This is why I love Manchester and the inspiration it delivers. Someone somewhere especially in the Northern Quarter, is always creating. Spraying, painting, making etc. its always close by to get your juices flowing. Plus this is a great way to network as creatives are always up for a chat and advise.
This post is a little late in coming but still worthwhile. I managed to get an invite to an after hours water colour workshop at H. Blyth & Co art supply shop by the very talented and renowned water colour specialist, John Hassall. As I have mentioned in previous posts, my colour skills still need work. I can do it but im not to confident in using colour but I am definitely getting better. Anyway, this genius was amazing. He was a cool character too. The way he talked us through a painting from start to finish right in front of us was mesmerising. He made it look so simple and easy and the best part I found was that he only used four paint colours, ultra marine, burnt umber, lemon yellow and payne's gray. Honestly that was it, just four colours nothing else. I did purchase the brush he suggested and it does do the tricks he said it would but obviously I cant do them as easily as him.
Sometimes I can visit this place for a specific thing but leave with a completely different idea, so I do believe it has great significance to my illustrating.
My fiance and I took the kids to a usual Tatton park visit as it was a nice day. When we got down to the farm area to feed the animals, we came across an unexpected treat. Kirsten Harris-Jones had an exhibition on in the farm and also a 'find the beastie' trail for the kids. it was great and her illustrations are quite charming to say the least. I did get told to get moving by the family as I had been inspecting and reading the display for a little too long, ha.
Another year already and another fantastic print fair at the Peoples History Museum in Manchester. It is always good to keep your finger on the pulse in the design world as trends and styles can change so much in only a year. Had a chat with one of our uni tutors, John Powell-Jones, who had his stall set up again. I also bumped into a couple of our level 6 Graphic Designers who also had a stall. Ben Couch, fellow student and good friend, are now thinking of getting a pitch for next years fair.
