tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70334695750613818882024-03-14T12:31:43.887+00:00Andy Stuart MillsAndy Stuart Mills - Illustration and WhimsyAndy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-33461117438943369672014-01-28T22:56:00.000+00:002014-01-28T22:56:10.457+00:00Threadless Competition<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Decided to use my xmas design for a Threadless competition. Take a peak using the link below and get voting, thank you!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">http://www.threadless.com/artwithoutconcept/mucha-winter-wonderland/</span>Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-40692155358587990962014-01-16T23:21:00.000+00:002014-01-16T23:21:06.488+00:00Penguins....when I wake, when I sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinOOtpfGezfxrFf0x7xVBt0NgJnR5Eoidzjk2AKB7PdTt0-6Mm-yPfOSrNW2OV8FZkJe9LBPHm_aT0LXJZ2A4SKQaFhoyHQ3Hvpd7vsaYjH5weal6oajwTKGmk6hg-_sb0czCoIBi5aC0/s1600/2014-01-16+23.07.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinOOtpfGezfxrFf0x7xVBt0NgJnR5Eoidzjk2AKB7PdTt0-6Mm-yPfOSrNW2OV8FZkJe9LBPHm_aT0LXJZ2A4SKQaFhoyHQ3Hvpd7vsaYjH5weal6oajwTKGmk6hg-_sb0czCoIBi5aC0/s1600/2014-01-16+23.07.16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, here's some clue as to how I spent my Christmas and New Year! I'm convinced at this rate my fingers will actually turn silver and i'll start bleeding pencil lead. But, no time to let up now, the competition is only 2 weeks away and there are still plenty more penguins to be drawn.<br />
<br />
Keep an eye out here for an exclusive look at the first chapter....Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-13258377604427354142013-12-23T19:18:00.000+00:002013-12-23T19:18:51.322+00:00Merry Christmas and Farewell 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClB2Bgtsj3ZO0ZXs4Mi2MdfrKBPMrA331LJnBKyOjXcVvizvicymABjW1RPtvez1EVaUIIuMMPyKzkJei6JI9WWURc6ZxLEY2hMsiYwgKwEFFSKlOcivsVMqs-ho36utY4yhkTqMdf5Cs/s1600/Merry+Xmas+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClB2Bgtsj3ZO0ZXs4Mi2MdfrKBPMrA331LJnBKyOjXcVvizvicymABjW1RPtvez1EVaUIIuMMPyKzkJei6JI9WWURc6ZxLEY2hMsiYwgKwEFFSKlOcivsVMqs-ho36utY4yhkTqMdf5Cs/s320/Merry+Xmas+web.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas everyone! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turns out I could squeeze in a picture that wasn't penguin related for the holidays! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday and is with the people they love, as everyone should be at this time of year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for everyone who has followed and supported me this year, it makes all the work worthwhile...this picture is for you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, have a wonderful time and i'll see you all next year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-25014503204734399302013-12-08T16:32:00.001+00:002013-12-08T16:32:18.887+00:00Concorso Silent Book Competition Sneak PeakWell, I'm about to jump into the full scale final piece production line for Christmas so you may not hear from me during the holidays as I prepare my entry for next years competition. But as a Christmas treat I thought I'd give you a glimpse of how some of the pages are shaping up....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34P_PCow4oc9ZtbO41kM-lS2eZPAirfqkgI1lxYIvrYRXMMCMKNfBg7gzfdE9Mesi37GI04aOSBmJsUWl5cBin7yWDYK75zU7VlEkIneYqJrylHTlCJdiKGEvvwgPWXLwpwDOsgEh2tLD/s1600/web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34P_PCow4oc9ZtbO41kM-lS2eZPAirfqkgI1lxYIvrYRXMMCMKNfBg7gzfdE9Mesi37GI04aOSBmJsUWl5cBin7yWDYK75zU7VlEkIneYqJrylHTlCJdiKGEvvwgPWXLwpwDOsgEh2tLD/s200/web.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYyC33xhogFQe25Ns84Uu-SfkENcbi5IyoH2eLagEjkxZDGBdRudCRy9A7rGdr9mveN5pSVePh1JW-hZyxqu7K_KMcihoUpF3v6ccriQ4BJdS6LCiDGUCX_7HFwtEDACjl-jLyaHLYryL/s1600/Final+-+signed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYyC33xhogFQe25Ns84Uu-SfkENcbi5IyoH2eLagEjkxZDGBdRudCRy9A7rGdr9mveN5pSVePh1JW-hZyxqu7K_KMcihoUpF3v6ccriQ4BJdS6LCiDGUCX_7HFwtEDACjl-jLyaHLYryL/s200/Final+-+signed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So far the pages are coming out better than expected and I've been able to draw them up and colour them within a couple of days, and seeing as there are 50 more pages to go this is definitely a good thing! Will still be an absolute rush to get them in before the January deadline line but things are looking encouraging as it stands.<br />
<br />
