Sheer Lingerie Print 4/20

4/20 As a fashion illustrator I am obsessed with some of the new trends emerging, one of them being lace bras, with thin straps, sheer detailing and beautiful colouring, they really make lingerie interesting again. I was pretty bored of the standard balconette and other shapes, so i've really taken to this. I've been wanting to draw these for a while now, and having the opportunity to create new illustrations every day has made me made quick decisions and actually take more chances. I've recently set up a society 6 page for international orders, so if you're outside of the UK you can now order my new prints HERE. If you're in the UK then grab a bargain,

Every image from this Illustration series are £10 each. 

Accessorise with Turquoise and Gold

3/20 I wanted to draw some of my favourite things, with one of the most lovely colour combinations, gold and turquoise. I've been waiting to try this out for a while now and I thought using it with nails and jewellery would be a great opportunity. I added tiny gold flecks at the top of the nails to create an ombre affect and used deep rusty golds to compliment the pinks. I've added a close-up shot at below so you can see all the delicate rings i've drawn, I love the look of piling up accessories and i've been dying to try it myself, but maybe i have to live through my illustrations for now. Make sure you check out the rest of the set and keep coming back each day.

 This print is now available for £10 HERE

Debenhams and Gather.ly illustration

Well hello! It's been such a lovely springy day, fresh, bright and complete with some april showers! I've been working on a slightly secretive project. Organised by the amazing gather.ly I, along with a group of artists were given a line to interpret by Debenhams, and to create a piece from the quote. We were allowed to be so lose with the brief and really do what we wanted with it, i loved that aspect and decided to do a feminine flowery illustration.
Gather.ly works within the creative industries making sure no-one misses out on amazing opportunities to work with great brands, they're a new company but it's obvious they're going to make a big impact in the art world, and for great reason, i'm so glad they approached me and gave me this opportunity, so if you et a chance, check them out.

I'm not a fine artist, I played around a little with concept in college, but it's not something that is the driving force for my work, it sounds little vain to say but visuals are obviously very important for me. Chris Turner, a film-maker from London came to film and interview me about the piece and I explained the techniques and processes I go through to get to the final illustration, Now, I'm absolutely terrified to hear what I've said, i'm not the most eloquent of speakers and i'm not used to interviews/camera in my face, so I'll apologise now for the nonsense i've most likely have spoken. Having said that Chris's work is really great and i'm looking forward to seeing the film he's made about all of the artists. There will be an exhibition in London (Shoreditch) on the 14th May  at The Allpress Espresso  Roastery 58 Redchurch St, Shoreditch, Greater London showing everyone's final pieces, it's going to be relaxed and really informal,  I haven't exhibited a piece in so long, So that's exciting. It's open to everyone, so pop along and check out The Art Of Interpretation 
 

I get distracted easily......

You may know I use a lot of pink, I adore the colour, however I really wanted to get away from it and use some different tones, Black and white adds such class to an image which I really like within this, The model has more of a mature look so I didn't want to undermine it with pinks and pastel colours. The ink splashes were created traditionally, i then scanned them in and edited them in photoshop, along with the illustration. I really hope you like the final piece and seeing around my workspace. 

Want to know who else is exhibiting, well. We have Jean Jullien, Charlotte Posner,  Edward Carvalho Monaghan and Eleanor Rose

Lipsticks

I'm a huge fan of lipsticks, RARELY do I dare to do no colour, if i do i'm always wearing a moisturiser /chap stick for some comfort, I get asked what colours i'm wearing so I thought it'd be interesting to get some of my favourites together.

Loreal
I was given this lipstick by my aunty, as I usually wouldn't bother buying anything else until my collection 2000 has run out, But i'm glad i've had the chance to try something new,   it's a great Lipstick, lovely packaging and feels very luxurious, It also comes off easily on glasses and whatever you eat, but blotting should help that. This is an amazing intense red lipstick which is one of my must-haves.

