Mrs Flossy Cotton Bottom

I'm rapidly approaching launch time for my new paperback 'Mark Bardsley's Crazy Animal Poems'
so here is a taster. This one is a bit Beatrix but a bit Bardsley as well (the bit that's Bardsley is usually the nutty bit, but you probably already know that!)

The new book will be a soft-back in full colour containing 55 illustrated poems and some secret  writing pages for budding poets at the back.

MRS FLOSSY COTTON BOTTOM

Mrs Flossy Cotton Bottom

Asked me round for tea

But dandelions and thistle down

Are not the food for me.

‘Oh do partake of toadstool pie

And have some teasel tart.’

Dear Mrs Flossy Cotton Bottom

I must now depart.

‘But blue bell batch and cicely greens

You surely can’t refuse?’

Oh Mrs Flossy Cotton

I would rather eat my shoes!

My colon cannot cope with food

That rabbits can digest.

So Mrs Flossy Cotton Bottom,

                     Fare thee well, ‘tis best.

Illustration banner

Animal cartooning poster

To book me for talks, art workshops or sketching sessions email bardsleyart@gmail.com or phone;
01938 500506

Drawing Peter rabbit in the Lake District

I Had a great day last week drawing with Beatrix Potter fans at the Eskdale miniature railway. Thanks to all you budding artists who joined in the fun!
To book me for workshops and events, see my website where you will find my email address.

Beatrix Potter; imitating her wonderful painting style!

I'm looking forward to appearing live in the Lake District this week and will be drawing Peter Rabbit with kids at Dalegarth Station on Thurday.  I've had some fun attempting to reproduce the beautiful ink line and water colour style that Beatrix used, starting with a rough sketch just like she would have done. My own way of working is very similar although my style is a bit more nutty! Beatrix was a keen student of nature and her animals are very realistic. Her painting style was very delicate and takes some care to reproduce.

Shakespeare 400

Shakespeare! Couldn't resist doing a little portrait of the old Bard this morning.
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Ronnie Corbett!

I woke up feeling rather melancholy this morning and a Ronnie caricature was all I could think about doing so I thought I'd better just get on with it!
Here's the result, hope it cheers you all up a bit. Love you Ron! xx