Dear all,

Looking through past journals it seems all I ever write about is hiatuses and exams. This time is different. I have a lot of things to say, I'm not sure how many people will read them, but they are here.

I've just read Nebezial's newest journal here --> [link] and was very interested to hear what he had to say. I don't know which category I'd put myself in - hopefully the second, that of 'hard-worker' as I always strive to be better. It seems though that I don't receive much critique here and I crave it I really do because I will never improve as some mistakes I can't see myself. My dad is a great inspiration to me, although I'm sad that he's stopped drawing recently and he really is so much more talented than I will ever be. He's always been there to offer up critique, let me know what's going wrong and how I can fix it.

I've recently been thinking as well about my top 10 favourite, most inspiring, artists, at the moment that is (you really should type them into google and look at their work as I hope they can offer some inspiration to others)

1. Alan Lee
2. Brian Froud
3. Edgar Degas
4. Albrecht Durer
5. Anthony Browne
6. Gustav Klimt
7. PeterCross
8. John Constable
9. Frank Frazetta
10. Katsushika Hokusai

I tried to buy a subscription the other day but I couldn't - gutted! Don't understand why either.

Other things, I would like to apologise for the appaling quality of the photos of my new art I hope people will comment on it nevertheless and offer up ways I can improve my compositions and sketches.

What would people like to see me drawing in the future or are there any of my older works you'd like to see redone? I hope to have as many answers as possible.

My love to all and happy very belated new year and an early Valentine's day - big hugs to everyone for St.Valentin xxx