Sleek - Mystic 783

This little lipstick is modestly packaged but it has become one of my favourites, in a beautiful bold purple colour it applies really well and has a very smooth moisturising feel, if you're worried about wearing a Matt lipstick which may make your lips look dry this really is a great find,  creamy and vibrant and surprisingly long lasting, at £4.99 it's a win win. 8/10

YSL Rouge 

it is far by the best lipstick i've ever bought, in every way it's exceptional, The packaging is beautiful and hardy, it's lovely to hold and it really feels like it's worth every penny, The scent of the lipstick is very fruity, and obviously the coverage and the feel is everything I want from lipstick, the colour is intense and only one/two applications is needed, the staying power is brilliant and it has a really nice mouse like texture. At £25 it is the top of my price range, but it has lasted a long time and i'd love to own more from that collection. 9/10

17 Lasting fix lipstick - Hot Chilli
This is one of my go to lipsticks, not quite a red as it has a gorgeous orange tint to it, it doesn't quite have the super human staying power as sleek Mystic though,  which isn't a bad thing as it's still brilliant, anyone who's not quite brave enough to try a full on red might want to give this a try one evening, you won't need to worry about re-applying and it won't look flakey. £4.29 8/10

Collection 2000 Volume sensation - Cherry Pop
When you get a Red lipstick you need a good one! and this is it,  (the search is over!) I'm always being complimented on this and for the price it's incredible value. It stays on so well, it's creamy, moisturising and had a really vibrant coverage, it goes everywhere with me i had no idea it was meant to be plumping but it does have a little glossiness to it which may add to that illusion, Great find and i can't recommend enough. £2.99 9/10

Rimmel Apocalips - Apocaliptic,
 Intense, vibrant and smooth, it' much thicker than a gloss and it's lovely to wear, the colour is super strong and really gives a nice edge to makeup, it can look a bit much if worn with heavy eye-makeup but it depends what you want to get out of it. I love this Lipstick/Gloss and it's one of my favourites, might be worth using a lip liner if colour bleeds on your lips. £5.99 8/10

This is my FIRST ever make-up post so i hope it wasn't too boring and at least a little interesting, Thanks for reading if you got this far, would love to know your fave lipsticks and what you thought of this post. All photographs have been taken by me.
 Nat x

   

My Holiday Accessories

If you follow me on twitter then you probably know that i'm going to New York on Monday! (EEEEK) I cannot wait, and i'm feeling so unprepared, the weather seems to be so unpredictable, sometimes snow, others it appears to be dry and just cold. (Wardrobe hell) I have no idea what to take so i'm putting a lot of varieties into my suitcase just incase.  It's a bit frustrating, those last few days leading up to a holiday as all the things I regularly wear are being washed and I don't want to wear them, My favourite coat is being dry cleaned so i hope it isn't destroyed when i get it back.

I managed to get some great things when looking at second hand shops, Ebay and my local boot market are places i'll go just before a holiday, I suppose i'd rather spend my money on things when I'm there than expensive things to take. A lot of things I have were either bought for me (for xmas or birthday), given to me, or I bought second hand, My best buy is my Tortoise shell cat eye sunglasses, I also have a black version simply because they were £3.69 from this Ebay Store. They look fab and they're simple enough to go with a lot of outfits, it's really difficult to find accessories which aren't overly embellished, but these are perfect. 

 I have two favourite perfumes, The one pictured is Gucci Guilty, and the other is Armani Diamonds (Presents, i'd never buy myself expensive perfumes) But i'm so glad I have them as they're really lovely.My watch is second hand, £2. My YSL earrings are fake! (I feel so ashamed) My favourite lipstick is Loreal, "Colour Riche 461" and as lipsticks go it's one of the best, stays on beautifully, has great coverage and it's a real poppy colour. Highly recommended.

