{ the emperor }

Introducing to you The Emperor. What do you think of him?

He's a little different to my other subjects and it was definitely a challenge to capture the essence of these amazing creatures, but was a lot of fun and now sits as the latest addition to my collection of works in at Black & Spiro. Being something new and different I thought I would share the development of this one with you.... let me tell you there are many scales on one fish! 

... early pencil & ink... 

... many washes of colour...

... I postponed the eye until right at the end, this detail is small yet always so important to get his character right!

The final product ready to head off to the framer.

I must say, every time I paint something like this I gain a greater appreciation for Mother Nature and the design inherent in our world. The perfect mosaic of the scales, the fine, deft fins and the brilliant and pearlescent colour of the Red Emperor is amazing. I've already got a few bites (mind the pun!) for some more fish commissions so you may see some more here in the new year.

'The Emperor' - watercolour & ink available at Black & Spiro in Brisbane.

And finally, here's the final product all framed in a beautiful pinkish oak timber. By the way he is for sale so if you'd like the details email me at pip_boydell@hotmail.com.

Well with only days to go until Christmas, it is certainly all systems go here but I promise to post again before the 25th comes. There now I've said it - I will have to make it happen! Until then, I hope you all have a productive and happy lead into Christmas and out of the hectic year that's been' and I'll see you again soon.

Pip x

{ tutti frutti }

'Passionfruit'  - original illustration & watercolour

'Watermelon' - original illustration & watercolour

'Dragonfruit' - original illustration & watercolour

Nothing screams Summer like fruit!

If you haven't noticed, I have a bit of a penchant for anything remotely fresh and summery and Australian; plus fruit and colour are both trending in a big way right now so I was not surprised to find myself doing these three matching numbers for my recent collection at Black & Spiro.  

Since drawing and colour have become a bigger part of my life it's natural that I pay a lot more attention to the the details in things; and it sounds such a cliche but I am truly awed and inspired by nature and what it can create. Take that dragonfruit for example - what an amazing concoction of colour, shape, and detail Mother Nature thought up there. I often imagine the early explorers chancing upon such things as they made their way through the tropics. Imagine finding this curious looking thing, slicing it open to find that white flesh speckled with tiny black seeds - only to discover that it's delicious, too!  It's the perfection - and imperfection - that I love in these things. The way the pineapple leaves curl are never the same; yet the tiny concentric circles of the kiwifruit seeds are never out of place. Between all these shapes and patterns and of course the brilliant colours, painting these was like living in a big juicy fruit salad - in a good way!!!!

So here are some more shots of these along the way and then also as they hang. You'll have to mind my pics of the framed pieces (very difficult to snap front on with tthe indoor/ glass combo - big flashes get the better of me every time!) - but hopefully you can see. By the way - to anyone searching for the PERFECT blonde timber, I have found it in American Maple. It's one of the hardest light coloured timbers you can lay your hands on which makes for long-lasting and nice sharp edges. Only trick is it comes from - well, yes, America - and is not the most economical one out there - but I can so to me it's worth it!

Again, each of these framed originals are available for sale. If you are nearby Black & Spiro pop in to  rooms to see them for yourself, but if you're else where and interested please email me with any enquiry at pip_boydell@hotmail.com. 

Have a happy weekend - only two more between this one and Christmas! See you again soon.

Pip x

All images and artwork copyright Pip Boydell 

{ petals & rafia }

The last few weeks I've kept my local coffee shop in good business from many late nights up drawing and painting. There's been a heap of fun Christmas commissions which I'm shipping off all over the place, and then I've also just recently completed a little collection of works that went up on the walls of Black & Spiro on Saturday to coincide with the shop's 'Christmas Flea'. 

The two I'm showing you here are both ones that have been a long time in the making; you know those things you start and intend to finish much sooner than time actually permits?

'Hoard of Hydrangea' 

Hydrangeas are everywhere at the moment. I absolutely love the variegated colour and that no two heads are the same, and although I've done quite a few single bunches as commissions I've been wanting to do something to capture all this colour in the one piece for quite some time. Although it's not totally huge, there were certainly a lot of petals to paint!

Then there's this pair of Rafia Chic lace ups.... as their name suggests they are indeed totally chic and I've been coveting them for my feet for far too long so figured I better just draw them, instead. 

'Rafia Chic' illustration...

.. and on the walls. How great is that wallpaper contrast.

{BY THE WAY..... both of these two pieces are available for sale so if you're interested and would like pricing and information, email me at pip_boydell@hotmail.com }

So here's some more pics from the weekend - it really is the most bright and beautiful way to kick off the new season and stock up on Christmas treats, treasures and beautiful things. Highly recommend heading along if you're around for the next one!

It was a fabulous but sweltering hot day, and at the end of it Anna very generously sent me home with (not one but two) of these beautiful bunches November lilies and some fresh herbs - gorgeous! It's all made for a gorgeous scent around the house on these warm nights and lots of delicious Vietnamese cooking. Thank you Anna!

Well today has been an absolute scorcher in Brisbane, something like 39 degrees. I'm glad the sun has gone down but I must say I love it. I'll post again soon with the other pieces from the weekend, in the meantime hope everyone is gearing up for Christmas!

See you soon, 

Pip xx

All images taken by me on my iPhone