starlings

Apparently the British starling population is down by nearly 80% because of the change in their habitat and they are fighting for food with the invasion of the European starling. I still get a lot in my garden but am yet to see a murmuration of starlings - which I would love to do.  My grandmother hated them - she said they were greedy and took all the food from the little birds but I rather like them. There were about 12 on my yucca tree but by the time I'd found the camera there were only two left. I love that the pattern on the birds matches the blossom on the yucca.

A murmuration of starlings © nicky linzey 2011

autumn leaves

A lovely weekend of walking, it was freezing but sunny and now My Jack Russell is an old man he has to wear his coat to keep him warm. He hates it!

sky

Sky is the theme for Illustration Friday this week. I always feel happy when I can see vast expanses of it.
© nicky linzey 2012

Water

My main inspiration in life is nature, I live near the sea so the theme for illustration friday this week of water is just right.  Water related patterns are used a lot in Japanese textiles, (another love of mine) so I drew some of them for this pattern which weirdly looks very 70s inspired.
© 2012 nicky linzey

paint effects

More paint effects found on boat bottoms! It's the time of year when the boats are brought into dry dock to be cleaned and painted - a massive task. So before that happens I get my camera out and I'm in my element!

mirror

The theme for illustration friday this week is mirror. I love vintage mirrors and so I've layered my drawings with a photo I took of flaking paint, to give that old speckled mirror look.

pom poms

Dahlias always remind me of allotments and are some of the last flowers still going strong as autumn arrives. I love their different shapes and colours.