So, I’m not sure when it officially becomes too late to say “Happy New Year”, and since we’re already out of January I suspect I’ve missed the boat there somehow. The end of 2014 went by in a flash of Christmassy excitement, and the new school year kicked off here in Australia last week.

And so I find myself with no little ones at home for the first time in around 8 years. I suddenly have 5 days a week to work instead of 3. Ok, maybe “days” is pushing it when you’re talking about the school day, averaging out at about 5 working hours per day between drop offs, pick ups and all the bits in-between (and let’s not even get started on school holidays!).

But. It’s still 2 days more than I had last year and I’m having quite a productive time of it so far. I’m going to kick off my “Hello 2015” blog post with some illustration challenges. I’ve joined the 52 week Challenge again this year, and so far I’m keeping up! Compared to my entries from this time last year I think my style has vastly improved. I’m very much enjoying doing handdrawn illustration with copic fineliner and watercolours, which for me is a complete turnaround from the digital illustration that I’ve specialised in for the last few years.

Anyway, 4 weeks in and here are the weekly challenges to date:

Week 1: Fairytale.

Week 2: Italy – Venus meets Valentino….

Week 3: Retro – Fashion in the 70’s

Week 4: Insects No. 1 (I was super inspired this week and completed 2 illustrations for the theme).

Week 4: Insects No. 2

Next weeks challenge: Kitchen…