For those of you who have missed some of my earlier posts regarding the story, here's a quick synopses:<br />
<br />
"Emperor follows the story of a colony of penguins and the mysterious arrival of a new penguin into their group. While he appears friendly and offers them the benefits of technology and scientific progress, one child suspects that a more sinister ploy is at stake.<br />
<br />
Dealing with themes of the environment, technology and voice, 'Emperor' is my exploration of the dangers of revolution"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-34009826022775004342013-12-03T23:13:00.000+00:002013-12-03T23:13:29.040+00:00Deadlines, deadlines, deadlinesIt's amazing how fast time fly's. Just two weeks ago I was having fun with mock up pages from my silent narrative competition entry, now I'm onto dummy book four with the deadline only five days away. Naturally, I'm starting to go a bit manic.<br />
<br />
Yet in all this hectic schedule there have been some fantastic developments. Namely, I have been offered a job as an official concept artist for Forsaken Studios. FS are currently working on a project called 'Embers of Caerus', a new MMORPG which is shaping up to be one of a kind. An entirely self sufficient world which players can construct and shape as they see fit. For more information head over to their website at <b><i>http://www.embersofcaerus.com/</i></b> for more details on the game.<br />
<br />
Fantastic as this is, it has had the rather adverse affect of taking my crammed schedule and super sizing it - no rest for the wicked, not that I'd have it any other way!<br />
<br />
The new year though is looking to be even more productive however, with not one, not two, but three books written, designed and printed within the first six months. Information on these books will follow soon, but I can tell you that my penguin story is looking to be completed by the end of January, with the first chapter viewable online. Once the limited print has been made, I will be selling the book at conventions and exhibitions around the UK so keep an eye out for upcoming events if you want the chance to get your hands on the rest of the book!<br />
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-72004198314239862672013-11-14T22:15:00.000+00:002013-11-14T22:15:48.943+00:002014 Concorso Silent Book Competition update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Update
on the penguins! Got my 1st draft dummy book ready for my entry into
the 2014 Concorso Silent Book Competition. Now comes the editing which is always the tricky part :s In
the mean time, here's a look at one of the mock pages. Pretty happy with
the composition here, and especially enjoying using a good old
fashioned pencil again!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgitmr43SlkIyxfNcTbORsUM73_IxCc6a9ZOu2maYEuZHbZQYaKYsaErTwJGdlLkafBhXWp0sd3b3Zk62Utz_Zpi_7pNF5VdwQEIQTR4frsu7B7i-ZZRexrSPJrOPcESObHGbyaaKA7x7/s1600/Penguins+final+MOCK+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgitmr43SlkIyxfNcTbORsUM73_IxCc6a9ZOu2maYEuZHbZQYaKYsaErTwJGdlLkafBhXWp0sd3b3Zk62Utz_Zpi_7pNF5VdwQEIQTR4frsu7B7i-ZZRexrSPJrOPcESObHGbyaaKA7x7/s320/Penguins+final+MOCK+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">In other news, the Short Fiction 7 journal featuring my artwork is out on sale now. There are some wonderful stories, beautifully presented and illustrated images, all for just £10, definitely worth it!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><b>http://www.shortfictionjournal.co.uk/ </b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span> </div>
Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-36454634435000983022013-10-24T18:55:00.001+01:002013-10-24T18:55:30.454+01:00Penguins in LondonAs it says on the tin really! Off to London tomorrow to find some penguins for visual reference for my new project which I've neglected to say anything about yet!<br />
<br />
http://www.silentbookcontest.com/silentbookcontest/index-eng.html<br />
<br />
The International Illustrated Silent Book Contest - really excited to be working on this. I have a huge interest in silent picture books (obvious example being Shaun Tan's 'The Arrival') and have always wanted to dabble my feet in the field. Quite a short deadline for this...full book, completed and sent off by January so will be spending most of my time on this one really.<br />
<br />
London will be providing the majority of my primary research and will be chiefly responsible for depleting my bank balance after I visit Forbidden PlanetAndy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-72732894039350456042013-10-16T20:34:00.000+01:002013-10-16T20:34:36.836+01:00Vote for my design!<span class="userContent">Hello everyone! My entry for Threadless'
