Bon Voyage!

Off for a little break...we'll be back soon with lots of new artwork and artists to share!

Illustration Friday: Gone Fishing

My Penguin Illustration seemed fitting for this weeks Illustration Friday topic with the theme 'Stomach'

Surtex 2016

A few of my latest penguin illustrations showcased at Surtex last week with Astound in New York.

Christening Commission: Baby Elephant

I was recently asked to produce a small illustration of a cute baby elephant as a christening gift.

I always start with a sketch before diving straight into the painting.
Top Tip: Once you are happy with your sketch use tracing paper to get the placement of your design correct - it's not cheating if it's your own sketch and it saves wasting expensive paper!

The painting is kept loose overall with a few details bringing the whole image together. The background is left clean and untouched, ready for a simple mount and frame.
For bespoke commissions contact us here!

Hole-in-one!

Last year I entered the 'Sock it to Me - Design a Sock' Competition. My quirky golf sock idea was a hole-in-one with the judges and made it all the way to the finals.

Here we are a few months later and the 'Par 4' sock is now available to buy! http://www.sockittome.com/men/crew-socks-men/par-4.html

Check out more funky socks at: http://www.sockittome.com

And follow them on Facebook here for more Sock it to Me competitions! 

Rajan the Elephant

Earlier this year I was commissioned to create a watercolour painting for a surprise birthday gift. The subject was a unique elephant called ‘Rajan’

In the 1970's on the Adaman Islands, off the coast of India, elephants were taught to swim from island to island carrying heavy loads of logs to help with the timber trade. In the 1980's exporting timber became illegal on the island. The majority of the remaining elephants were sadly sold to various temples. Raised in captivity Rajan stayed on the island and he was almost sold to a temple himself until the people at Barefoot Resorts raised the funds to buy his freedom. Rajan has stayed on the island ever since with his caretaker, becoming quite an attraction on the island. For years the friendly elephant would walk down to the beach to swim and dive in the ocean at his own free will. Now in his 60's Rajan has retired from swimming and spends his days roaming through the forests and around the beach.

The Extremely Greedy Dragon

Here is my first published illustrated children's book The Extremely Greedy Dragon! Written by Jessica Barrah, this colourful book from the QED Storytime series tells the story of a brave girl and an extremely greedy dragon. Fun and interesting discussion points for parents and teachers are also included at the back of the book. Click here for more information and story books from QED

I have been working on some very exciting projects this year which I'll share with you soon! In the meantime you can follow my illustrations on Instagram here!

Tiger Tattoo Design

Here's the final result from a tiger tattoo sketch I was commissioned to do last year. Tattooed by Skins and Needles If you have an idea in mind for a tattoo or piece of unique artwork contact us here

Daler Rowney: Art of Giving

 

One of my original watercolour illustrations ‘Wish Upon A Star’ has been used by Daler-Rowney for their Art of Giving promotion. Every year Daler-Rowney brings out a selection of limited edition gift sets and special products including some great Watercolour kits. If your interested in having a go at painting 
click here to visit their website. 

The original watercolour painting is framed and available for purchase. 
To enquire please contact us at: contact@thecurioustreehouse.com

Character Portrait Commission

Here's the final result of a recent character portrait commission. I illustrated this image digitally but kept the final image quite sketchy to give it a slight caricature feel as asked by the client.

Wether your looking for something fun and characterised or realistic imagery, I can work in a variety of styles as you can see on the blog. If you have an idea in mind for a unique Christmas present this year then don't hesitate to contact us!

Dayler Rowney Feature Artist

 

Meet Captain Natterjack, An original watercolour and pencil illustration depicting a Pirate Captain. As you can see in previous posts I have talked about using Dayler Rowney Watercolours since I was young, and so you can imagine my delight to be chosen as a feature Artist for Dayler Rowneys Website! Click here to take a look at my profile. 

Security Pig and Custom Paintings

We couldn't resist getting the camera out when we came across this little guy recently...clearly sleeping on the job! Animals are always a great source of inspiration for illustrations. Here's a recent custom Watercolour Art Card of a little pig. 

Sunshine and Mini Art

It's great to have the lighter nights now as it means more hours of sunlight for painting. Here's a peak at some of our latest original Mini Art, ACEO Cards - my personal favourite would have to be the Little Pig! 

Click here to visit The Curious Treehouse Etsy shop

Nest Gallery spring exhibition preview

Last weekend we headed through to Barnard Castle for Nest Galleries spring exhibition preview featuring our very own Chris James Saunders. As Nest is showcasing a range of work from paintings and photography to textiles and ceramics it's a worthwhile trip as there really is something to suit everyones tastes. A few of our particular favourites included Eiann Cosgrove's watercolour and oil paintings, Beverley Holmes-Wright's beautiful and intricate textile work and Petra Lloyd's unique Ceramics.

The exhibition is running until November 30th 2013 so there is plenty of time to enjoy a cultural day out as well as the added bonus of taking in the beautiful countryside of the Northeast!

octopus triptych

A triptych ACEO which would look great framed.

Available now at The Curious Treehouse (click here) 

Nest Gallery Spring Exhibition 2013

Chris James Saunders will be showcasing a selection of original watercolour paintings at the Nest Gallery Spring Exhibition which opens on Sunday the 21st April (details above). To see more of Chris's work take a look here or for any enquires on commissions don't hesitate to contact us

Ready for the galleries

All the watercolour illustrations I have worked on over the last few months are now framed and ready for the galleries!

Mini Art

Aceo Art Cards are a great way of collecting unique mini pieces of art

at an affordable price. Here's a new collection of freshly painted
ACEO Cards, coming to our Etsy shop over the next few days!

Click here to visit The Curious Treehouse Etsy Shop 

New gallery watercolours

 

Just finished some new larger watercolours which are on their way to be 

framed for another gallery collection in the North East. More details to come soon...

The finished piece!

Another piece ready for an exhibition in a local gallery

Take a look at more of Chris James Saunders beautiful watercolour work here.