Holly Clifton-Brown

Book signing & reading @ Blackwells Bookshop

2012-01-30T03:52:00.001-08:00

2012-01-30T03:51:00.001-08:00

Patchwork workshop fun...

2012-01-30T03:50:00.000-08:00

Elephant White has had so much love!

James & the giant peach

2012-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

Tales from a Pea Green Boat- Exhbition Flyer

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON...... Get it in your diary if you around and please spread the pea green love!

My Book reading & workshop at Queens Gate Junior School

2012-01-25T08:55:00.002-08:00

I had a brilliant day with the kids at Queens Gate School. They all seemed to enjoy the book and LOVE Elephant White, even more than the book. What you can't see, as I am unable to put all the photos that show faces on the internet, is the moment where all 22 girls dive bombed Elephant White for a group photo. I could not see him at all. He was buried underneath all the girls very cosiest cuddles, they almost decapitated him with their love.

2012-01-25T08:55:00.001-08:00

Story time.....

2012-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

The kids made some great little patchwork Elephant White's of their own. I had a little chuckle to myself at how some of the stars had been stuck down...

Elephant White the plush toy

2012-01-20T04:01:00.000-08:00

Wow!! What an AMAZING job Kaz Harrison has done in making Elephant White come to life.
He will be joining me on my book signing tour and we are excited. He is super cuddly! I collected him late last night from north London and made my way back to south London with him wrapped up in a bin liner to protect him from the dirt, only his little head and heart button eyes were poking out and I got some very strange looks...

Elephant White workshops

2012-01-18T04:31:00.001-08:00

I'm cutting... cutting...cutting patchwork shapes for my upcoming Elephant White Book signings, readings and workshops events!

Book readings & signings @ Blackwells in Bristol and Tales on Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London

2012-01-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have a few book signings coming up this month. So if you have children/nieces/nephews/goddaughters/little friends and live in either Bristol or London,
please pop in-

Saturday 28th @ Blackwells Book shop, Park Street, Bristol. 11:00am
Tuesday 14th February @ Tales on Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London. 10:30am

I will be reading my new picture book Elephant White, followed my a workshop where the kids can make their own fabric elehphant. Books will be available in store to buy and I will be able to sign them for you! Special guest appearance of Elephant White too!!

New Picture book samples for Bologna - Pinnohio

2012-01-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

I have booked my flights to Bologna for the Book Fair - 19th-22nd. I am super excited!!
I am working up some new BRIGHTER samples of my interpretations of the classics... Pinnochio... more to come... Matilda, Little Red Riding Hood, The Princess and the more....

New Card Range - Sample ideas

2012-01-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

New Work - merchandising sample

2012-01-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Exhibition- 'Tales from a pea green boat'... coming April 2012

2011-11-25T04:33:00.000-08:00

Sarah Dennis, Jennifer Pitchers and I are having an Exhibition next year April 2012 at Le Garage, 115 Dulwich Rd. It is going to be an exciting show celebrating Edward Lear's 100th anniversary. Here is the 1st painting for the show. I am not going to post up anymore... you'll have to wait and come see!!

Paper Horse Commission

2011-11-25T04:31:00.000-08:00

I have just finished a lovely commission for Severine based in France.
It is for her 40th birthday present.
Original gouache on 480gsm Watercolor bockingford

Xmas Decorations

2011-11-14T03:37:00.000-08:00

I spent my w-e being a total kid. The salt dough, silver paint, glue, scissors and buttons where out in full force. I have made a LOT of Xmas decorations for the tree... we are going to need a big one.

.... ropped Bassy in too...

2011-11-14T03:36:00.002-08:00

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2011-11-14T03:33:00.000-08:00

First copies of EWhite have arrived!

2011-11-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

To my delight as I handed over that annoying slip of red card, telling you that you have missed the post, I opened up my 'too large' package and lots of lovely copies of Elephant White were inside. I sat on the post office floor and read the book twice...I feel really proud, strange illustration emotion. Many concerning looks from fellow red card persons as I was in my bike helmet, reading a picture book on a soggy floor!

2011-11-03T04:51:00.002-07:00

2011-11-03T04:51:00.001-07:00

'Claude' Moc up Spread..

2011-11-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

Lovely Moo Buisness Cards

2011-11-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Call me old fashioned, as there is probably not so much need for business cards with the whole online presence thing taking over but I still love to hold a little card in my hand with a tiny illustration on. It brings me joy...

Alfie Hop character samples....

2011-10-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

I had a meeting on Wednesday with Andersen Press about a follow on book from my first picture book Annie Hoot. The story still needs a lot of work, so we will see where it goes. But I just thought I would share with you the color character samples all the same.

For the love of Goat

2011-10-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Original gouache on watercolor paper (commission):

Yarn @ The Nursery

2011-10-24T05:13:00.002-07:00

Sarah Dennis and I embraced the impromptu challenge of working with a group of very talented actors on Friday night at the Nursery. We worked on easels along side the actors producing live illustrators from words thrown out by the audience. After the interval classical band, The Waverley Keys performed 5 songs. Sarah and I took to the stage again producing live illustrations along to 3 of their tunes. Titles for the songs were formed from our drawings. The evening was Mad, Exciting, innovative.... and we are defiantly going to do more! I'll keep you posted for the next Yarn event.