Sesame Street competition has been approved, if you could give it a
quick vote I'd very much appreciate it, thank you!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://beta.threadless.com/sesamestreet/the-after-years/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://beta.threadless.com/sesamestreet/the-after-years/</a></span>Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-14934701871617690462013-10-15T00:35:00.001+01:002013-10-15T00:35:41.347+01:00Threadless Sesame Street Competition So here was something fun!<br />
<br />
www.threadless.com ran a little competition based on Sesame Street. The task? Create a t-shirt design featuring either Elmo, Grouch or Cookie Monster. Merchandising and t-shirt have never really been of great appeal for me, but, I fancied something different for a change, and a chance to try out a new style. The results were extremely pleasing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GekzC8I4y5AJSYFh7qmJhBgkXGpZhkFkwvTpR7wGO827ONbDPk3YiWmMyqDv2Rp9uPiiRcgy1F9uy8IzGnHHKr6btuF_-qPCHiPOTVAd67r2VR_RFb1MSaQc3hiabcqIp3tCQNWKyb2P/s1600/Cookie+Monster+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GekzC8I4y5AJSYFh7qmJhBgkXGpZhkFkwvTpR7wGO827ONbDPk3YiWmMyqDv2Rp9uPiiRcgy1F9uy8IzGnHHKr6btuF_-qPCHiPOTVAd67r2VR_RFb1MSaQc3hiabcqIp3tCQNWKyb2P/s320/Cookie+Monster+Web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've had some great feedback from this already, and I'll be advertising my entry like crazy, so, you never know...finger crossed and all that. This could actually be my unknown calling in life!Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-84143154381645971022013-10-06T22:08:00.000+01:002013-10-06T22:08:47.685+01:00Poignant WordsAs part of illus 341, a module entitled 'Your Professional Contexts' I have been emailing artists and illustrators about their work and experiences in the industry. This was a little daunting, especially when it came to asking them to look at your own work for advice.<br />
<br />
We were told to expect little to no response (they are after all professional working illustrators with little to no time to respond to lowly students) but, I'm pleased to report that I have been getting some feedback. I won't name anyone specifically but its surprising how receptive and supportive people are being, no matter how rich and famous they are. One in particular had these words of advice to me:<br />
<br />
"Don't look for the experiences of others to compare with your own. There is no master, no method to follow, the way is unique and the responsibility too."<br />
<br />
Very poignant words that struck home with me. I've always measured my life against others whether it be comparing my successes to that of my brothers or my colleagues. But in the end, the way we live should not be judged against others. We are individuals and we each should live life by our own rules and standards. I may have to put that quote up on my desk and look at it whenever I need encouragement or solace.<br />
<br />
So right now, and feeling good about myself and my work. Which reminds me, I've got some tshirt designs in the works for www.threadless.com as part of their 'next big tee' and 'sesame street' competitions so expect to see my entries up here soon!Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-18225808726963073682013-09-30T00:19:00.000+01:002013-09-30T00:19:22.158+01:00Modules, Websites, Competitions and a week of fresh frustrationI knew it would be busy, but nothing could have prepared me for the shear amount of work ahead of me this year. On top of an already busy year of studio modules, we also have to prepare for life after uni with reports on the industry at the moment, professional web sites, advertising material, portfolios...not to mention a dissertation. But, I'm looking forward to it none the less.<br />
<br />
Our first studio module is to be based on Plymouth Museum, so had a walk around there on wednesday for inspiration. We can use it in any way we wish, so I've already got ideas for exhibits snatching people away for their own devilish deeds. I'm planning on creating my first ever children's book which will hopefully be wonderfully scary and dark.<br />
<br />