So, i'm just getting final things together now and Pinning lots of places for us to visit, One being the High rise, I've heard it's a really lovely view of New York. Which I can't wait to see! Also we're going to watch some shows on Broadway, I reaallly want to go to some lovely little Cafes, so If you have any suggestions of places to go, please let me know :)
As always, thanks for reading,

Nat x

Company Magazine Illustrations March 2013

Woo! It's been a crazy month of work for me, I've done loads, and they're all being released at once, these were drawn very late last year (drawn the same time as the Paris Issue work) These are my favourite drawings so far, They seem so delicate and really represent spring (drew lots of little flowers)

We went through a few outfit changes, added various accessories, removed things and worked out what looked better, I'm really pleased with the final result, I roughly drew out the placement of the products for them to be replaced with the photographs, 

Any thoughts on the drawings?

Susie Bubble

 Whilst flicking through the couture week photos, I always have a look through the front row, it's really interesting to see the style of the people who attend, and how they're influenced by fashion, of course it's different for everyone, but Susie Bubble is a lady who always stands out to me, her style is so unique, She is aware of the trends but doesn't let them control her, she wears what she wants, and it never comes across in attention seeking way, Even the brightest and extraordinarily colourful outfits appear to be put together with not only thought but a humble love and understanding of fashion.

When I see an image that I want to draw, it bugs me for a while, I can't get it out of my head, I think about how i'll draw it what colours i'll use and if i'll add any mixed media, I love being bugged by inspiration.

I envy those who will wear an outfit regardless of how others may react, I do wonder how i'd dress if wasn't so conscious of people's opinions. Saying it sounds very shallow, but i'm sure it's something that people can relate to. Having said that, the blogging world is really taking over, and with that is more exposure to new trends within different countries, which is an exciting and inspiring time, a few clicks and you can find the most stylish in any place you may want, It's great to challenge your perception of style and try things out of your comfort, I think susie is doing just that, and I'm excited to take a few more risks this year.

 If you haven't heard of Susie or her work (i'm 100% sure you know who she is) then check her out here 

Sarah Jessica Parker

It's an exciting time of year for fashion, with the Grammys, Oscars and Couture week (to name a few) there are always beautiful designs that are being shown. I adored Couture week, my favourites being Elie Saab (every year) and Dolce and Gabbana Alta Moda. I was also SO excited to find out Sarah Jessica Parker is releasing her own shoe collection, HOW COULD SHE NOT?! I adore the simplicity of the designs, and with the 90's raging back into fashion, rumours of a new Sex and the City movie, she couldn't have chosen a better time. 

 I've always loved "SJP's" Style, as a petite lady she really dresses well, and isn't afraid to try the trends that us smaller girls would be encouraged to shy away from, Her heels are a little smaller than what i'd comfortably wear, although they are super lovely and i'd love to try them. Although at $195 I think they're a little out of my price range.  :(

I had to draw one of the photos that have been taken for her collection, I've always hated Red and Pink together, but the more I see of it the more I love it, So, i'm converted now, and I shall pay no attention to my colour wheel ;) Also, does anyone else remember Carrie loving the Mary Jane's in the Vogue shoe closet? She's designed some so similar to those, lush. Below is a little Gif i've made showing the process of my illustration! 

Company Magazine Illustrations Part 2

Le Flick! The second Illustration commission for Company's Paris Issue!

I'm so excited to show you these lovely eye makeup catwalk looks, all taken from the biggest shows on Paris Fashion week. My favourite is the Alexis Mabille, it's just so elegant and a style that really suits anyone, not to mention it's created the trend which we're seeing on everyone lately.

They're all different eyes, I created them all black and white at first but along side the colourful chanel look, it appeared realyl stange, so some colour was needed to balance it all out,  I kept the hues of the eye colour quite similar as i wanted the black pencil marks to really be the focus, i rarely draw with such dark heavy strokes, but I wanted the eyes to be in the same focus as the make-up and not look like an afterthought, Anyway, I hope you get to read this issue and see it in the flesh for your-self

 Natalie xx

Company Magazine Paris Issue Part 1

Bonjour! I was so excited when i heard Company magazine were planning a Paris issue for their February Magazine, and I HAD to get involved, i was absolutely thrilled when I was asked to create an illustration of a perfume bottle with a french scene involved. I added lots of bokeh lights and made it very dreamy with the use of pastel colours, pinks and creams. It was a joy to make, lots of hard work and refinements but I hope everyone is pleased with the outcome!

