art

Prints for kids!

print design

It’s here! My first collection with Kite Clothing is available to view online and purchase. It’s my first set of designs for a kids & baby apparel brand. Designing for kids is so exciting as you can have a lot of fun with it. I also did a lot of marketing for this company which was really enjoyable as I got to be very creative with it, including designing a font. This was a first for me but I was really pleased with the outcome. If you go to my portfolio and see the drawings/illustration section, you can view the font I designed.

I am super excited to add these designs to my portfolio. You can view this and my other work on the portfolio tab at the top of my website.

Some of my favourite designs are pictured below. I did 3 collections with this brand so watch this space.

I’m going freelance!

print design

I’m going to be a freelance designer from today. Please contact me through the contact tab at the top of my website or via email: paigecritchley@hotmail.co.uk.

I have over 5 years experience working in the fashion industry for men, women and kids apparel. I also have experience in marketing and designing fonts. I use illustrator for my designs and can create seamless repeat patterns that are multi-directional or one way. I also have experience in graphics for apparel and marketing purposes, as well as embroideries, checks, and appliqués.

Avo-good day

Drawings/illustrations

Morning! I made something recently for a friend that I wanted to share. It’s drawings showing the process of planting an avocado stone. It’s a tricky task! I’ve only had one succeed so far. Along with the framed artwork I included a plant (the stone that actually sprouted!)

These drawings were used to create an activity card for Kite Clothing. Find this in the portfolio tab on my website under drawings if you fancy giving it a go. Avo-good day!

Submerged

paintings

Underwater studies. These paintings are based on photographs I took of myself underwater in the sea on the Isle of Wight. They are some of my oldest paintings but still my favourites. I think because they bring back memories of growing up on the Island and swimming in the sea all the time. It influenced a lot of my art throughout school and further studies. These paintings were a trio but sadly I’ve misplaced the third one. These were actually painted using oil paints which I’ve only used a handful of times.

Swimming in paint

paintings

A recent commission was perfect for me because I do a lot of sea swimming myself and I really got into the zone with this one. 1 metre by 1 metre. It’s acrylic – my favourite medium at the moment, it depicts my friend and I swimming at our favourite beach where you can see Old Harry’s Rocks. We often go before work (the best time to go as the beach is empty!). I’ve painted the famous rocks in too – as you can see in the top right corner. I hope you all like it!

It’s a seal!

paintings

I painted this fella for a good friend recently. Acrylic on canvas 20cm x 20cm.

We both adore seals and regularly visit a lovely seal sanctuary in Cornwall called the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. I would highly recommend visiting! I’ve put one of their Instagram posts below.

Biggest commission yet!

paintings

I finished my biggest commission so far! It’s 1.5m x 1m. I have to admit, I did find it tough finding an easel that would fit this sized canvas. I had to borrow one from my local University as my personal one wasn’t big enough. This painting went through quite a few stages. I changed the centre boat more than once and there are several layers to the landscape. I was working from a photograph, as the client wanted this painting in memory of someone who passed away. You can see the journey of this painting below through photos that I took along the way.

Some photos to show the journey of this painting.
The photo I worked from

Poster for charity event

graphic design

I designed a poster for a charity event recently. I took part in the event myself, raising money for UK-MED Ukraine appeal. We paddled a marathon on surfboards (26 miles) along the coast from Kimmeridge Bay to Bournemouth Pier.

The poster I created

You can still donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paddleagainstputin

Our paddle was published on several websites and by our local newspaper.

The posters were placed around our local town in shops and cafes.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paddleagainstputin
https://www.carvemag.com/2022/04/bournemouth-surfers-paddle-26-miles-to-raise-funds-for-ukrainian-war-victims/
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20059092.bournemouth-surfers-complete-26-mile-paddle-putin/

Big commission!

paintings

I have been commissioned to create something rather big! My biggest painting yet. It’s a 1.5 metres x 1 metre acrylic painting. I’ve been working on it for the last few weeks and I’m very excited to show you all. I do love a challenge, and this certainly hits the spot. Finding an easel was the tricky part, ha ha. I am lucky as my local University lent me one. I’m going to have to consider buying one myself as these large paintings are definitely becoming a more enticing hobby. Once It’s finished I’ll be posting it up on here so watch this space! Here’s some sneak peeks…