What has been the main source of frustration this week however has been website building. I thought I'd safely put that to bed with my tumblr portfolio account, but unfortunately for me, we have to build a professional site. Its in an early stage yet but I've already got a working template (www.andystuartmills.co.uk) which I plan to work on over the course of the year. I need to design some form of logo or header, not something i've been good at in the past but it will have to be a case of trial and error.<br />
<br />
In all this paper work and timetabling I have still managed to find time to explore some artwork, most notably this week discovering Yoann Lossel. Absolutely stunning artwork which caused me to buy some gold leaf for experimentation of my own. Haven't got round to using it yet but its number one on my list.<br />
<br />
Anyway, one week down of 3rd year and I am thankfully still feeling excited and motivated. It probably helps that its my birthday this week so I'm looking forward to fresh art supplies! Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-46087576883453619872013-09-23T23:55:00.001+01:002013-09-23T23:55:36.267+01:00Year 3 First Day ImpressionsHelp?!<br />
<br />
A little dramatic, but wow, it really, really, really is going to be a busy 12 months. And today, was only the first module brief. Yikes. Serious wake up call!Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-19749094075679510772013-09-22T17:16:00.001+01:002013-09-22T17:16:34.698+01:00Skinny and the Giant Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVGNkqZ2NIBFxXFNXJk1fcAoc7-YbpcBcMrawFf1Gd1WfBcichNbSIlqyCW-wlGIt237qgslpaTzp0x2WzuhwrzMh6gx3RF5qtB8X587jGeuTc0Sp5K3_KH1Z_omE8-9X9zQLXG-mnlO7/s1600/sepia+fish+name+test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVGNkqZ2NIBFxXFNXJk1fcAoc7-YbpcBcMrawFf1Gd1WfBcichNbSIlqyCW-wlGIt237qgslpaTzp0x2WzuhwrzMh6gx3RF5qtB8X587jGeuTc0Sp5K3_KH1Z_omE8-9X9zQLXG-mnlO7/s400/sepia+fish+name+test.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="userContent">Just squeezed this picture into my timetable
before starting university (for the final year!) tomorrow. One picture
finished, one new term about to begin...</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">This image just came to me one night, and I've had it stuck in my head for a while. Really used this as a chance to go back to my beloved fine detail that I like to obsess over. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Japanese Brush Pen, Indian Ink, Charcoal, Gouache and Photoshop </span>Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-80071409868638826982013-09-03T16:47:00.001+01:002013-09-03T16:47:35.296+01:00Oh God, it's not 3rd year already is it?!As the title may suggest, I am indeed about to begin my 3rd year of (BA) Illustration and oh boy do I feel this coming like a sledgehammer. Dissertation, website building, business cards and all sorts of professional practice are going to be taught this year and with that comes the slow realisation that soon I will be returning to the real world. I hope they will still let me draw there!<br />
<br />
In terms of projects for the forthcoming year I am actually quite excited. I've already got several ideas that are in the pipeline (as long as they are OK'd by tutors) and have also commenced writing two stories that I wish to illustrate and produce into full novels. Exciting times indeed.<br />
<br />
That hasn't stopped me drawing in my own time though, which leads to my sneak peak of September's illustration. Don't know where this drawing came from, other than I had a strong desire to draw some fish. That quickly turned into a full forest environment that really tested my abilities. As it stands I am very pleased with how its shaping up, and its has been a nice return to do some full black and white art.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE-QjKgLRUWtMfGEG4F94MRZicqNzWysIUKrCdD1Pvn9xDniCZx2KQ7wcqwrlbPF7FmY6HLYWWGsSlJTrDkTuRevLDimDQzm2CioWEik-jrl9NJ5zqpLtXi5WA9wTo5vW5sd7kCvmOPUx/s1600/2013-09-03+16.36.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE-QjKgLRUWtMfGEG4F94MRZicqNzWysIUKrCdD1Pvn9xDniCZx2KQ7wcqwrlbPF7FmY6HLYWWGsSlJTrDkTuRevLDimDQzm2CioWEik-jrl9NJ5zqpLtXi5WA9wTo5vW5sd7kCvmOPUx/s320/2013-09-03+16.36.35.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The case of the mysterious vanishing camera cable has yet to be solved so once again, I apologise for the poor picture quality of my camera phone, but hopefully will give some indication as to whats of been working on!</div>
