PHOTOGRAPHY: LUNAR ECLIPSE AND BLOOD MOON

Apparently the last "blood eclipse moon" happened 30 years ago and the next one won't occur for another 30 years, so I decided to stay up to observe it. Watching the moon gradually disappear was interesting (in an anorak kind of way) and was a lot quicker than I anticipated, however, I was slightly disappointed with the so-called "blood moon". I was expecting it to be a lot bigger and brighter, but in order to see anything I had to zoom in 100% with the camera, and it was still a blurry mess. It wasn't much fun having to dangle precariously from a tenth floor kitchen window either... But hey ho, such is life...

FULL MOON

LUNAR ECLIPSE JUST BEGINNING

ECLIPSE IN PROGRESS

ECLIPSE WELL UNDER WAY

ECLIPSE ABOUT HALFWAY THROUGH

BLOOD MOON

ZOOM 100%... SORRY ABOUT QUALITY OF PHTOTO

ZOOM ABOUT 20%...  BRILLIANT ORANGE MOON, BUT CAMERA DIDN'T WANT TO HELP ME OUT

ILLUSTRATION: STREET SCENE

STREET SCENE © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled somewhat originally Street Scene, is inspired by the colourful and uniform buildings in Gamla Stan, Stockholm; although the buildings in the image are not based on any actual buildings. This was mainly an exercise of using a minimal number of colours and keeping things simple. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: STORTORGET

STORTORGET © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Stortorget,  which is inspired by Stortorget in Gamla Stan (the old quarter of Stockholm). This square, which is full of brightly coloured houses and is the home of the Swedish Academy and the Nobel Museum, is one of the most picturesque public squares in Stockholm.  For this piece, I focused on the upper part of three buidings and their ornate decoration.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: KALMAR FF DALAHÄST

KALMAR FF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Kalmar FF Dalahäst (literally “Kalmar Football Club Dala Horse”). This is the final piece in a series of Swedish football team inspired illustrations featuring three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

There is definitely a lot of room for improvement with this piece, but after having already done another 16 similar pieces, I was quite glad to finish the collection of. Thankfully, it has not put me off Dala horses or Swedish football.

ILLUSTRATION: TINTIN AND THE UNFORTUNATE COTTAGING INCIDENT

TINTIN AND THE UNFORTUNATE COTTAGING INCIDENT © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

I am a big fan of Tintin, although some of the books are not exactly politically correct. I have always  wondered how a teenager could possibly travel the globe, working as a reporter and getting into all kinds of trouble... Not very credible, but hey ho. I must also admit that I have found the relationship with Captain Haddock a bit dodgy as well.

My innocence has well and truly been lost, as you can probably tell with the theme of this drawing, titled Tintin and the Unfortunate Cottaging Incident. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: GEFLE IF DALAHÄST

GEFLE IF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Gefle IF Dalahäst (literally “Gefle Football Club Dala Horse”). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: TINTIN AND THE UNDERCOVER VICE SQUAD STING

TINTIN AND THE UNDERCOVER VICE SQUAD STING © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

Hergé is probably spinning in his grave as we speak on seeing another inappropiate Tintin book cover, titled Tintin and the Undercover Vice Squad Sting. Not sure just what Tintin was reporting there, or perhaps he was just walking the dog.   Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: ÖREBRO SK DALAHÄST

ÖREBRO SK DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Örebro SK Dalahäst (literally “Örebro Sports Club Dala Horse”). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: TINTIN AND THE AMAZING STOCKHOLM SLUTSPURT

TINTIN AND THE AMAZING STOCKHOLM SLUTSPURT © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This illustration, titled Tintin and the Amazing Stockholm Slutspurt, was inspired by a trip to Stockholm. Forgive the childishness, but there are some words in other words that just sound completely hilarious to speakers of English.

Take, for example, Swedish, which has several contenders for best false friend award. My particular favourite is “slutspurt”, which is completely innocent (it means “final sale”) but sounds very wrong in English. “Farthinder” is another contender, sadly that only means “speed bump” in English.

Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: FALKENBERGS FF DALAHÄST

FALKENBERGS FF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Falkenbergs FF Dalahäst (literally “Falkenberg Football Club Dala Horse”). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

Link to Falkenbergs FF song (quite catchy): Laget vid Havet

ILLUSTRATION: HALMSTADS BK DALAHÄST

HALMSTADS BK DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Halmstads BK Dalahäst (literally “Halmstad Football Club Dala Horse”). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

I am not particularly happy with this piece, and if were inclined to do so, I would redo it. However, as Halmstad were relegated from the Allsvenskan at the end of the 2015 season, I am in no hurry.

