Edinburgh Festivities

9 responses to “Edinburgh Festivities”

1. 

   Charlotte

   22 August 2011

   It sounds the best kind of busy to me! I have thoroughly enjoyed the time to paint. Oh for an independent income, alas it is not to be.

   Reply
2. 

   James Mayhew

   22 August 2011

   Ah, well you touch on something deep and pertinant for as much as I love my job (and I do) I long to paint “for me” (as opposed to for a publisher) but of course never find the time (or the motivation).

   Reply
3. 

   Charlotte

   23 August 2011

   You have me curious now, what would you paint for pleasure?

   Reply
4. 

   James Mayhew

   23 August 2011

   Oooh, great big landscapes in oils. I used to use oils, years ago. I love the smell of them, I love the sheer physical nature of them, and the energy required when painting “en plein air”… But I don’t think it would quite keep the ol’ wolf from the door!

   Reply
5. 

   Charlotte

   23 August 2011

   Here’s an idea for you. You kick start the paintings with a landscape, then send Katie to visit other landscapes from other artists.

   Reply
6. 

   cmtvable1

   26 November 2011

   Hello James Mayhew
   I must say when I was young I have always dreamed of becoming a illustrator and I’ve always looked up to you because you used to produce such amazing illustrations. I mean in the 90s you had such a unique style but nowadays you’re just making as many great illustrations as you used to.

   I remember searching on the web and I found an image of the cover of your book ‘The Knight who took all Day’and I thought “this is not Mayhews best work” To be honest the only books of where your illustrations are still the same are in your Katie books.

   I’m not being rude but you make as many unique illustartions as you used to which is a shame because you’re such a talented person.I mean now when you produce illustrations with your classic style it’s good, but when you try different styles(like in your Ella Bella books)its like you’re giving a wrong impression.

   Reply
7. 

   James Mayhew

   27 November 2011

   Well, well, cmtvable, what abn interesting comment. i think you mean to say I no longer make illustrations as I used to? otherwise… why a shame? You have missed the crucial word out! Anyway, I can’t honestly agree with your subjective point of view. I love making Katie books, but a large portion is pastiche, imitating the art of others: hardly “my” style at all. I would, however, agree that the Knight book is not my best work. Let me tell you a little about the publishing industry…

   It may surprise you to discover how much control a publisher has. I was really forced to change my work for the Knight story, as my “Katie” style was considered too “sophisticated”.

   Regarding Ella Bella, I believe you can see more of the real me than in Katie, where i imitate other artists.

   but really, the most important thing to say is, that over the 1/4 century I have been working, is it not a good thing to experiment and evolve? If I was only producing the same work that did 25 years ago, do you not think it would be rather… boring and stale? I do. and that’s why I need to try new things… Ella Bella may be the wrong impression for you, but millions love her just the way she is, preferring her to Katie. It is down to individual taste.

   I am flattered that you have been inspired by my work, but the best advice I can give to any other illustrator is: don’t get stuck in a rut. be courageous and be preparted to push yourself in new directions. As a person i have changed a lot ion 25 years. For my woprk to remain the same would indeed be the wrong impression!

   Reply
8. 

   cmtvable1

   27 November 2011

   I except your decession if its what you want to do I’am okay with it too. It’s just that I love your early work more but thats just my opinion, also its a shame when something or someone I thought was so great before goes to such low expectations . But that was such an interesting reply I’ll keep it in mine.
   P.S Thanks for indicating that mistake in my comment

   Reply
9. 

   James Mayhew

   29 November 2011

   Actually, it’s not a decision in the true sense of the word. I am on a journey to learn things. Somethings work out well, some don’t. I believe you have to take that risk. I don’t feel my work today is as terrible as you evidently do! But I am still going to experiment and change. If you like my earlier work, find Pinocchio and Koshka’s Tales. They should please you.

   Reply