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-66217632807238441302013-08-17T12:41:00.001+01:002013-08-17T12:41:59.942+01:00August Illustration 'Once upon a Time'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV9BYnxaaND6_3icgXRyJVIK9Y7wzyZZ4hxlWenTjFGpDNfcocStg0uqd-u8jGe2SWfFA2lxiG1zgsiuw-Iihg8hIGqBntzgjfi3kq9cvFd6RT8xweDi3ojEVNjx8xpZ4J0O1prB2u9sZ/s1600/Once+upon+a+Time+FINAL+A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV9BYnxaaND6_3icgXRyJVIK9Y7wzyZZ4hxlWenTjFGpDNfcocStg0uqd-u8jGe2SWfFA2lxiG1zgsiuw-Iihg8hIGqBntzgjfi3kq9cvFd6RT8xweDi3ojEVNjx8xpZ4J0O1prB2u9sZ/s320/Once+upon+a+Time+FINAL+A4.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
So here's August's illustration. This was a private commission for a wedding gift, to be used as a cover for the newly weds photo album. This is definitely the most colourful piece of work i've done in a long time and another step down the road to learning photoshop. I think my favourite part is the branch detailing, even if drawing it took forever!<br />
<br />
Indian Ink, Brush Pen, Fine Liner and Charcoal<br />
<br />
Andy Stuart Mills 2013Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-89914438602555933232013-08-16T21:08:00.000+01:002013-08-16T21:11:15.071+01:00The Stranger from America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ6F-rpFSY1YzeiiS1ANXhOH5xInpupkeYnDACAzNOTGuQDpJbIA5SU7gPm1j9JrLII_AWwvLiAlgVF21X1WbV50iAWb2Xg9TRYpEyLP1g0Qk7VqGO4zwf30-cafyaxOQFAKCpjAIoxSL/s1600/web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ6F-rpFSY1YzeiiS1ANXhOH5xInpupkeYnDACAzNOTGuQDpJbIA5SU7gPm1j9JrLII_AWwvLiAlgVF21X1WbV50iAWb2Xg9TRYpEyLP1g0Qk7VqGO4zwf30-cafyaxOQFAKCpjAIoxSL/s320/web.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
Competition Entry for short story "The Stranger from America". It's a lovely little tale of two people meeting in a train station and, after mistakenly stepping on his hat, they wind up hopelessly in love. If successful this will go on to be published in a short story anthology as the cover title so fingers crossed!<br />
<br />
Indian Ink, Brush Pen, Charcoal, Fine Liner and Photoshop Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-49350122779446474242013-08-16T13:52:00.000+01:002013-08-16T13:52:47.944+01:00Fumbling with TumblrMy biggest revelation at university so far has been comprehending just how much time is spent on self promoting. It really is invaluable, and in equal measure frustrating. Take for example last night where I spent over three hours on tumblr trying to find a theme that I liked. One that displayed work nicely, had more than one column, allowed a personalised header and border. You would think that's not asking for much? But, nope! I was at one point screaming 'WHY WON'T YOU JUST WORK?!' Granted, once finished it did look a lot better than it did previously, but for a technophobe like me it was tooth grinding haul. <br />
<br />
As a result of that being updated now, it now comes to me that I need to update the design of this blog too. Simple things really like a logo, banner etc, as right now it's all a bit of a mish mash of different imagery and fonts. I blame this on my at times terrible sense of colour co-ordination. Luckily, with the developments of photoshop etc, if that colour horror show does translate to my artwork its an easy fix!<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, I have just completed my latest piece of work, which is actually the most colourful piece of work i've done in a long time, so once I've cleared it with the customer, I'll be putting the results up on hereAndy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-45133988651622807742013-08-07T21:51:00.000+01:002013-08-07T21:51:01.651+01:00Sneak Peak August's Skinny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KUeB4MzLgFfmqj5sghiSYpph5xMhLPa_LnPMmeYjkYATsLb8Gr-7qMWls2GkAoHEVm3C-eRorSa_vV8ZXav8oZAUJq_CmOQpgcxtJ-gVOeX8g9KI5WtzVNDmN1DEzJRU8vmzMehOMjY3/s1600/sneakpeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KUeB4MzLgFfmqj5sghiSYpph5xMhLPa_LnPMmeYjkYATsLb8Gr-7qMWls2GkAoHEVm3C-eRorSa_vV8ZXav8oZAUJq_CmOQpgcxtJ-gVOeX8g9KI5WtzVNDmN1DEzJRU8vmzMehOMjY3/s320/sneakpeak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Quick look at my current work in progress. This one is actually being done as part of a commission for a wedding gift. I've also got a competition that I'm entering which is in the process of being inked up but once that's done I'll give you all a peep at how that one's coming along too!<br />