2011-10-24T05:13:00.001-07:00

@ The Papered Parlour open Studio weekend...

2011-10-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

... It was a huge amount of fun down at The Papered Parlour open studios event. Thanks to everyone who came down to show their support and especially to those who purchased a card or a print. Cake was consumed, tea round the clock and Bassy Fox (my boy) strummed and sang lovely lyrical tunes in the afternoons...

2011-10-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

2011-10-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

Elephant White -out on 1st January 2012

2011-10-24T03:25:00.000-07:00

The book is coming out at the start of next year, but here is a link for anyone keen to order in advance -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elephant-White-Will-Brenton/dp/1848775903

Join us back @ Light Industrial Theatre, Arch 61, Ewer Street, SE1 0NR for 7.30pm doors, Friday 21st October 2011.

2011-10-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sarah Dennis (Freelance Illustrator) and I are going to be doing some live improvisation illustrations at the above location this Friday pop down if your in the smoke...

Papered Parlour Open Studios 22nd-23rd October 11am-5pm

2011-10-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've got a wee stall at the open studio event being held at The Papered Parlour, No. 7 Prescott Place, just off Clapham High street. The studios are amazing! There will be music, cakes lots of stalls and studios to peep at. Come down if you are in the area. I will be selling cards and prints and things.

Origami Knight

2011-10-12T08:24:00.001-07:00

Just a little painting....

...Claude 4....

2011-09-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

So he looked a little too old... so I think this one is a balance between the 2... I hope!

Latest Claude.....

2011-09-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

.... and so the development of Claude continues. I'm not sure about the glasses but the publshing company felt he need to look a bit older...

Claude

2011-09-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am starting on 'Claude', written by Will Brenton. Published by Egmont ltd.
Here is a the start of developing Claude. He will most likely change considerably. I will try and post the development process as it is interesting to see how long it takes to get a leading character just right.

Tate Modern

2011-09-14T03:13:00.001-07:00

I was in the Tate Modern yesterday and stumbled across this in the Tate Modern Shop. It is the 2nd book I did way back when called, 'How to be a Ballerina'. Published by Carlton Ltd. Written by Harriet Castor Jeffers. Annie Hoot was also in there but I only got a phone snap of this one. I spent a couple of hours in the Tate going around the collections. Spent 45 mins of that sitting on the floor of the shop in the kids book section. It is these moments that reassure how passionate I truly am about children picture books.

Commission

2011-09-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

First painting in the new studio. This is an original for someone's birthday coming up very soon. It has got me excited to produce some more original artwork and leave out the computer all together. No more hiding behind photoshops many gifts.

London -Herne Hill, Clapham North

2011-09-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

I have moved back to the big smoke and into a new studio in Clapham Common.
I am now part of 'Studio Strike' a collective of South London artists. There are a lot of great things going on. I will let you know when there are open studio's and events coming up if you are in the area.

www.facebook.com/studioSTRIKE

The Big Birthday

2011-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

written by Kate Hosford
Illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
Published by Lerner Publishing ltd.

I have just finished the 2nd in the series of books for US publishers Lerner ltd. It follows on from the first book The Big Bouffant and is another tall tale about Annabelle. It should be out and about some time next year.

Here is a peek at the inside artowrk;

2011-09-12T08:51:00.002-07:00

2011-09-12T08:51:00.001-07:00

Greenpeace @ Glastonbury

2011-09-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

I took on the massive project of illustrating a cornered wall in the Greenpeace fields this year. They were each roughly 25 m long about 2.5m high. My theme was 'Sustainable Fishing'. Unfortunately I have lost the lead for my camera so these are not the best shots. I had a great crew of girls working me, Jo, Kym, Chloe and Bex. It was the biggest challenge to date of my career and took 2 and a half weeks to paint come rain, shine or storm it was painted under a make shift shelter from morning to night fall.

2011-09-12T08:46:00.004-07:00

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2011-09-12T08:42:00.001-07:00

Red House Children's Book Awards 2011

2011-07-03T03:55:00.002-07:00

Two weeks ago I attended the Red House Children's Book awards crememony. I was shortlisted to the top x4 books of the 2010 list for picture books for my first book, 'Annie Hoot and the knitting extravaganza'. It was a really GREAT day and many thanks to all who voted for me!

2011-07-03T03:55:00.001-07:00

2011-07-03T03:54:00.000-07:00

Elephant White Final Artwork

2011-07-03T03:51:00.000-07:00

So I have just sent off all the artwork for Elephant White and they have been sent of for proofing. Here is a sneak preview of what is in store for the book. It should be on the shelves and available online by Christmas time, maybe before. I'll keep you posted. I have loved working on this book!!

