I have a brand new print in conjunction with the Jubilee celebrations taking place next week. As always, this print is professionally executed, on watercolour paper, and is of the highest quality. Each print comes signed by the artist (me!) and I'm offering them at a special price of just £10!
If you love English royalty, or know someone who does, this print is a great gift. It works well hung with patriotic bunting for some Jubilee themed decoration - just a little suggestion from me!
I'm even offering a framing service, which can be requested through my shop.
To see my etsy listing, simply click the button below. Thanks for reading!
As a watercolour artist, I've always been aware that my chosen medium is considered quite "traditional" and even old-fashioned. For me, I take pride in the fact that what I use to paint with has been used throughout history, and without much adaptation.
I thought it would be interesting to find out a little bit more about it's origins, both in fine art and in illustration, in the hope that I'll better understand how I've come to rely on it to produce my work.
Albrecht Dürer
As it turns out, watercolours go a long way back.
Cave paintings can technically be considered the very first watercolours, as pre-historic man mixed pigment with a 'binder' (such as natural oil or a waxy substance) and then water to paint onto cave walls. In the Renaissance, watercolours began to make their first real mark within the art world. Typically a medium used for sketching and planning by most artists, only a few were using watercolour for final artworks.
An important figure in the establishment of watercolour was Albrecht Dürer, who is generally considered one of the earliest exponents of the medium, painting botanical, wildlife and landscape paintings.
The Renaissance saw the the popularity and importance of botanical painting soar. Watercolour was used as a way to depict minute detail and in every colour imaginable, to get as close to nature as possible.
Georg Dionysius
Ferdinand Bauer
There was great demand for information about natural history in Europe in the early 1800s, and so the use of watercolour as a medium was on the increase.
Scientists and naturalists were keen to find out about undiscovered species, traders were interested in making a profit and wealthy private gardens were looking to increase their collection.
Often this involved lengthy ocean voyages, and ingenious (but somewhat experimental) ways to preserve the plants - including building a green house onboard the ship! This makes me think of Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic, and all the ridiculous rooms onboard their boat.
Anyway, due to the unreliable nature of sea travel paintings and illustrations were often far better at surviving the journey. Naturalists would often commission artists to travel with them to exotic destinations and paint during the journey and on location.
For me, what I really enjoy about these illustrations, is their exacting ties with science. Often, as well as painting a whole plant on a white background, the artist would dissect parts of the specimen such as the fruit or flower and add details of these to the same painting. These paintings proved to be invaluable in recording information about a species - and look like diagrams and artwork in equal measure.
One of Franz Bauer's famous orchid paintings
I've alway's loved botanical illustrations, even before I knew I wanted to be an illustrator. I remember my nanny having lots of dusty books in her conservatory, containing beautiful paintings of plants and birds, and thinking how lovely they were. I love that their purpose is to record and that they must replicate reality; sometimes its refreshing and wonderful that art can be so practical.
I find it fascinating that the very earliest forms of illustration were created using the medium I choose today. Watercolour's tie with the most traditional form of illustration is so appealing to me, as a traditional kind of girl. To use watercolour in a modern context, to me, is to keep the medium alive - and I'm glad to help in any small way I can.
I painted two house commissions last month, which was a bit of a surprise as I've never really painted buildings before! I must admit I found it a little bit of a challenge, but with the help of some new tools (a ruler, pencil and rubber never usually feature in my work) I think I finally got there. I'm really happy with how they turned out actually, especially the lovely London town house above, with the addition of some hand rendered type.
If you'd like to commission me, you can always email me at mail(at)hollyexley.com and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have, and create a personal painting just for you!
Double veggie burger with cheese and caramelised onions.
My broccoli salad.
This Sunday was my sister's 22nd birthday, and we held a BBQ in her honour. I spent most of my Saturday mixing bowls of coloured cake batter and erecting sponge layers (which left me exhausted for work that evening!).
And here is the fruit of my labour, in the form of a very dense, very colourful, seven tiered cake.
If you'd like to try making a rainbow cake, I recommend this recipe by food blogger Kerstin Rodgers aka MsMarmitelover. I'd certainly heed her advice regarding colouring though - powdered or gel colours are worth buying as they are formulated for baking. The standard liquid colours I used aren't really suitable for cake mixtures - something I'd avoid the next time I try this!
I see this comparison a lot. The separation between "real life" and the life you might have on the internet. And it always makes me think, why does this comparison exist?
