Crystal Palace Subway - Open House Weekend 2013

September 24, 2013 Matt Bannister

I returned to the Crystal Palace Subway last Sunday, as it was open to the public as part of London's Open House weekend. The Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, who ran and organised the visits across the weekend, were giving out postcards of my 'Subway Sphinxes' image to visitors: an arty freebie for the lucky people who managed to get tickets and a little bit of self promotion for me. Thanks to Jules Hussey for being the keeper of the cards. Some of the team were also wearing the t-shirt I designed too, which was great. I'm very pleased to have been involved in a small way with this project, and it's definitely something I'll be continuing to support.

Borough Market Illustrations - 2

September 18, 2013 Matt Bannister

I've been working on these for a while, now. I posted the first incarnation - 'Borough Veg 1' a while ago, but have kept the others hidden until completion. I think my favourites are 'Fish' and 'Veg 2' partly because of that creamy, almost edible green in the background. I like the fact that all five form a little set, and also because they really do remind of the market. I can smell the fresh vegetables, the grilling sausages, the sweet cakes, the strong cheeses. Ok, I'm hungry now. I need a train to SE1 soon!

Drawing for Life - 6

September 16, 2013 Matt Bannister

I've been back above the Sparrowhawk pub again, in Crystal Palace, doing another evening of life drawing at Betty Frankenstien's Drawing Room. This week, I used watercolour paper (300gsm, so pretty thick) and some water soluble pencils. I've not used the pencils with water before, so my first forays have been a bit tentative. However, even without adding water with a paint brush, the pencils are gloriously soft and black. I think next time, I might take some larger sheets of good paper and try and be less inhibited. Anyway, here are some more, done on the same evening.