2011-07-03T03:50:00.002-07:00

2011-07-03T03:50:00.001-07:00

2011-07-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

2011-07-03T03:48:00.000-07:00

Fishing at dawn

2011-01-23T03:27:00.000-08:00

Fishing

2011-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Elephant White

2010-12-23T07:45:00.002-08:00

; written by Will Brenton, Illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
published by Tenplar Publishing Ltd

I have spent the past coupld of months on lock down in the studio doing the roughs for my two new books. Here are some of the sketches. Magical paintings to come I hope.

2010-12-23T07:45:00.001-08:00

2010-12-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

2010-12-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

Claude

2010-12-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

; written by Will Brenton, Illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown. Published by Egmont ltd
roughs for the new book.

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2010-12-23T07:40:00.002-08:00

2010-12-23T07:40:00.001-08:00

2010-12-23T07:38:00.001-08:00

2010-12-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

Forestband

2010-11-17T06:23:00.001-08:00

"A kingdom from the moon.....la la la di da da da"

Tis that time of Year.....

2010-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Flying Fish

2010-11-08T04:38:00.001-08:00

Finally I have everything back in order. A month ago I had my studio broken into in London and had everything taken. I am now back in the game with new computer and scanner.... this is the first piece of artwork I have done to celebrate. More on the way.....

MIKA MACARONI'S MAGICAL MECHANIMALS

2010-07-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Will and I have another book on the go..... it's not yet been taken to a publishing Co. but I am working on some samples;

Cecil

2010-07-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

So here is the first experiment of "an original", I have used pastel paper and gouache paint, with chalk pastel for the background. I am going to frame this in a box frame incorporate a bird cage around the bird. I'll post it up as an image wen it is done.

It's been great to use new materials and experiment again!!

Following the route

2010-07-12T02:51:00.000-07:00

I have been unable to update my blog for a while as I have been working hard on the Ballet book which I have Finished!!!
It has gone to repro and will be out later this year. I can't post up any more of the images for copyright and exclusivity issues.
I am now in full swing of the Big Bouffant color artwork...

So in the meantime here is little drawing... done in my new studio in Stoke Newington.

Flying Fox

2010-04-24T00:57:00.000-07:00

release of the quirk. Whilst I am enjoying the painting of girls with jazzy tights and mounds of hair, I had to take a couple of days this week to get this out of me.

How to be a Ballerina - Carlton Publishing Ltd.

2010-04-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

Show time spread;
Here is a little sneak at how the final artwork for the ballet book is looking. I am hard at work on this book alongside The BIg Bouffant at the moment.

How to be a Ballerina - Carlton Publishing Ltd.

2010-04-24T00:53:00.000-07:00

The Garden spread;

The Big Bouffant - Lerner Publshing Ltd.

2010-04-24T00:50:00.002-07:00

I have been sketching out the layouts and front cover ideas for the book. Thought I'd post up some of the pencil work to show you the very first stages of a book. The color artwork is starting very soon...

2010-04-24T00:50:00.001-07:00

2010-04-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

Wedding Logos

2010-04-24T00:46:00.002-07:00

My Cousin Olivia is getting married this summer and she asked me to design some logos for her invitation. She is tying the knot at our grandfathers apple orchid in somerset, home to the cider 'Orchard Pig'.... hence the piggy and apple illustrations.

2010-04-24T00:46:00.001-07:00

Elephant White sample- Front Cover

2010-04-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

So here is a sneak at what Elephant White is shaping up to look like. It is going to be a Novelty book with all sorts of amazing embossing delights, and foiling and tings. These are the last of the samples for Bologna Book Fair and The London Book Fair. I am too excited for this project.....

Elephant White sample- Pirate Sledgeship

2010-04-24T00:41:00.000-07:00

Elephant White sample- Red Swallows

2010-04-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

Elephant White sample- Badger Pirate

2010-04-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Trapeze MIce - Elephant sample

2010-04-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

Two Sides of the Coin- Exhibiton @ Centrespace Gallery

2010-04-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

The week of the show was a while ago now, it completely exceeded my expectations and was a great week. Thank to all of you who came down and showed the love and all who purchased and lent a helping hand. I drank a record breaking amount of tea whilst curating.

2010-04-24T00:34:00.002-07:00

2010-04-24T00:34:00.001-07:00

exhibition @ Centrespace Gallery, Bristol-19th-24th March

2010-02-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

Whale in the Bath

2010-02-06T01:39:00.000-08:00

I have got my solo exhibition coming up very soon, March 19th-24th. I will post up the flyer and poster I have done soon. So I found some time to do another 'solo' piece with the show in mind.

Claude written by Will Brenton

2010-02-06T01:37:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of samples I have been working on currently with Will Brenton, (who wrote Elephant White). More amazing tales have come my way and here are the very early visualizations of the text.

Claude- Rickety Rocket sample 2

2010-02-06T01:36:00.000-08:00

Rags to Ritches sample

2010-02-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

I've recently done this sample for a story called Rags to Riches, which is being taken to Random Hse. There are exciting plans for these dolls to be manufactured and celebrities and clients with design their clothing. It's early days with this project so I'll keep you posted (insufficiently I am sure)