Jodie 1994-2009 RIP

Jodie Feb 13th 1994- Oct 15th 2009
Sadly my dog Jodie has passed away aged 15, after ongoing problems with arthritis, her back legs finally gave out on her, with one paw knuckling under, she couldn't support her weight and kept on collapsing. The Vet said she may have suffered a stroke.
This is her in times gone by. She really was my best friend and a lovely little dog.

EYPE Camping

Before I visited Bickham, I spent some time at Eype, camping. Very nice, waking up to such a stunning view! Heres Trev, Trace and Aisha who came and joined me in their new camper.

Bickham House, Kenn, Devon.

Here are some photos I took whilst visiting Ed and Kerry's in Devon. I had a lovely time and certainly got lots of inspiration for my paintings. Bickham House is a beautiful place to live. I especially liked the walled garden and lake, and walking the dogs in the grounds although Jod wasn't up to that now. Took lots of photos for references for paintings, so watch this space! (the dogs are called 'Pablo' and 'Natty' !)

Cockatoos and Macaws!

"We were chatting nicely, then he went bonkers."

Photo shoot in Hampshire

Here are a few pics I took at Jane's secret parrot sanctuary in Hampshire, for drawing and painting references.
My African grey Parrot used to reside here but has now moved on to a much cosier existence indoors, with some new owners in Bordon, with the run of the house!
...Lovely pair of Hyacinthe Macaws, don't you think?
Jane's 'Dog de Bordeaux' wasn't too sure about me to start with but soon became friendly. (can be quite a guard dog though, so watch out!)

Penshurst Autumn caricatures 2009

More friendly faces drawn at the weeekend. Click on them and they become huge!...and then you can download your photo. Thanks for coming.

whippet collie/saluki greyhound, running

Just looking at some old photos and stuff and found this old film clip of my dog in her younger days.

Stonor park caricatures

For those of you that had your caricature drawn at Stonor Park and were photographed by myself,...Click any of the pics and they should get bigger and you may download them if you would like to print them off. See you next time!...Penshurst Place is next down near Tunbridge wells in Kent, 11-13 September. Bye for now! al

Parham park Craft fair 2009

More caricatures and the faces of their owners, drawn at Parham Park craft show...I really must try to be a bit more nasty...I'm much too complimentary me thinks!, but how can i be with such a good looking bunch! - Look forward to seeing anyone coming to Chilterns Craft Show this bank holiday weekend at Stonor Park, near Henley on Thames, 8-31 August 2009..Click on any of the pictures on my blog and they will come up bigger. alx

Loseley house Caricatures

More caricatures I drew at Loseley this weekend gone. What a lovely bunch of people you all were! A very nice weekend was had by all. See you at Parham Park in a few weeks time? - Don't forget you can click on these photos and they will appear super big. You are quite welcome to download your portrait if it appears here! cheers al

Caricatures at Great Missenden

Despite the occassional down pours, Gt Missenden was an enjoyable show with various country pursuits on display, ... Ferrets, birds of prey, Horses, Dogs, helicopter rides and bee arial display team, to say the least...but didn't get to see much of this as I was busy caricaturing. Thought I'd post here a few portraits I did on the Sunday so you can compare the finished item with the subject matter!

The Hare, the Lurcher and the mad cow

Thought I'd try out a different technique in my pictures using pencils and wax-oil pastels.
Limited edition prints are available on my website: ahayball.co.uk

Wimborne folk festival

Wimborne folk festival was a great success. Thanks to all who had their caricatures drawn and those that bought artwork...Much appreciated! It was great weather for it too. ( apologises for the shirt, photos by Siouxsie, Ta! )

My next Public Caricaturing is near Alton, Hampshire at the 'Departure Lounge cafe' on Saturday 20th June for the day.
I shall also have some limited edition prints and coasters with me.
Come along if you can- for details see link:
'the departure lounge cafe'
Its a craft show and i think there is a garden centre there also.
cheers,
al

Green Lizard on the Overcliff

I was so pleased to get my own shot of one our local green lizards! While walking the dogs last night on the Boscombe overcliff (secret location!), we spotted this green lizard basking in the late sunday sunshine. He was almost posing for me. I couldn't get my camera out quick enough, there were cases and lens caps flying everywhere! Anyway I was quite pleased with the result, you can so clearly see the scale pattern (click on pic to enlarge). Apparently some pet lizards were set free along the cliff tops years ago and they have bred since, along with the wall lizards. I shall have to send it in to Springwatch!

Hengistbury Head

Having a very photographic day today!
Heres some pics I took on my cycle trip to Hengistbury head this afternoon.
Very warm!