ILLUSTRATION: GIF SUNDSVALL DALAHÄST

GIF SUNDSVALL DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled GIF Sundsvall Dalahäst (literally “GIF Sundsvall Dala Horse”). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: ÅTVIDABERGS FF DALAHÄST

ÅTVIDABERGS FF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Åtvidabergs FF Dalahäst (literally Åtvidaberg Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: IF ELFSBORG IF DALAHÄST

IF ELFSBORG DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled IF Elfsborg Dalahäst (literally Elfsborg Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: RANGOLI GANESHA II

RANGOLI GANESHA II © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Rangoli Ganesha II. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha and the Indian pattern based art form called rangoli. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha. This is set against an orange background, decorated with rangoli style flowers, Om symbols, hearts and Yin and Yang symbols. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: HELSINGBORGS IF DALAHÄST

HELSINGBORGS IF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Helsingborgs IF Dalahäst (literally Helsingborg Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: RANGOLI GANESHA I

RANGOLI GANESHA I © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Rangoli Ganesha I. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha and the Indian pattern based art form called rangoli. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha. This is set against a sky blue background decorated with rangoli style flowers, leaves, hearts,  Om symbols, and Yin and Yang symbols. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: BK HÄCKEN DALAHÄST

BK HÄCKEN DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled BK Häcken Dalahäst (literally Häcken Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: GANESHA HEARTS

GANESHA HEARTS © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Ganesha Hearts. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha set against a purple background. This is decorated with large heart shapes  and Yin and Yang symbols. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: HAMMARBY FOTBOLL DALAHÄST

HAMMARBY FOTBOLL DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Hammarby Fotboll Dalahäst (literally Hammarby Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: GANESHA IN THE SEA

GANESHA IN THE SEA © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Ganesha in the Sea. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha set against a wave pattern background in different shades of blue.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: DJURGÅRDENS IF DALAHÄST

DJURGÅRDENS IF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Djurgårdens IF Dalahäst (literally Djurgården Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: GANESHA IN THE COUNTRY

GANESHA IN THE COUNTRY © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Ganesha in the Country. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha set against a multicoloured psychedelic countryside background.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: IFK NORRKÖPING DALAHÄST

IFK NORRKÖPING DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled IFK Norrköping Dalahäst (literally Norrköping Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: GARDEN OF GANESHA

GARDEN OF GANESHA © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Garden of Ganesha. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha set against a multicoloured garden  background.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: MALMÖ FF DALAHÄST

MALMÖ FF DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Malmö FF Dalahäst (literally Malmo Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: GANESHA OM

GANESHA OM © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Ganesha Om. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha set against a purple background decorated with heart and Om symbols.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: IFK GÖTEBORG DALAHÄST

IFK GÖTEBORG DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled IFK Göteborg Dalahäst (literally IFK Gothenburg Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

IFK Göteborg are my favourite Swedish football team. I may be showing my age, but I can still remember them winning the UEFA Cup twice in the 80s. Incidentally, they have one of the best football songs (Snart Skiner Poseidon by Joel Alme).

ILLUSTRATION: QPR AWAY GANESHA

QPR AWAY GANESHA © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled QPR Away Ganesha It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha and Queens Park Rangers Football Club. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha (wearing the QPR away kit) set against a duck egg blue background.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: AIK FOTBOLL DALAHÄST

AIK FOTBOLL DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled AIK Fotboll Dalahäst (literally AIK Football Club Dala Horse). This is part of a series of Allsvenskan (Swedish first division) inspired illustrations, which combine three common recurring elements: a hand-drawn Dala horse (in their respective football team's colours), a hand-drawn version of the team's club crest, and a handwritten verse taken from each team's song). Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

I am not a fan of AIK, but they do have a very over-the-top football song, Å vi e AIK, which is quite catchy...

ILLUSTRATION: QPR HOME GANESHA

QPR HOME GANESHA © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled QPR Home Ganesha It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha and Queens Park Rangers Football Club. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha (wearing the QPR home kit) set against a light brown background.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

ILLUSTRATION: ALLSVENSKAN 2015 DALAHÄST

ALLSVENSKAN 2015 DALAHÄST © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

A4 illustration, titled Allsvenskan 2015 Dalahäst (literally All Swedish 2015 Dala Horses). This is the first of a series of Swedish first-division football team inspired illustrations. It includes a brightly coloured Dala horse, along with the names of the teams competing in the 2015 Allsvenskan (Swedish First Division), and several club crests. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

This is a poorly thought out piece, which I would look to redo at some point. Until then I won't delete this, as we learn from our mistakes.

ILLUSTRATION: DALA HORSE LOVE

DALA HORSE LOVE © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration, titled Dala Horse Love, was inspired by the decorative wooden horses (Dalahäst) and traditional kurbits patterns from the Dalarna (Dalecarlia) region of Sweden. It features a central kurbits pattern, bordered with a miniature Dala horse and Swedish crown pattern. Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pen.

ILLUSTRATION: OM GANESHA

OM GANESHA © GINGER NUT DESIGNS

This A4 illustration is titled Om Ganesha. It is inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha. In this piece, the central point is the seated figure of Ganesha set against a green background that is decorated with multicoloured Om symbols, and Yin and Yang symbols.  Materials used: promarkers and fine liner pens.

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE TIDE IS LOW

I didn't realise just how low the tide on the Thames could get in Putney.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CUTENESS OVERLOAD

Meet lickle baby Reggie, the newest addition to the extended family and by far the cutest. I recently had the privilege of looking after him for 2 weeks. Such levels of cuteness are physically impossible, surely.