Talking a lot

I was in Luxembourg visiting the European School of Luxembourg II . It was a couple of very busy days.

In three days I did 9 talks, 8 workshops, saw and worked with 390 children. We finished 4 big pictures.

It was busy, but I also met lots of very nice parents and book enthusiasts who made my trip very interesting and made me feel very welcome.

This sign, made by Miriam Mala age 7, welcomed me at the airport!Here are the boards I prepared on the first morning of my visit. They are ready for the workshop.And here are the final masterpieces.This one was created by children aged 4 – 6.Here is one done by older children. It all started with a picture of a pig flying over a banana!

Here is a jumping elephant and more.

And one big picture with a cow and Suzy Goose.

I know I have helped make similar pictures before, but I can’t have enough of seeing what ideas children come up with, for example look  at this funny bird.

I also got lots of presents – drawings from children.I like the kingfisher.Or how about this picture done by Richard who loves tigers!

We talked a lot about mixing colours and textures. Look at this Mr.Bird.Janette did a puffin for meand Josef and his friends did this big oil pastel. It was as big as my suitcase and it’s a shame you can’t see all the details. The lion has a fly on his nose for example.

Anyway it was really nice to spend four days in Luxembourg and thank you to everybody involved for making the school visit successful and for making me so welcome.

I came back and on Saturday I went to Hay on Wye – the Winter Festival. Nicola and I we did one more talk about A First Book of Animals. Nicola was great as always and I did the paintings as best as I could.

The event itself was in the old castle. It was cold, but rather atmospheric.

I stayed a bit longer and saw one really nice event with Piers Torday and later on I saw Rob Biddulph.

Here I’m with Rob and with the first glass of mulled wine this year.It’s always nice to see fellow illustrators in action. Rob was very entertaining, his books are very funny and the event was a great success. I’m glad I stayed longer!Thanks to the HAY Festival for having us.