Thursday, August 20, 2015

Cycling in the Outer Hebrides

So this year I headed to the Western Isles for my solo cycling and camping trip. I think this have become a little bit of a tradition by now. At some point in the summer I pack the paniers, take my camping gear and I go cycling somewhere up north. I get to spend a week surrounded by the nature, cycle through stunning scenery and defy a few gender stereotypes. I don't know what it says about me but these are definitely the best and most relaxing holidays I can think of (although I am not sure if 'relaxing' is the right word).

This time I took the ferry to the Isle of Uist and the plan was to cycle round both Uists and South Harris. The weather was really bad (winds at 30mph and rain, I guess nothing unusual in this part of the world but not the best weather for cycling, especially the wind) so unfortunately I have never made it to Harris. The good thing was that I could explore the Uists more instead of rushing through it so I don't miss the ferry.

I didn't make many sketches as most of the time I was too tired, my hands were not cooperating after a long cycle or it was simply imposible to take out the sketchbook because of the strong wind or the rain approaching (and I was more concerned about getting the next camping site dry and in one piece rather then creating artwork). The sketches don't really capture the spectactular sceneries of the Outer Hebrides but I think they are more true to the nature of the trip (note that most sketches is from the train or the ferry).











Tuesday, August 04, 2015

New picture book out soon!



Great news! A picture book I illustrated for Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry in Poland is out soon. You can see a preview hereThe story, written by Ewa Madeyska, is about a 4 year old girl who doesn't like to wear glasses as she is being teased by other children at the nursery.
It was a fun book to illustrate (I fell in love with the main character and her world first time I read it) and I was happy I could work with Dwie Siostry as it is one of the best Polish publishers and every book on their list is just great.
Just a few pictures for now. I will post more illustrations and maybe some sketches when it is published.