Waitrose food illustrations

Hello,

I know it's been an age since I last wrote a post, but I think we all know the world is a bit of strange place at the moment so I had a bit of a gap.  I'm going to try to get back on posting more regularly from now on though, let's see how it goes!
I'm not going to gabble on for too long.  I have been working away on a few different projects since I was last here and the one I'm going to share today is some illustrations I did for Waitrose food magazine.  They were for the Everyday Food section of an illustrated special and it was the the July edition which is out now.

Here are the actual spreads:-

It was great to work on this as it was a lovely big juicy commission, and it kept my mind active as we were right in the middle of the lockdown.  Also at the time it was really warm and sunny, that's definitely all disappeared at the moment.  

Ok, I'm going to leave it there today.  I will be back with more soon.  I hope if you're reading this that you're staying safe and remaining positive.  I know that can be extremely tough some days.  Please take care and be kind to yourselves xx

Summery delights

Hello,

I thought I'd share some recent summer inspired food I've illustrated.  This year in the UK we are having a proper summer, which is very exciting!  So everyday has been warm and sunny for weeks which is lovely (although today is cloudy, but hopefully that's a one off, it's still warm!).  My flat gets very hot as it's on the top floor and gets the sunshine in the afternoon and evening, so it means I can't be cooking and creating more heat, so there's been a lot of yummy salads.  One particular favourite has been courgette with pine nuts and basil or my version of pesto (minus the cheese) which I have to say has been delicious.  It's super light, fresh and yummy.  I've been having it with another cannellini bean salad which I'm going to draw up soon, and sometimes potato salad.  Maybe that sounds like quite a lot of food.....hmm, eating is good.

I loved working on these in the sunshine (with the fan going obviously).  I really hope this weather lasts, it's just a joy to feel the sun on your skin and not worry about taking layers wherever you go.  I'm really enjoying it.  Today I'm working on another coffee illustration and then I'm hoping to get to a local park researching for some new work.  Have a lovely weekend :).

Two Versions

Hello there,

Below are two food Illustrations of the same recipe!  I don't often redo work although I make a lot of rough versions testing out colours, marks and composition, but I tend to move on once I've completed something.  With the first image I was never entirely happy with the composition, there are bits of it I like but as a whole I just don't think it works and the bowl was really bothering me!  I put it away for a couple of days and then decided to do another version.  I'm happier with the second one, it feels lighter more like the salady look I wanted.  I thought I'd post both for you to take a look.  Which do you prefer?

Version 1

Version 2

I have to say the dish itself is delicious and very filling, it's like eating a bowl of health, you just know its super good for you!  
I hope you've had a good weekend and Monday!  Time for bed for me, it's been a long day and I need some zzz's.....
I'll be back soon with some more foodie treats.  Have a good week :).