2026 Drawing Project - January Holly Leaves

 It has begun... my 2026 drawing project. I am pausing drawing shells for this year and turning to plants, seeds and leaves that I can find either in my garden or in the local area. All the same themes will be a focus; shape, structure, tone, details... there are lots of similarities but they are different enough for new challenges and discoveries. 

Holly Leaf inspiration   ©2026LisaLeQuelenec

Holly Leaf inspiration   ©2026LisaLeQuelenec

To kick off the year and the inspiration for this years project are these rather lovely decaying holly leaves. They are such a joy to draw that I have covered two pages in my sketchbook - in the second page I have increased the scale to really enjoy both detail and colour. Unfortunately good light for photographing the pages isn't great today and my lamp is shining on the paper surface a bit much on one side - apologies.

Whilst drawing the veins in the leaves I am reminded of coral that I have drawn in years gone by. Also it is interesting to note that in the very decayed leaves secondary veins run parallel to the stem as well as branching off from it. I haven't observed this before. Every day is a school day.

Decaying Holly Leaves   sketchbook page coloured pencil   ©2026LisaLeQuelenec

Decaying Holly Leaves   sketchbook page coloured pencil   ©2026LisaLeQuelenec

Shell Seekers - new design collection for fabric and wallpaper

 

A new collection of designs in response to a design challenge on Spoonflower - the brief was Delft Tile.

I fell down a rabbit hole researching and wanted to emulate the calming, serene, peaceful and unhurried feelings the antique tiles evoke. Once the main design was created  I couldn't help but make a selection of co-ordinates, in what I hope could be used to make a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to. 

All the designs can bs viewed here in my Spoonflower store. Stationery and home accessories can be found here in my RedBubble shop.

Night Tide - collagraph variations

 

Night Tide    varied edition collagraphs    ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

One plate, an edition of 4 all, varied in the inking of the collagraph plate measuring 12.5x12.5cm.

One memory, a hot and humid evening watching summer storm clouds gathering across the bay. Metallic tasting air, an expectant silence.... then a sultry breeze and a rush back to the car before the storm broke and the rain fell in torrents. It is funny how a storm can stay with you for years, nestled away in your memory ready to be brought out and relived.

It feels quite apt to be posting about them now given the recent bit of weather the UK has been experiencing.

Night Tide - prints available at Folksy ©2026LisaLeQuelenec

The prints are available in my Folksy store.

Night Tide Artist Proof with mixed media ©2026LisaLeQuelenec

I tested the collagraph plate with these two proof prints and made a couple of adjustments before printing this small edition of four in blue black indigo ink. The six images together feel like they tell the story of that summer evening - each one a snap shot in time.

Night Tide Artist Proof with mixed media ©2026LisaLeQuelenec