Author: KWM

  • Out of time

    picture of a woman sitting on a train

    I was sitting on a train when a striking woman walked and sat down.  I started a to draw, picking up the obvious things first. Two stops later she got off. I should have finished the picture off later as I had made enough of a mental note. but for some reason that didn’t happen and I suspected that I had captured enough of this woman’ presence. My question: Is it enough to capture the essential first impression of a subject?  Weeks later when I look at the image I can clearly remember the details I wanted to add to finish the image and strangely enough it feels satisfying because of that. I’ve tried to do this with photography for a several years. It’s quite ‘easy’ to achieve with a drawing, which ultimately has more possible outcomes, but I am struggling with the camera.

  • Urbanation: Cool Words from The Street

    picture of a cool looking character

    I’m always on the look out for interesting words and phrases from all over the world. Languages evolve so quickly as real world usage leaves tradition rules behind.

    Street language, or slang is more than just words. It’s an attitude, or a breakthrough in understanding, or the ultimate insult.  It’s the point where expression takes over to give deeper meaning. It’s code that no one understands unless they are in that special group.

    This ongoing series is called Urbination: Words From the Street.

    Urbination illustration
  • Urban Chronicles; Volume one, No.2

    slang word visualised

    Breaking the recent stream of iPhone paintings, I’m on a quest to visualise as many slang words as possible, from as many countries as possible.  The criteria are that they must be either funny, common enough to be recognised, or particularly clever. I’ve established a small basic list which will keep me busy for a short while, but I need help finding new words. And just like the great actors, “I’ll only do nudity if it’s absolutely integral to the  story”, so don’t expect many offensive pictures. Word No. 2 is “Innit!”, used all over the UK. This sketch will hopefully become a finished illustration at some stage, so expect to see it again soon.

    Enjoy.

  • Urbanation: Vol 1- Scratch

    So, what you bumpin' to? illustration

    So what track you bumpin’ to?

  • iPhone illustrations

    I’m slowly getting the hang of using my fingers to paint. A couple o people sitting opposite me on a train. The fact that these can be done in a short time (10-30 minutes) and look convincing is great, but the search for a style, a look, will take a while.