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-4082860253491636022013-07-24T20:03:00.000+01:002013-07-24T20:03:21.799+01:00More experimenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2QlPxHDOMrJ60AnsDhMFjPTzIkx-nXDwM_KqgamVm4I2KXnRTr-iAd3XtcCnC2IF9VkKFlEt_bgP7KeUUw9110EancYu1c-t7BfRRedX0obA8KiIpM1l8qZTpPjiBwhLfGOQXF4-xCgK/s1600/Karma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2QlPxHDOMrJ60AnsDhMFjPTzIkx-nXDwM_KqgamVm4I2KXnRTr-iAd3XtcCnC2IF9VkKFlEt_bgP7KeUUw9110EancYu1c-t7BfRRedX0obA8KiIpM1l8qZTpPjiBwhLfGOQXF4-xCgK/s320/Karma2.jpg" width="226" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Still busy trying to develop a style that I'm happy with, so did this illustration as a quick test. I'm liking the mixture between the charcoal and the ink, but, to me something still doesn't feel quite right. But its only by trial and error that we learn. Still, I was pleased with this considering how quickly it came together. If there is something that I need work on it is my speed so was pleased that I churned this out over night. </div>
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-62686473595219184132013-07-21T18:52:00.000+01:002013-07-21T18:52:27.695+01:00A Royal Photoshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6-KOBg0cf0TZoQk625AEQ_ZT_IqTZJalzrlXXDZ2-w4TjmDqwhQf5qqCnJaJtZTELRk12J_30-_I-EuyDpU53Rypj3dneepbZR6XMk-sd8tzfo3Efx5n2xI1eaFZmRxL70LWXFS1ShkQ/s1600/Royal+Close+Up+Plain+A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6-KOBg0cf0TZoQk625AEQ_ZT_IqTZJalzrlXXDZ2-w4TjmDqwhQf5qqCnJaJtZTELRk12J_30-_I-EuyDpU53Rypj3dneepbZR6XMk-sd8tzfo3Efx5n2xI1eaFZmRxL70LWXFS1ShkQ/s320/Royal+Close+Up+Plain+A4.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
Well, I know my last post was a sneak peak at what I was working on at the moment, but a rather unexpected thing happened. Suddenly and inexplicably, I was able to use photoshop! Now, for anyone who knows me, my computer skills have always been minimal and I try to use them as little as possible. This definitely applies to my artwork. While I have tried digital colouring before, and have had some success with it, I had always told myself not to rely on it.<br />
<br />
Then I did this illustration. My first thought was to paint it with gouache, but, I told myself to scan it in before I did any work on it just for a fail safe. And there it was, lying on my computer desktop staring at me every time I logged in. So, for a quick experiment, I thought I'd load it into photoshop and just have a play with it.<br />
<br />
10mins I had started colouring the face, so far so good.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOu4i2AtAc2ZqJkJ4AqcdAH3Rhxftl5cZjzEJ2guLdfMzEJ6FVFKddtMweHkqwaQsJx-flBcNaM4YLByVGWhEm-vDfjbmxWTP34z0AfhxVLtVLyv5wimc5LkI03pR-OTqeUG8sij1OU8g/s1600/Royal+Heads+A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOu4i2AtAc2ZqJkJ4AqcdAH3Rhxftl5cZjzEJ2guLdfMzEJ6FVFKddtMweHkqwaQsJx-flBcNaM4YLByVGWhEm-vDfjbmxWTP34z0AfhxVLtVLyv5wimc5LkI03pR-OTqeUG8sij1OU8g/s320/Royal+Heads+A4.jpg" width="226" /></a> 30mins I had started trying out different colours for the jacket.<br />
<br />
2 days later I had bloody rendered the whole thing!<br />
<br />
Having such an overt fear of computers, I must say I have been thoroughly pleased with myself! And just goes to show that having a fear of something shouldn't resist at least trying it. I think I may do a series of digital paintings based on this one so watch this space. Next job is to attempt a background....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzqD26Of6k1NBvN6CLveGR1DA5smy_-PdRHx8k_m5OxZqtZsJUBROPpU4minLEZbV74x_mjsuHpfUULwIRsXPPNzrus0HLymNCy5LesrOwqfO2sMK6eG3F4EEebFbOgI9q6w8UeQ3dMtI/s1600/Royal+Plain+A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzqD26Of6k1NBvN6CLveGR1DA5smy_-PdRHx8k_m5OxZqtZsJUBROPpU4minLEZbV74x_mjsuHpfUULwIRsXPPNzrus0HLymNCy5LesrOwqfO2sMK6eG3F4EEebFbOgI9q6w8UeQ3dMtI/s320/Royal+Plain+A4.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-15795665633691829732013-07-19T23:21:00.003+01:002013-07-19T23:21:28.621+01:00Sneak peak July 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceaFRnir9_N_GDQVVh5PfYoQjf3lGi4R8rDXJRSiJ8ELxIzKNz0ApQ-Z5Qfn1b1ZXrJkQQtcqDZAEzHi_E0i3qd4I1Jw6ZeNM5euWAeHHDvYzlhZ4GIOlViw2ChZ20G-ii4W8MY_OLECZ/s1600/2013-07-19+23.17.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceaFRnir9_N_GDQVVh5PfYoQjf3lGi4R8rDXJRSiJ8ELxIzKNz0ApQ-Z5Qfn1b1ZXrJkQQtcqDZAEzHi_E0i3qd4I1Jw6ZeNM5euWAeHHDvYzlhZ4GIOlViw2ChZ20G-ii4W8MY_OLECZ/s320/2013-07-19+23.17.38.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a little sneak peak at what I'm working on at the moment..... </div>
