February 29, 2008 - Fame for Dixy

Exciting times at Alisons Animals! We are being featured in 'The World Of Cross Stitching' this month.
Two of the designs have been translated into cross stitch patterns and to go with them, the magazine has printed a 'meet the artist' article complete with photos (cringe!)
Dixy (or supermodel Dixy as we must now call her) appears in one photograph. She is supposed to be inspiring my painting but actually looks as if she's about to do a Blue Peter pet and make a quick exit!
It did seem a bit unfair that Rex wasn't included but to be honest if it doesn't involve food then he's not interested.

November 20, 2007 - Bring your budgie to work day

Busy,busy here at Alisons Animals - rushing out Christmas orders to all our customers . Definately need an elf or two.
Just to add to the choas Billy the budgie joined the office this week. Billy ( blue and white, slightly hysterical expression , always on the verge of a private nervous breakdown)has lived with us for three years but despite much coaxing still regards everyone with deep suspicion .
His cage has always been in the studio, but with the recent cold I have moved paints into the office and decided to bring B. the b. with me - thinking maybe a change of scene , the hustle and bustle of office work would bring him out of his shell(ahem) so to speak.
Well, so far he has upset several piles of ordered papers, flown into me in the middle of phone calls and pooped on some card stock ( which you may order at only a little extra cost )
No tamer really but much more of a mischief . If you would like to see Billy the non-wonder bird he is having a bath on the square deal card " Lovely Bubbly " He is not this clean in real life.
Do budgies ever stop moulting ?

September 18, 2007 - New cards on the way !

September always feels like back to work - in a good way! Hols over and back to the drawing board ( at least I don`t have to wear uniform!)
And this September sun meant me and the dogs could actually sit out in the garden to work after the downpour of summer. Not that the dogs do much work - apart from Dixy who is on constant look out for squirrels and the sumo size wood pigeons that land in the apple tree. Rex lies on his back in the sun.
Anyway , all this outdoors inspired me and I have been working on a new range-all outdoors and garden related - featuring owls, squirrels, blue-tits, cats and dogs - including one of Rex in his favorite pose , drawn from life(well it isn`t difficult as he doesn`t move much....!)
Drawing with your dogs sitting out in the sun - it`s a tough job, but .....!!!

August 31, 2007 - Meet the animals !

Welcome to the new look Alison`s Animals website and blog.
Here you can read about new designs, ideas,general ramblings .... and ( most important!) follow the adventures of Dixy and Rex - artist`s models and advisors on life, food and squirrels (SQUIRRELS! WHERE ?!!)