Now that the Animals in Hats pt 2 exhibition has come down, I thought it was about time I talk you through each piece.
Animals in Hats was my main focus for 2019. Part one consisted of ten original artworks which went on display at Mustard Coffee Bar, Norwich on 6th April. It was followed by a slightly bigger collection of fifteen pieces which were released on 16th November.
Animals in Hats will always be an incredibly special series for me. It is my first real non-commissioned series, and I had complete creative control over the entire outcome. They gave me the assurance of where I would like to take my artwork in the future - they all feel so "me" and I am so proud of the entire collection.
I honestly believe that this series will prove to be a pivotal moment in my art career. Because of it I have discovered that I have an incredible amount of support in my local community and that people like and encourage my artwork.
Animals in Hats came about when I was invited to exhibit some pieces in Mustard Coffee bar (their coffee is out-of-this-world btw) and I decided that I wanted to take the opportunity to create a new series. I often get asked where I got the idea of Animals in Hats from... and in all truth... I'm not sure. Ridiculous right? I was just throwing ideas about, I knew that I wanted to create something a little different, and animals were the obvious choice to base my idea on. I had been drawing dogs, bees, squirrels and other wildlife for years and it was something I felt comfortable with. I put my own twist on it, and so my Animals in Hats were born.
So shall I talk you through the collection then?
My tiger was the first piece I created. She was the one that came to mind immediately when I imagined this collection. A tiara was only fitting with her regal expression, and of course she took her name from the iconic Queen of Sheba.
Next up is my lioness, Nala. I created her months before I designed my rebrand, and looking back now, I really shouldn't have been surprised that I was drawn to the yellow and lilac combo.
This Jersey cow has proven to be my most popular piece. Unfortunately the original Gordon sold before my mother could get her hands on her favourite of the series!
I absolutely love the pastel colour-scheme this little bunny has going on, her name was inspired by our Chinchilla of the same name, who spends all of her time finding the perfect hidy-hole. I learnt an awful lot whilst drawing this piece, her fluffy texture meant for some new techniques.
This flamboyant fella, just had to be called Elvis, the most colourful of the bunch, I got to try out colours I rarely use in my day-to-day commissions. This was one of the most time-consuming pieces over the two series, with all of those feathers needing painstaking amounts of detail.
I knew that in this series I wanted to include a Robin Hood hat - the Disney version being a childhood favourite film of mine. Archer the badger turned out to be the perfect model for it.
These two chaps aren't to be messed with, I've often had them compared to a couple of gangsters. Of course I just couldn't resist a good play on words with the two famous magicians.
And now for the minis!
Reece, Charming & Ben
These pieces were designs that I had in my mind when I was dreaming up this series, but I knew they wouldn't quite work as big pieces like the rest...so they became minis. I have a particular soft spot for my frog, Charming. There's just something about him that I adore. I think he might just be my favourite of the entire series.
So that's part one of my Animals in Hats collection, I can't believe that it was this time last year that I was working on them - time flys!
The response I have received for this series has been amazing, thank you to everyone who has left me lovely comments, liked and shared my photos or bought a piece.
If you are interested in any of the pieces, the remaining originals and giclee prints are available through my Etsy store here.
Thanks for reading!
KTx