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-61879474065636374262013-07-18T02:28:00.002+01:002013-07-18T02:28:45.751+01:00July's Skinnies heading this wayAfter a shaky week sorting out where the hell I'm going to be living this year I have finally settled into my new home, and created a new studio to work in (studio may be a generous word for it but there's nothing wrong with being grandiose)<br />
<br />
Despite all the upheaval I have somehow managed to get some art work under way, all of which are as varied from one another as can be. So far I've got one detailed pencil study, a charcoal diorama and an ink portrait all in various stages of completion. Having suffered from a serious creative block for the last couple of weeks, it has been very refreshing to actually get some images down on paper. I have tried to dispense with putting too much thought into their purpose, merely doing some artwork to try and encourage me into getting back into a creative routine. Expect some photos on here this weekend.<br />
<br />
In my personal life, I have started some new medication to combat some of the sleeping problems I've been suffering with lately and so far (fingers crossed) I have noticed a considerable improvement, which may be causing my new found motivation with my artwork. Obviously only time will tell, but it is a welcome change which I certainly mean to capitalise on.<br />
<br />
I also have a new commission in the pipeline which I'm keen to start on, but when more details arise I'll post them up on here. It seems July is turning out to be a very busy month indeed... Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-5873501882042444432013-06-26T19:51:00.001+01:002013-07-09T23:43:26.149+01:00Tumblr re-design <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_EeQ9OudOrOhfnMq_C51NOFRH03pPfl2vXF71nfg2cI3DxCeloyY3ZgTrofpuskZ-LCvTWCUshbFhuwCk8xUfN9nzrRdeeNDCIRKi4Xn1fibBpbeUvvNK4PIYbplJdk1vRNYmiGGw3yi/s1600/slider2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_EeQ9OudOrOhfnMq_C51NOFRH03pPfl2vXF71nfg2cI3DxCeloyY3ZgTrofpuskZ-LCvTWCUshbFhuwCk8xUfN9nzrRdeeNDCIRKi4Xn1fibBpbeUvvNK4PIYbplJdk1vRNYmiGGw3yi/s320/slider2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUulVbeUytTEOeW6pBR1TkMwMyECCkv-nrnbZ74XC8US-M-6wkf-B4ptgeMLUupgoVZmrQmwFG0RsP7-4NSdX1Fl1CEKZ1Y73wFyxZrLILHGt1bOxzsJIDW9ytrq0bC2MB1D_Bkq3slegC/s1600/slider3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUulVbeUytTEOeW6pBR1TkMwMyECCkv-nrnbZ74XC8US-M-6wkf-B4ptgeMLUupgoVZmrQmwFG0RsP7-4NSdX1Fl1CEKZ1Y73wFyxZrLILHGt1bOxzsJIDW9ytrq0bC2MB1D_Bkq3slegC/s320/slider3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju51A6ogHiFZT0p9dqLNU-OOq_h1ORnjHQCXBxV4wCmiTzQXo46IH-knX77vgmozT98P5AQMjfXVuyVgPEmjSdSHj0djor3fJwAtGmMgMiBYstP_Sarhr4LC0Xk8GJ_cabGe_vYk9OGZ5u/s1600/slider4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju51A6ogHiFZT0p9dqLNU-OOq_h1ORnjHQCXBxV4wCmiTzQXo46IH-knX77vgmozT98P5AQMjfXVuyVgPEmjSdSHj0djor3fJwAtGmMgMiBYstP_Sarhr4LC0Xk8GJ_cabGe_vYk9OGZ5u/s320/slider4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gJCp5RrkjEAgNRQjSxAmjvlAI-jGppAdhK1hg8vVXEYeq41dCSYUCWzBYB9yEBBHch5SVmoSjFW_AyouJux24fx447VZXVPOcSV0XbQ7YTD-83-cdNmQKrAUoMZ1W-2HDQMsdc5htW09/s1600/slider5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gJCp5RrkjEAgNRQjSxAmjvlAI-jGppAdhK1hg8vVXEYeq41dCSYUCWzBYB9yEBBHch5SVmoSjFW_AyouJux24fx447VZXVPOcSV0XbQ7YTD-83-cdNmQKrAUoMZ1W-2HDQMsdc5htW09/s320/slider5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyyYGC15895_KL1aVCihlbxyGTgqqAoYma1FzrCvmEFIBH-VK1uIfxIP37x3awqLr_g6BsD4_E50c3Nd1ChXD1WYeLinePT9qw8x8JZux2pP76MRI_fZU_vL4J13CsZz94wvJdKHTnKXE/s1600/slider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyyYGC15895_KL1aVCihlbxyGTgqqAoYma1FzrCvmEFIBH-VK1uIfxIP37x3awqLr_g6BsD4_E50c3Nd1ChXD1WYeLinePT9qw8x8JZux2pP76MRI_fZU_vL4J13CsZz94wvJdKHTnKXE/s320/slider.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After having a long tinker with my tumblr account, I've finally got it looking a tad more professional. Even with my limited computer skills it now looks a lot prettier, including these above banners (small feature that took me a couple of hours to master...) If you are at all interested in having a look at the new layout, the link is http://andystuartmills.tumblr.com/ </div>