The internet has been around since the 1970's and it's been shaping our existence since it was introduced into our households, work places and, more recently, our pockets. We use it to communicate, to record and to understand - some of the fundemental actions that separate us as a species from the rest of the animal kingdom. It's become an important part of human existence and our generation will undoubtedly go down in the history books as being prolific internet users; history books which I am sure will also be available online.
The point I am trying to make here, is when did we decide that using technology to communicate, record and understand wasn't real life? When we talk on the phone we consider this real life. When we watch a documentary, we know that David Attenborough is a real man, captured talking in real time. When we listen to the radio, these are the voices of real people. Why are on-line actions seen as less real?
I could go even further back, I could talk about other ways to communicate - the telegram, the letter - these were methods of communication that were also considered real, although the communication didn't actually take place in real time. In this way, the internet is in-fact a more immediate method of communication, with a much faster response rate. Surely the fact you can send a tweet and receive a response in the same minute, is pretty real?
One of the few reasons I can think of, why the internet is separate from "real life" is the fact that we sit behind screens in order to be online which, when compared to speaking face to face with another human being, and being able to watch their facial expressions and body language to boot, doesn't seem very effective. It's not the most direct way to understand someone.
But humans have been using indirect methods to communicate and record since the beginning of time. Cave paintings are an example of this. Books, photography, art, film - these are all methods we've used and are using to communicate a story or a feeling without having direct contact with another human being in real time. We are complex beings, and need these indirect methods to express ourselves. After all, not everything can be conveyed with the spoken word. Perhaps the internet is an extension of this, and who's to say that our actions online are any less important than the brush strokes of a painting, or the words in a poem.
Perhaps then, the internet isn't considered "real life" because it isn't tangible. It's not something you can hang on your wall, or stick in your photo album, or store in your cupboard. How many of us actually know how the internet works, or what it's made of? How can something we can't touch or keep be "real life"?
But consider this. My blog is here. It's raising a point, it's communicating with you, it's sparking a thought process in your mind - just as a "real life" conversation with someone would do. How is speaking directly to another person, any more tangible than speaking through the internet? Aside from being able to reach out and touch someone's face as you speak to them (which might be a whole lot more creepy than using the internet!) you can't get a physical hold on a conversation, any more than you can whilst on Facebook chat.
Real life conversations are made up of sound waves, virtual conversations are made up of data. Is there really such a difference, when the source powering both is the human brain?
To conclude, I say we stop hiding behind the idea of an online and offline life. You life is your life, and whether your actions are online or offline, they're real, you made them happen. Once you stop using the excuse that the internet isn't "real life", you see it's importance in the modern world, and you become more aware of your actions whilst using it. Perhaps this is a solution to trolling and cyber-bullying. Perhaps once we understand this we can move forward in this digital age.
Either way, I'm proud to be an internet user, and consider it an important part of my "real" life.
I spend an awful lot of time online. Checking emails, Facebook and Twitter has become part of my morning routine, and I'd go as far to say I treat my Instagram and blogger feeds as bedtime reading.
I am constantly amazed by the internet. Yes, there are many things to hate - porn being a good example, trolling being another - but it is also such a hub of creative energy, documentation and community based activity that the positive out-weighs the negative.
I'd decided to make this a feature on my blog every now and again, when the internet decides to bowl me over, and I just have to share. And so I present to you some of my favourite recent discoveries.
Blogs.
An explanation. Blogs are arguably my favourite internet outlet, probably because there is an endless wealth of blogs focussed on what I love to read about: illustration, painting, artistic lifestyle, travel, crafting, vintage, handmade, cooking etc.
Although there are some issues within the blogging world I have a problem with (namely, WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE SO PERFECT?! ) my reading list is ever growing.
Blogs by other illustrators are what I'm most likely to follow, as they inspire me to create.
I've raved about the creative internet community countless times - but it really is like a substitute for the creative environment you encounter during university or college. It's a chance to see your peers at work, celebrate their successes and experience panic when you realise how good they are (!).
My favourite blog of the moment: a recent discovery, and fairly new blog: A Future Present
Run by illustrator and textile designer Leah Reena Goren, it's a truly dreamy blog following the set up of her new apartment, and equally dreamy life with creative boyfriend and a new kitten, no less.
Youtube.
An explanation: For me Youtube is like my TV. And I don't mean that I watch television programs from it, because I rarely do. I mean that I have "programs" that I "tune into" every week, and it's my source of entertainment whilst I'm working from home. Also, a lot of what television has to offer just doesn't interest me at all, I'd much rather be watching homemade programs by real people on Youtube, talking and filming real things.