A little close-up of the french bicycle I drew. I added hints of gold glitter to pop against the muted hues.

And how it looks in the magazine! I was really pleased it turned out so well and I love the graphic design along side it! The paris issue came at such an amazing time, I was already wanting to go to Paris, I want to sit and draw all the little cafes and go shopping. Hey, a Cliche is a cliche for a reason, right?

est-ce que vous aimez?

And how it looks in the magazine! I was really pleased it turned out so well and I love the graphic design along side it! The paris issue came at such an amazing time, I was already wanting to go to Paris, I want to sit and draw all the little cafes and go shopping. Hey, a Cliche is a cliche for a reason, right?  ;)

I'm deinfietly going to plan a trip now, and with all the company tips in the magazine I can't wait!

 Anyway, thoughts on the illustration would be greatly appreciated.

Natalie x

Best blogs to follow for 2014

                                                                  

Good afternoon!

I'm in desperate need of some amazing new blogs to follow for Christmas and the new year, I want to really get involved and see some great blogs I can interact with an be inspired by,

So if you're blogging about fashion, illustration, crafts, fashion or lifestyle drop your link below and I'll check you out and follow you!

 Just a quick question, how would you recommend following people on blogger, I'm signed up with bloglovin which is cool, any other ways or simpler methods?

Looking forward to seeing some blogs :) 

Fashion illustration new working in progress

So we're fast approaching the NEW YEAR!
so i thought i'd show you what i'm up to and the plans for 2014, I've already finished a few Illustrations which will be in magazines early next year! which is mad to think i've already completed work which will be shown in the new year. (for two of my favourite magazines) I'll post them when the magazines are out! :D

This particular piece is in it's very early stages is drawn from some reference images that were taken by a friend of mine of a lovely model called Amy, She was great to photograph and gave me some amazing photos to draw from and play around with, I brought some roses on set so i could draw them and then visually build them all around to how I wanted, etc.
 This particular piece is only for my own illustration portfolio, but it's nice to do something for myself and explore some new ideas, techniques i'm working with.

If you can see the detail in the lips and eyes you can tell how pain staking it was to create all the little grooves and shadows, it's a difficult territory to be in, as I still wanted to retain the Illustration quality and not make it too realistic.

 Now! This lady is Laila Daho  you may recognise her from youtube! she does some awesome vidoes on make-up lifestyle etc, i'm working on a banner for her youtube, and this is a very early stage of the work! 

Christmas Cards

Well, It's December, Already! Where has this year gone?
 We all had goals and ambitions for the year, mine was to gain more exposure within the Illustration word.
set up a shop! (DONE)
 and, I think, to explore my artistic style a bit more.

I do think i've achieved a little of it, i'm never 100% happy with my work, but i'm ok with that, personally i don't think i'll improve if i'm content (I think i've said that a lot)

I've made some really girly Illustrative christmas cards, they're luxurious, pretty and delicate, and are perfect to send to those friends who love Fashion and all the stereotypical girly things I adore too ;)
I wanted to experiment with the pink and gold colour palette, I think it works really well as a christmassy Card to go along with presents or as a gift card, After xmas I will be selling these as Happy Birthday Cards too!

They're £5 for a pack of 5! or £1.50 each
The pack can be a mixture of the two designs or of one only.
It's up to you, but be quick, They're selling out :)
You can buy them HERE

Illustration, black and white watercolours

Hey all!
Thanks for viewing my new blog, Hoping everything looks nice on it, I just wanted to write an update on my new work, I really felt like my portfolio needed some versatility and a breath of fresh air, so i decided to experiment with some watercolours and pencils in a different way.

