beauty in sadness

One of the greatest misconceptions about art, I think, is that sad subject matter cannot equal a happy picture. There is beauty in sadness, too ♥

This is Olivia, a character from a story I've had rattling around in my head for awhile now. Originally I was going to illustrate it with my dolls, but the more time I spent making them, the more inspired I was to draw them, they became so real to me! 

I'm really hoping to get my children's book dreams off the back-burner sometime later in 2013! 

little sisters

Hullo lovely readers, hope your Wednesday has started with a bang, and if not, here's a little something to bring a sparkle to your step!

Meet Gabrielle and Rosalina; at present in black and white and soon in colour. Their names are a reference both to Coco Chanel's beginnings as a dancer at a cavalry club, and one of the Dolly Sisters, most famously described in Angela Carter's 'Wise Children'.

Stay posted for the painting petals!

♥ Mel