British artists

Emma Jayne Designs: color, whimsy, fun

~ jama ~ 5 Comments

Cheerio! Just what we need: a pop of color to brighten the week and bring a smile to your face. 🙂

Emma Jayne Allsup’s art is definitely happy-making stuff, so sit back and enjoy her eye candy!

Illustrator and Surface Pattern Designer Emma Jayne Allsup

Based in Cheshire, England, Emma Jayne is a freelance illustrator and surface pattern designer who’s been passionate about art since childhood. She’s from a creative family: her father and grandfather loved DIY, and her mother loved fashion and interiors. She spent every Thursday and most weekends sewing and knitting with her grandmother. She knitted her first jumper at age 8.

Emma Jayne likes incorporating elements within her work of nature, animals, people, and everyday objects, both as stand-alone drawings and in patterns. Her style is fun, whimsical, colorful and painterly, and she usually works traditionally with gouache, watercolor and ink, developing and finishing her designs on the computer. She likes to create textures, as well as paint animals and other shapes as silhouettes. She enjoys experimenting with different media and new techniques.

Continue reading →

David Schab: a study in color and contrasts

~ jama ~ 6 Comments

My pulse quickens whenever I see a David Schab painting. I’m enamored of the strong interplay between light and shadow, the patterns, the passion and, of course, his rich, gorgeous colors, which are at the heart of his work.

Though Schab also paints landscapes and portraits, his still lifes are my favorite. I’m fascinated by the selection and arrangement of objects, each of which has a story of its own. Unlike reading a linear narrative, where a plot unfolds gradually and characters are revealed in turn, when you look at a picture you see everything all at once. As your eyes travel from object to object, you consider juxtapositions, make connections, or even begin to create your own story, moment by moment. 

Continue reading →

Gary Bunt: the joy of simple pleasures

~ jama ~ 15 Comments
“Life is But a Dream” by Gary Bunt.

Today, a little sampler of quintessential British charm with paintings + poems by beloved artist Gary Bunt.

You may remember my featuring his work a couple of years ago, when I mentioned that he usually includes a short poem on the back of his paintings. His ‘old man with dog’ pictures have made his work instantly recognizable and highly accessible.

His scenes of country life are comforting and reassuring, just what the doctor ordered in these troubling times. There’s just something so endearing about hearing the little dog’s point of view. 

See if these pictures + short poems — by the sea, on the farm, and in the garden — don’t tug at your heartstrings. All were created in 2021-2022.

*

THE SEA WALL

Down by the beach
By the sea wall
Across the sea
The east wind whips
But I don’t care
I am just happy to share
My Master’s fish and chips

*

DOGGY PADDLE

I’m having a paddle
With my Master
But it’s hard to concentrate
I’m trying to be good
Like I know that I should
But there are biscuits over
There on that plate
Continue reading →

nine cool things on a tuesday

~ jama ~ 12 Comments

1. Happy March! We’re looking forward to spring and all things green and floral with Olivia Gibbs’ lovely art. So colorful and joyful!

Born and raised in Spain, Olivia is self taught and currently resides in Augusta, Georgia. She’s been smitten with drawing since childhood, when she’d spend hours creating stories in her sketchbook.

Since art didn’t seem like a viable career option, she studied Business Administration in college and then worked in banking for many years. But when her second daughter was born, she was able to stay at home and renew her interest in art, her true passion.

In addition to drawing and painting, Olivia loves traveling and exploring new places and cultures. She’s also keen on hiking, baking, dancing, finding the beauty in everyday life, and spending time with loved ones. 

Her client list includes American Greetings, Galison/Mudpuppy, Oopsy Daisy, Hallmark, Hobby Lobby, and Jo-Ann Fabric. 

She recently published this book:

For more, visit Olivia’s Official Website, Instagram and Etsy Shop, where you can purchase prints.

*

Continue reading →

lucy almey bird’s gentle, whimsical world

~ jama ~ 6 Comments

Come and cozy up by the fire – you’re just in time for Sunday tea! Looks like our hosts have set out sandwiches, scones, and a Victoria sponge. Such an inviting scene; it must feel nice to have someone brush your hair.

We previously featured several of Lucy Almey Bird’s paintings in a Cool Things Roundup, but decided she needs to have her own post since she’s created so many wonderful new pieces since then.

Somerset artist Lucy Almey Bird.

A native of rural Somerset in Southwest England, Lucy is a self taught artist who was encouraged to draw and paint from an early age. Frequent trips to museums and art galleries in London ignited her passion for art.

Continue reading →