The image below is something i'm really proud of, it look a long time and I do struggle with making sure the image is simple enough but still pleasing to look at. (something I spoke about with my Asos Illustration in a previous post)

  I thought it looked a little plain, so i added some extra movement with sharp brush strokes at the bottom to imply a fluffy jumper! If you really like this piece you can get the A4 Version Here for £10
 I think it shows a really mature side to my work and something i hope to pursue and experiment with. 

This Second piece is a very early work in progress shot, It's going to have a very stark black background and dramatic reds. I'm looking forward to completing this piece as it won't be like something i've done before.

My First watercolour piece, very close up and simple again, 

It's gotten a really good reaction, I do like the eyes, If you like this illustration you can buy it here for £10

Asos Fashion Illustration

It's getting to winter, and I've been looking for cosy Hats and lovely outfit inspiration, whilst going through Asos, I was inspired, so i decided to draw something from their collection.

I really think a simple style says a lot about a person, and it really appeals to me, I know this illustration isn't particularly interesting, loud or colourful but it has a certain simplicity about it which I really like, and I hope is appreciated.
 I kept everything quite clean with a quick wash of paint to suggest the top,

My first work in progress shot, toyed with the idea of leaving the hat blank, but as it's a fashion post I thought some of the clothing needed to have detail. I find teeth a real struggle, if they are too defined they look odd and the gums can look too dark, I also struggle with making the teeth look a little too gappy sometimes, although I do think it works in this piece,

Second Work in progress, Additional detailing is added to the hair,
I'm really enjoying these Fashion Illustration posts and it's nice to get back in to it all, I'll be posting regularly with lots of work in progress shots.

Make sure you check out my new website
shop.natalielines.co.uk

New company magazine beauty illustration

Recently I got commissioned to draw some makeup products for company magazines beauty article! It's all about saving your makeup when it's broken, getting those extra bits out of it so you can continue using it,

 I've lost count at how many times I've dropped my pressed powder and its shattered :( so I was excited to start the drawings and go for something a bit brighter, as I've mentioned before my work is very pale and although its a current trend I do want to show some versatility ;) 

 We had discussed a beauty table and box for the piece, however I thought that it might take the focus off the makeup as its be quite small within the frame, my first drawings were playing with images on a dresser like an old telephone, I battled with this and couldn't get it to look how I wanted.

Sometimes I cut my losses and start again, otherwise I end up wasting time and achieving nothing when I could have been half way through something really good, other times I try and push through if I feel like there's potential in the piece. 

This is the image I started with, I don't mind where it's going, but the lack of detail really stops me from connecting with it, I've also got a problem with the water coloured chair back,  

 I'm glad I went with another approach and it was received well thankfully! We upped the saturation and added a bit of sparkle, which I think made a big difference 

Here is a close up of one of the first drafts I sent over, as you can see a bit more work went into this but I was pleased with the direction it was heading.  The box was a little frustrating but the more detail I put in it the better it looked (obviously hah)

 I added a little bit of sparkle on the pots and in the eye shadows, I just adore the way they shimmer so I wanted to try and emulate that a little within the illustration.

I experimented with some other hues, I really like the purple and pinks but it is a common colour of mine so it was suggested that some turquoise and blues should be added, which worked really well, you can see the finished piece below, I added a few little plasters on the pots to keep in with the broken theme..

I certainly have the itch to draw more beauty products now and expand my portfolio to other things I love! I started drawing some macaroons soon after, they took hours! They were extremely time consuming but well worth the finished result. 

I loved adding the little flag, I then went on the draw a few more below, I wanted to add some colour to them, maybe a blue/turquoise, but it really didn't look right so I removed it and kept the only colour the sprinkles and flag.

Final image!

 Thanks so much for reading, I always appreciate the comments, I hope you get chance to read company and see my new work :)