Go Go Safari

Last week we welcomed an Elephant and Rhino into or studio! We were delighted to be painting these fantastic sculptures for https://www.break-charity.org/gogosafari/ supporting the wonderful work of https://www.break-charity.org/charity/. This trail will begin in the summer, can’t wait for our rhino and elephant to join the parade. Sharing a few sneak peeks so you can see what we have been up to.

With thanks to the fantastic https://castlequarternorwich.co.uk/ for choosing our Rhino design- this fun design celebrates the diverse city of Norwich and has aunique I Spy theme! Be sure to take a photo of it when you spy it and tell us your favourite part.

Our elephant design evokes a sense of nature and relaxation, featuring the wobdeful railways across Norfolk and the abundance of wildlife, flowers and plants. The wonderful https://whitwellstation.com/ choose this design- be sure to visit when pass by.

A bit about the trail: This summer will see the big 5 out on the streets of Norwich and Norfolk. Take a trek to discover the wonderful artwork on display, from roarsome lions to amazing elephants, giraffes and rhinos! The sculptures will appear along the streets, parks and open spaces, and shopping centres across Norwich and Norfolk. Each animal sculpture represents the strength, resilience and hope of the young people from care that Break supports.







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Light The South

Our lighthouse “Light of Green” will be making its way from the Isle of Wight, Cowes to the Southampton Boat show from the 13th of September and then to the auction on the 20th of September.

Our Lighthouse is all about the natural word and highlights the amazing the fresh produce to be found across the south, from the vines, honey and tomatoes of the Isle of Wight to the apple and pear orchards of the New Forest.

To find out more visit: https://lightthesouth.co.uk/

Burton Barrel Roll

Our Barrels “Burton Through Time” and “Moonlight” are out on the trail in Burton Upon Trent this summer. We painted these gorgeous barrel sculptures for Making Trails. The trail features 14 barrels dotted around Burton, each one uniquely designed by a different artist. To find out more about the trail and where you can pick up a trail map visit Burton Barrel Roll.

Our designs feature some iconic Burton locations as well as local fauna and flora. Here is a little insight to our process of painting our two barrels:

Burton Through Time Barrel

Our process:

1 It all starts with a design- first we researched into the themes of our designs, in this instance for ‘Burton Through Time’ we looked at how Burton On Trent has evolved and some of the best loved places and things that really stood out, like Burtons Brewing past and historic buildings. We decided for this design we used a colour scheme of blues, turquoise and golds to really reflect the time and period of our design. For ‘Moonlight’ we wanted to celebrate the local wildlife, so we got stuck into designing an array of animal characters including swans, hedgehogs and water voles, we decided to evoke a sense of peace by using soothing moonlight colours of pinks, dark blues and purples. The silhouettes of Burton landmarks and the glowing starlight plants and foliage really add to the effect of calm and tranqulity.

2: Translating 2D to 3D- Its all about scaling up the design, so we decided to work with the most prominent shapes first- in this instance for ‘Burton Through Time’ we started with circle shapes. We divided the design into sections and used a circle template to draw out our design- 3 circles per side. Working on a 3D rounded sculpture can be a challenge, so it’s important to step back and see your work from a distance too. Drawing out your design in a watercolour pencil is good as it can be early wiped out if needed and won’t show up under your paint.

3: Working in layers: We start with the base colours first, making sure we apply 3-4 coats to get a good strong colour. We then build up the design layer by layer, drawing out the simple shapes with a watercolour pencil and then filling them in with acrylic paint. Dividing your design into quadrants is a good idea, approaching the sculpture from each side so you really get a feel on how your design flows around it. Once we have all the base shapes on its time to add the details- our most favourite part.

4: Details- Using small brushes and Posca pens we build up the details bit by bit, its good to keep in mind the shape of the sculpture, so if your drawing a certain object or character , step back and look at it so you can see how your character works on a curve- is it sitting well? Do you need to make allowances for the curve? Most of all it’s important to let your style shine though, have a play beforehand. Try different mark making or line work that you can achieve with the pens or brushes. For “Moonlight” we used a splatter technique to build up the stars before going in with the detailed constellations.

We will be sharing more of our top tips for sculpture painting soon, so stay tuned.

Shaun in the Heart of Kent

Delighted to share that we have painted 3 Shaun the Sheep sculptures for Shaun in the Heart of Kent! The sheep will be in Maidstone, Kent until the 30th of August.

Our first design Flock to Maidstone is inspired by Maidstone’s best-loved places to visit, such as Leeds Castle, Stoneacre and the River Medway. Apple orchards, hops and cherry blossoms also feature on this colourful sheep sculpture.

Our second design “Raising the Baa’ is all about getting active and enjoying being outdoors! It features lots of sheep playing different sports such as basketball, tennis and football.

The third design we painted is ‘Best in show” which is inspired by the rich and picturesque Kent countryside. It features some of Kents well known farmyard animals, foliage and countryside locations.

If you find our sheep in Maidstone be sure to tag us in @pipandrach

Find out more here: https://shaunheartofkent.co.uk/

Flock to Maidstone Shaun the Sheep Sculpture

Raising the Baa sculpture

Best in Show Shaun the sheep Sculpture

Artist Interview Elmer Trail artist

Just popping in to share this interview we did with Art Discount about painting and designing our Elmer sculpture for Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool. You can check out our interview along with two other wonderful artists interviews by clicking on this link Art Discount or by visiting the Art Discount website.

Our Elmer standing proudly outside Sandcastle Water Park in Blackpool

Ey Up! It's a Snook. Yorks Character Trail

Our snook that we painted is now enjoying its surrounding’s outside Middletons hotel York. This cheerful chap celebrates all things Yorkshire featuring some of Yorks best loved places from The shambles to Betty’s Tea room and Middletons Hotel. Covered in local dialect and Yorkshire phases this snook has a lot to say.

Yorks Snook Trail- find and journey though York to see 21 Snook Sculptures each decorated by different artists. These snooks are a bookish breed and love nothing more than a good book, find these snooks dotted across York and discover each ones story! Trail on until April 25th 2024.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of our snook “ Ey Up- Its a Snook” if you see it! Tag us @pipandrach

Thanks to Middletons hotel for the Amazing Photo of our Snook!

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Croydon Stands Tall with Sprit of Adventure Giraffe

We were delighted to have been chosen to paint an 8 foot giraffe as part of Croydon Stands Tall. Our giraffe ‘ Sprit Of Adventure” is inspired by adventure, discovery and getting active, whenever that be a favourite sport or trying something new. This loyal giraffe is dressed like a brave Ninja in a neon green outfit, cool pink boots and even has star spots.

When painting this design we wanted to use bright colours that reflected positivity, well-being and happiness. This Giraffe stood proudly on the streets of Croydon and formed a trail with over 30 other amazing giraffes large and small all designed by different artists, schools and community groups.

The large giraffes will be coming together for a farewell event on the 11th and 12th of November in Centrale Shopping Centre Croydon. They will then be auctioned of on the 22nd of November suporting the amazing Croydon Crisis Charity. See for more details: https://www.croydonstandstall.co.uk/events/auction/

Shortlisted for Ethicool Books illustration competition

So happy to have been shortlisted for the Ethicool illustration competition! You can vote for our illustration: Vote Here Just follow the steps and vote for Rachael and Phillippa.

We are so grateful for all your votes and support!

The illustration is about a quiet non-verbal girl who communicates through music and drawing. We decided to create a joyful and happy scene showing the girls thoughts and words flowing though music and drawings.