<br />Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-60757841725420247522013-06-26T15:55:00.000+01:002013-06-26T15:55:35.721+01:00John Connolly Signed BookSo it's not everyday you come home after a week away on holiday to find a signed first edition copy of a book on your door step. What's even more special is that its the book you did artwork for with a lovely message from the author to you. It's small gestures like this that really makes all the work worth while (I need to remember this while screaming bloody insult at my next piece of work)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17xpolaTp0noOAIbWq57_zLcXDxWoOSrMy0MpGrVRN61VcBrQlmOb_petUE3KLeoI8sVUjzYctjSBA9qwdZ28fVwvdtinS2h_3a1rbqf3pBOYYCpAyjASY3mDHexlZuliYKlHeHMSws8C/s1600/2013-06-26+15.37.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17xpolaTp0noOAIbWq57_zLcXDxWoOSrMy0MpGrVRN61VcBrQlmOb_petUE3KLeoI8sVUjzYctjSBA9qwdZ28fVwvdtinS2h_3a1rbqf3pBOYYCpAyjASY3mDHexlZuliYKlHeHMSws8C/s400/2013-06-26+15.37.06.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuxWgOnEdiuVcCRoy2QggiOrxbgMQAVJf6jq0idovCXJQmjgvtrNfYPUuW8nwhApvNkXx-QMAUgiyAqp-Fee7vv1PN-6uIxBJs08lF2saB3quPKBsg4yDn1adXUXpTYZVuO_0KjvvaK4Q/s1600/2013-06-26+15.40.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuxWgOnEdiuVcCRoy2QggiOrxbgMQAVJf6jq0idovCXJQmjgvtrNfYPUuW8nwhApvNkXx-QMAUgiyAqp-Fee7vv1PN-6uIxBJs08lF2saB3quPKBsg4yDn1adXUXpTYZVuO_0KjvvaK4Q/s320/2013-06-26+15.40.10.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpHahziNzuTz7fp-kmqUYNSCC2BsMHdoKhmGoe4hWzH9KpPC9iFKgvtzieJOAnkm-vb5yrCNCD-LXShz3-jwsRWwXyu7ln6B-mmrK8o7e2LRMt24vorOUOUIt1rb_OLYQ69HoRo0kqETg/s1600/2013-06-26+15.38.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpHahziNzuTz7fp-kmqUYNSCC2BsMHdoKhmGoe4hWzH9KpPC9iFKgvtzieJOAnkm-vb5yrCNCD-LXShz3-jwsRWwXyu7ln6B-mmrK8o7e2LRMt24vorOUOUIt1rb_OLYQ69HoRo0kqETg/s320/2013-06-26+15.38.06.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Just want to say thank you again to John Connolly for his permission and encouragement. You can really see the difference between the copy of the book I was using to this new first edition copy. If I could, I'd frame it and hang it on my wall. Or freeze it in Carbonite. <br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17xpolaTp0noOAIbWq57_zLcXDxWoOSrMy0MpGrVRN61VcBrQlmOb_petUE3KLeoI8sVUjzYctjSBA9qwdZ28fVwvdtinS2h_3a1rbqf3pBOYYCpAyjASY3mDHexlZuliYKlHeHMSws8C/s1600/2013-06-26+15.37.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17xpolaTp0noOAIbWq57_zLcXDxWoOSrMy0MpGrVRN61VcBrQlmOb_petUE3KLeoI8sVUjzYctjSBA9qwdZ28fVwvdtinS2h_3a1rbqf3pBOYYCpAyjASY3mDHexlZuliYKlHeHMSws8C/s1600/2013-06-26+15.37.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033469575061381888.post-37076400095049452812013-06-18T14:06:00.001+01:002013-06-18T14:06:33.954+01:00Rhodes RetrospectiveIn the words of Samwise Gamgee: 'well, i'm back.' <br />
<br />
There is a mixture of sadness and joy in there. Obvious sadness for having to leave behind a beautiful country. I'm in Southampton at the moment so won't be able to upload my pictures and photo's til I'm back in Plymouth this Monday, but there are plenty of great shots of the country. Rhodes is a unique location to visit, steeped in history, yet barren and daunting. It makes for some gorgeous sun sets! I didn't quite manage to do as much drawing as I'd hoped, but given the amount of reference photo's I took, it won't take long for me to do some work inspired by it. The only drawings I did manage were at the airport just using a biro. (Note: 'Chesky' may in fact be the most irritating, soul destroying nickname ever created, especially when uttered every minute by the shrill squawking mother of the girl in the row behind us on the plane)<br />
<br />
Of Rhodes itself, my lasting memories will be of Antones the barman and his, let's say, generous spirit servings. A knew catchphrase to enter into everyday vocabulary: "The blood of my enemy, is jelly!", and the food.<br />
<br />
Oh, the food. People who know me generally say that I am some what reserved when it comes to trying new food. While I would counter this with saying that they are old favourites, it's true that I sometimes pass up more experimental options for safer choices. But, as money is so tight for me at the moment, I figure that I wouldn't want to fork out money for something that I would'nt like. Well, for this holiday I trashed such thoughts and went head first into the menu's. And it was so worth my while.<br />
<br />
Fried Calimari, Lobster, Squid, Prawn, Shrimp, Grilled Cheeses, raspberry sorbet coated starters, Souvlaki, I could go on and on. I have never been so consumed by new flavours and dishes. From now on I will never limit myself again, for fear that I may be missing out, (though Baklava will be something I will politely decline in future.) This holiday really has opened my eyes to fine dining. Maybe there's a drawing in there somewhere?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Andy Stuart Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211804298093733923noreply@blogger.com0