Flower pressing & acetate

My lack of ability to paint what I consider to be realistic flowers led me to a new technique this week- flower pressing.
Its a definate test of my patience...but I intend to combine illustrations with pressed flowers, most likely with a dark twist.
More on that soon, for now its looking something like this:



Have also been trying out compositions with acetate sketches:





A couple new hair decorations in my etsy shop: click here.




kate
xo

New work...

New painting, 40cm x 90cm
Oil on Canvas
'Vase'.



Hopefully this, and many other peices of mine will be gracing the walls of Brightons favourite goth pub, the Caroline of Brunswick by the end of next month. On sale, of course, but predominantly Im happy for these to be viewable instead of sitting behind my wardrobe.
Details of the opening coming soon.


1st finished peice for the book Im drawing:



My stall at the Phoenix Gallery:



Still thinking of ideas to spruce it up a bit, and make it a little more attractive.

Currently reading: The art and times of Tamara De Lempicka. A fascinating insight into a fascinating life, but also a sad story of the fickleness of the art world.
Currently listening to: Bat For Lashes- Two Suns. Fiona Apple- When the Pawn. The Crow soundtrack.

Kate
xo

Phoenix stall & The Book!

A while since the last update; sorry about that.
It's much easier to update via Twitter and Facebook these days should you be hungry for updates!:
katekamikaze on Twitter
katekamikaze on Facebook
I try to keep both art-based, and keep personal updates for personal sites so I wont be telling you what I had for dinner.
So follow or befriend me for works in progress, finished works, events Im taking part in and info about things that are inspiring me.

So, onto work then.
Am having a sale on my etsy of the remaining bird wing and feather items.
I sold a few peices and made new contacts and friends at the Phoenix Gallery Art Junky event a couple of weeks ago. Currently learning something new every time I do stalls and fairs, and its nice to see so many people interested in handmade, original art that stands out from the crowd in financially challenging times. I'm looking to get involved in the next event at the Phoenix- more news on that when it's announced.
Phoenix Gallery, Brighton website.

Speaking of bird wing hair peices, a quick peruse of the A/W 2009 Catwalk shows shows Lanvin joining the feather-fun:

Am I trend-setting? Moi? I doubt it, but it's nice to see something a bit weird hitting the fashion mainstream. Alexander McQueens show aw09 is also worth a look if youre a fan of the art side of fashion.

Work-wise, Im currently working on a book of illustrations. Keeping the concept relatively quiet for now, as I'd like it to make a big impact once it's finished!
But I will say it combines British Burlesque talent, Art Nouveau and the macabre!
For now, here's a sneak peek at a couple of sketches, acetates and ideas:




I'll put more teasers online soon!

Hopefully soon, this website will look a little better as I will be enlisting the help of a very talented designer and friend to give my online portfolio a bit of a makeover.
Can't be doing with this blog malarkey much longer.
Have a look at his stuff for now.
Matt Taylor

All for now.
Kate