I'm a big fan of 'vlogs' (video diaries) which I know is kind of nerdy - but I enjoy watching people's every day lives from around the world, and I think theres a lot to learn from that. I love listening to individuals put forward their opinion on something and how the rest of the Youtube community responds to that. There are a lot of pretty intelligent people on Youtube, saying pretty thoughtful things.
This is one lady that I really like, because she's a bit crazy and has bleached hair. Not at all like me. No.
Instagram.
Yes, it gets a lot of stick. Because adding a fake vintage-y filter to your photos is a little pointless, and no one needs to see your lunch, but I quite like having a browse. It's like a photo album from around the world, refreshed every day.
Plus. Some people have seriously cute pets. Like this lady:
Toffeerabbit
Pinterest.
An explanation: Before we go any further, I should tell you: Pinterest is dangerous. Setting up an account is like signing away hours of your working day. Pinning is addictive, it's like making a virtual mood board of endless possibilities. Even if you don't pin that much as soon as you're on the site, the war against time wasting begins - and you're going to lose. It's a battlefield of cute outfits and amazing artists and delicious recipes and ingenious craft ideas and breathtaking design and gorgeous interiors and...
Have you found anything recently that you'd like to share? Please leave interesting links in the comments section - I need more distraction in my life!
Hello! Lots of progression has been made in the past couple of months. I've started two new jobs, which now makes me the proud owner/juggler of THREE occupations.
First and foremost, I am still an illustrator. I assume this is pretty obvious, seeing as this makes up 99% of my blogging material. Since moving back to Bristol in January, I've had a surprisingly steady stream of work which has been very encouraging.
Every time I am assigned a new commission it's the most wonderful feeling. I feel so useful! It's taken a good two years to realise how much of a struggle it is to find work in the creative industry, and so when I am paid for painting, and when I know that painting will then go on to have a purpose, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
This feeling is what makes me certain I will never stop painting.
Secondly, I've started working for Made In Bristol, a wonderful company supporting local artists and makers, and organisers of exciting home grown pop up shops and exhibitions around Bristol.
Paper Scissors Stone, a Made In Bristol pop up shop.
Illustrated cards at Paper Scissors Stone.
I've been using my experience working in social media, to do some online marketing work for Made In Bristol, as well as writing lots of arty content for the blog. If you like discovering new artists and makers, are interested in the city of Bristol or love supporting independent ventures, you really must follow the blog.
Lastly, I've started waitressing again! I've never really written about my day jobs before, as I've always been kind of ashamed that I have to have them to support myself (plus, some of them have been downright awful!) . But these two newly acquired jobs feel different. They make sense, they fit with the type of lifestyle I want to have.
Waitress - funnily enough one of my favourite films!
I've started a part time position at a lovely restaurant called Flinty Red which I love for the following reasons:
1. It's literally TWO MINUTES from my house.
2. It has truly lovely customers, who have been very understanding throughout my wobbly/ nervous/ clueless first few weeks!
3. The staff are equally lovely.
4. The menu is exciting and although decidedly meaty (I'm a pescetarian myself) they source only the best and locally sourced ingredients, and promote eating every part of the animal, so nothing goes to waste.
5. The salted caramel mousse. Seriously.
I work 4 shifts a week there which is great for me. Personally, I think bar/restaurant work compliments illustration work quite well - as it gets you out of the house, forces us shy illustrator types to be social, and gets the blood pumping after long hours sitting in the studio.
Do you have any positive 'day job' experiences that have complimented your creative work? I'd be really interested to know.
Last week I received a rather mystifying package in the mail, which turned out to be this gorgeous book from Bangstyle. Bangstyle is a "hair and culture" website celebrating the latest fashion in hair and beauty - almost like Vogue for hairdressers.
I was contacted by the W.P.A a few months ago. They're an agency based in L.A which aims to promote artists of all mediums to more mainstream clients. This book is being distributed in partnership with Bangstyle in over 15k hair salons worldwide, which gives huge scope for exposure- and I felt very privileged to be asked to contribute.
This illustration was based on the infamous wheel Costello uses during his concerts, to determine what song to play next. His discography is vast, and stretches over so many genres - hence the appeal of the wheel to decide the set list.
This was a really fun job - painting portraits is one of my favourite things to do and I got to play around with a little visual idea I've had in my head for a while, which coincidentally fit with the brief.
This weekend I decided to get out and explore the city. I went to this great vintage fair in St. Pauls held in a rather grand looking church, and picked up some huge vintage sunglasses. Then my sister and I popped to one of my favourite art spaces in Bristol, the Here Gallery in Stokes Croft.
This exhibition was really colourful and cheery. One of the comments in the guest book described it as really "moomin-y" which I thought was perfect, couldn't have described it better myself!
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