Last Ice Cream of the Season

My own family have been visiting Notariannis Ice Cream Parlour in Blackpool for generations and my kids look set to continue this tradition. Luckily, I got my last "99" of the year just before it closed last weekend. Not before I took a photo and did a sketch back at home.

Luigi, the owner, asked me to forward the sketch once I'd finished it. He even remembered the Wells Cafe which used to be run by my distant relative on Blackpool Prom!

Lytham Folly/Summerhouse

This was done from a photo I took close to where the 4 Lytham Gates were painted. This Listed Building is a well know landmark but looks a little sad now that it has fallen into disrepair.

Make Your Life a Work of Art

I was inspired to do a sketch which included a quote from Dan Price that I heard on one of his YouTube clips. I love this guys philosophy on life and that he actually walks (or tricycles) the talk.

4 Lytham Gates

Located between Seafield Road and Granny's Bay, these mostly disused gates used to give access to the beach for the large villas that lie behind them. I love the variety in wall construction and weathering. It's also a great dog walking spot.



Art Journaling on a train.

I'm trying a new style popular amongst journal artists and written about by Danny Gregory and Dan Price. Sketching is a great way to pass the time on journeys if you can get used to the stares off the other passengers. It also creates a lasting personal memory of the trip in a way taking a photo can't.

Ribble Cruising Club, Lytham

On a beautiful Autumn day, I sat down on a bench on Lytham Green and sketched out this building which used to house The Anchoridge night club (painted later at home). The paved area on the right was once the site of another night club called Zanzibar I think?

Victorian Terrace, Lytham

There are so many fabulous Victorian Terraces in Lytham but I particularly like this one which has the original stained glass sash windows.

Dock Road Garage, Lytham

I pass this disused garage most days and often wonder what the history of it is and the people who worked here? It is soon to be demolished for housing so I thought now would be a good time to commit it to pen and paper. 



Lytham Posy Bowl

The building which now houses Lytham Bosy Bowl used to be Henry Street Chippy; a place of heavenly delights after a night out on the beer in my youth. Due to the weather, this one was done entirely from my photo.



Strongs Greengrocers, Lytham

Encouraged by my first effort, I took up a spot in a cafe opposite the fabulous tradtional greengrocers, Strongs of Lytham and did the same process as before. I love thier colourful displays especially just before Halloween.

Java Cafe, Lytham

After reading Danny Gregory's books, Everyday Matters and Creative License, I decided to pick up a pen and sketch book and venture into Lytham Square. Once a suitable bench was located, I sat and drew my favourite cafe, Java. I went straight in with ink and let go of any fear about making a mistake or drawing in public. Once completed, I took a photo of the scene and added the watercolour at home.

I've caught the drawing/sketching/art journaling bug and have started this Blog to share my sketchbook online and seperate it from my other Blog, www.wellyscaricatures.blogspot.com. I'm hoping it will attract likeminded artists from around the world to view my work and share thier creations with me for mutual benefit. Happy sketching!