New drawing den

Done my first few days working in my new office/studio/comics den/loft, and I'm well pleased with it. I've managed to fit in all my annuals, comics and piles of paper, leaving room for a desk to draw at. Will miss working in Manchester (and hanging out with the other office chaps, nipping out to see what's new in Travelling Man, lunch from Barburrito, Yadgar, Rustica, Bread and Butter etc), but just can't justify 1 - the cost of commuting, and 2 - the hour and a half wasted sat on the train. Plus makes sense to be on hand for bring up Popeye, who is now 6 weeks away. Going to have to make sure I don't get too isolated, so will make sure to drink fine ales on a regular basis, whether in town or with folks invited out here.
So no shopping or eating distractions, but the view might obstruct doing as much drawing as I should (note the passing coal boat)-

(click to enlarge)

New Linoprints

Recent linocuts produced in reponse to a new logo brief for a shipping company based at Salford Quays. Not quite what they were after, so won't be used, but I think I might start my own firm now I have a logo. I thought the heron represented timeless and effortless grace and soloidity, as well as suggesting a positive ecological element (one full cargohold of grain can replace 100 wagons on the road). I did the yellow and grey on the same inking, before cutting away to print the black outline.
The crane (from a photo taken next to their dry docks) is quite a landmark down there. In black it looks a bit brutal, so I mocked up a more positive one, inspired by old transport and shipping posters -

YESDEAR

This just chugged past. Only just managed to catch it on camera. Not that it was going fast or anything.

Canalside Folk Art

I think it's time to share my archive of towpath cannabis grafitti. These pieces were collected last summer, mainly on the beautiful Caldon Canal which branches off from Stoke. Unfortunately the camera missed a wonderful 'Harry Pothead' piece (travelling too fast), but hopefully there's enough inspiring work here to keep you satisfied.













In fact more and more it seems 'youth culture' is making itself felt on the inland waterways of Great Britain.