Canal Characters

Here are some characters which I have just finished for the Canal and River Trust. They are being used on some children's activity sheets. I have tried to use a stronger line in these than I normally would, so that they have more of an impact on the page. I am very pleased with the fisherman's moustache. No one knows yet, but the girl has the best packed lunch in her cool box. 

Treasure!

I finally finished my pirate themed illustration for my portfolio. Here it is in all it's shiny glory. The hermit crab is based on a crab i recently met in Thailand. I think he was called Gerald.

 

Pirates!

These are some character sketches for a Pirate themed illustration which I am currently working on for my portfolio. I had lots of fun putting together a Pinterest board for this project. I find it a really useful tool for gathering reference and inspiration, although it's so easy to get lost in a world of lovely pictures! I tried to choose bright, exciting colours for this illustration as I am aiming it at young children. I was attempting to create a limited pallet, however I have pretty much used every colour in the rainbow so wasn't quite successful there. I just really like all the colours! 

A Bat's Life

Who knew it would be so fun drawing bats! Here are three flappy guys, which I hope to finish off very soon. In the mean time I thought I'd bring them out of the dark cave of my hard drive and let them flap about for a while. If you want to find out more about these fascinating creatures head to the Bat Conservation website. 

Bird Spotting

Autumn Time

Although it's still sunny outside, Autumn officially began yesterday, so here's an illustration to celebrate the start of cosy nights in, and windy walks in the park. The words come from a funny little song from my husbands childhood, which gets sung each year as the leaves start to change colour.

Frogs, Dragonflies and Newts

I recently worked on an illustration of a dragonfly lifecycle. These are a few of my sketches and character designs. I am going to use some of the plant and animals for a repeat pattern design - when I get around to it!

Leah's Woodland Painting

This is a name painting I produced for a little girl named Leah. It was her first birthday so I was commissioned to paint a woodland themed painting including her name. Here is the final painting and my sketches and character designs.

I hope to do more work like this, it is so enjoyable to get the acrylics out and spend time over a painting. I usually work digitally for illustration commissions as it is fast and can be easily amended if the client needs things changed. I love being able to paint at my own speed. The hours just disappear, I look up and find I have been painting squirrels for 4 hours! Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

If you want to commission me, or know someone who might, please don't hesitate to email me to discuss themes etc.

sophie.foster@yahoo.co.uk

British Waterways

An explorer enjoying the British wildlife.

Birds, animals and bugs to spot down by the canals.

A boy leads his horse to Bath.