a photo. Pencil, pen, and a tiny bit of watercolour
- oh yes, and spit to smudge the black in with my fingertip. Nice.

Right, now I'm going to make 3 big mugs of tea, and watch 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', with my hubby and pal... what a movie!

Wednesday 4 December 2013

December 4th: A Gwdihŵ (for you Sophie Spinks (oops Dodds), and your little owl lovers)

On the fourth day of December, a Gwdihŵ goes toowitt ta woo, or maybe she's saying, I love you (Sophie Spinks!)... xxx

And here's another one - which I made earlier.

I recently shared a picture of me sketching during a shoot(I do a sideline of Extra-ing/ Support Artiste work in TV/Films), on my facebook page and in it I was working on some Christmas card designs for a local gallery. This is one of several owl designs.

Right, gotta go - O and I are off out tonight. Not a date night though... little boy sitting for a couple of friends who are expecting their 2nd child tomorrow so want a night out together...Oooo hope the baby doesn't decide to come early!

Tuesday 3 December 2013

December 3rd: Party Tortoise (Lynda, he's yours!)

Copyright/All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
A Tortoise party in amongst a Marty* drawing.
Crayola chid friendly washable pens on a torn sheet from an old flip chart.

*Marty Wilson (my gorgeous son) aged 18 months

On the third day of December, after a yummy pasta special made by my darling hubby, I was 'helping' Marty to draw on the living floor (well, on some paper on the floor) and I zoned out and drew this little fella, just for you Lynda Hance. He's an I.O.U for our project which you are so patiently waiting for me to finish... Oh yes, and even though he only took a minute to draw, when I looked up Marty had emptied several of his Grampa's CDs onto the floor! Oooops! Naughty Artist mother.

Monday 2 December 2013

December 2nd: Duck-billed Platypus (one for you, this time, Gary Glenister!)

Copyright/All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
Platypus inspired by Royalty free stock images but I somehow knew exactly what one looked like, despite never really thinking of them before!
Ink and Watercolour on handmade petal infused paper.

On the second day of December, whilst Marty boy slept and my dear Mum cooked me a yummy lunch, I sat and drew this little fella, in the kitchen of my childhood home. Bliss. Thanks Gary Glenister for suggesting a Duck-billed Platypus. I'm now rather fond of them, too!

Sunday 1 December 2013

December 1st: Holly Blue (Just for you Deborah Glenister!)

Copyright/All Rights Reserved Elissa V Evans 2013
Holly Blue information taken from an ex-library book I have, called 'Learning In Colour - Insects', Paul Hamlyn, published 1964. Watercolour and ink on handmade paper.

On this the first day of December, instead of cooking my son his food, I did a quick painting/sketch of a butterfly. As suggested by my friend and fellow musician Deborah Glenister. Maybe we will write a song called Holly's Blues, eh Deborah?

Right, best get the lad his supper! (Don't worry folks, his father has it under control!!)