Leave 2009 With This

Well I had to complete 2009 with some cups of tea a bike ride, a brief shopping trip and the above image which I think is gonna be part of summet. Happy New Year readers I hope your wishes come true.

Trains

Where I live down the back lanes runs some old rail tracks where the coal is moved up and down, I usually see it every now and again on my early morning ride.

Wet Day

Well I've done a cheeky bike ride and got soaked in the process. I believe another full moon is on the cards. I'll be honest its quite nice doing a bike ride early morning with a full moon you should try it readers.

Divorce

I think Guy Ritchie's divorce has helped his film making skills Sherlock Holmes with Jude Law and Robert Downey Junior I quite enjoyed. The bare knuckle fighting adds a fresh dimension to the holmes adventures. I've not done any miles on the bike today I feel a bit guilty.

Another Cold Snap

Well with tunes in the background I've doodled and drawn the above this morning. By eck its a frosty one outside aswell.

Potato Head

Well readers I've had a fantastic christmas I received a mr Potato Head some books to doodle in and lots of fragrance people are trying to tell me I smell no doubt. I've eaten loads and watched lots of telly and films over the last few days. You cannot beat a bit of Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes. I did a few miles on my bike this morning, I did spot some people making there way home.

How Cold

I'm sure its much colder today, I'm freezing readers. I've done some doodles and basically sat on my heater. Oh and supped tea and read some of the paper.

Me At 60

I think readers I shall dress like this from the age of 60 and ride a bike with a basket on it down country lanes. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of Lovejoy and been inspired by Tinker. Reet kettle on.

Indiana Jones

Just been reading parents cannot buy for love nor money the Lego Indiana Jones Temple of Doom sets. Those boxed sets have flown of the shelves its more popular than ever. You cannot beat some lego for a bit of fun, I've got loads. Looks like another stay indoors type of day and have the kettle on lots.

Nearly Over

On my walk to the paper shop I was nearly over twice. I spotted a snowman and a robin en route, it is freezing even treated myself to a signature hot chocolate today with cream on top. Fear not I'll burn it off on the bike.

Santa Outfit

Well readers check me in my santa outfit although ladies my thighs in real life are more sculpted thanks to the cycling. Its freezing outdoors proper scarf weather. I braved it yesterday on my bike and boy it was an experience. The sleet was coming down first thing in the morning, does lance train in weather like that?

Rain & Sleet

Well readers just done under forty miles on the bike in rain and some sleet. it was freezing but all good fun. My bath and brew at the end of it was so good I earnt them today. Me and my mate Phil were the only plonkers on bikes we spotted no other cyclists.

Time Capsule

Readers check www.thunderchunky.co.uk see also "Me Mates" section on the right; check the Time Capsule that they have produced there are some fantastic images involved in the capsule. Enjoy reviewing them with a brew.

Plans

I'm gonna start making plans for next year, might dream up a fitness regime ie cut back on the chocolate. I've cycled this morning in the pouring rain it was certainly fresh this morning.

31 Today

Well readers its My Birthday today, I'm gonna treat myself today; nuff said. kettle on.

Tv Gap

Ok so I admit, just what will I watch from now on a saturday night after the X factor conclusion. Well done to that man Joe. The man Olly will bounce back I'm sure. Well I best crack on with some tasks for the day.

Mince Pie Please

Well readers I got soaked this evening cycling, cannot believe the bolt holding my bike seat sheared when it snapped it was like a gun shot it turned heads I'll tell you. Blimey I turn 31 this coming tuesday.

Frosty Start

Well it was a frosty morning but I kicked started it at 5.30am with a morning bike ride. I have to admit the scarf and skull cap worn under my helmet were much appreciated this morning. A cup of tea at the end of the ride was the ticket.

Nowt Exciting

Nothing exciting to report at this end I've been doing the books today. Enough of numbers and figures. I want a brew and a biscuit. I've heard its going to get real frosty next week proper scarf weather readers so get ready.

Just The Tonic

Well this aft I've drawn this festive tonic. I've read a list about 25 movers and shakers in the fashion world Nick Knight and Paul Smith were on it. I've eaten two festive gingerbread men done some drawings and supped some tea, plus done some miles on my bike. Its been great.

Self Portrait For Christmas

Here you go readers this is me at christmas time he,he. Reet I need a brew its been a long day.

Boxing

I see the new sherlock holmes movie is out on Boxing day at the cinema. This morning I've admired the new Radioshack cycling jersey worn by Lance Armstrong; I cannot wait for next years Tour de France.

Festive Doodle

Well I did this small festive doodle in my sketchbook first thing with a brew on the go. I thought I'd share this nugget from my sketchbook with you all. Any how best crack on with things just after I put my scarf on its cold.

Fruit Cake

Well this afternoon I did some more miles on the bike it was a little windy out there and wet on the roads. By the end of it it looked like I might have been off road mountain biking. Me and my mate did stop off  for a can of pop I scoffed some fruit cake to fuel the rest of my bike ride.

On the Fifth Day Of Christmas

Well readers looking for criminals at 3.30am in the rain wearing just your underpants is not a good look which actually happened to me. Dam those pesky robbers. Nor is being ditched by your girlfriend for a playstation 3 obsession which has actually happened to tennis superstar Andy Murray. Well Kim Sears there is no PS3 obsession at this end just a brew addiction.

Next Life

In my next life I'm gonna have a post round in Greendale, talk tractors with Ted Glen and drink lots more tea. If your in London from the 4th to the 6th of December visit the East London Design Show and visit stand 98. 

Swashbuckling Adventure

Here you go another snippet of something I'm trying to resolve powered by cups of tea and cheesy pop music in the background. We continue.

Easy Tiger!

Well readers it looks a grey, wet miserable day outdoors. But its Sunshine indoors let the doodles and tea making begin on the third day of christmas. Reet I need to crack on with some tasks.

On The Chin

This morning it was freezing out on the bike there was rain I swear it was trying a little to snow. I drew this up the other day. To be honest I feel I'm gonna develop this image this is the start of summet.

Red & White

My dad has produced the above image today, I thought it was appropriate being Red and White with it being the 1st of December. My old man produced it using food color and chinese brushes working from a photograph. 

Grass Stains

Well readers find me on the back page of the Guardians Sport section tomorrow involving some grass stains. Alternatively check Dominic trevett's blog in me mates section for his Rodeo illustration. He loves his Maps that bloke. Plus check Thunderchunky's blog looks like there's a KidRobot store in London. Reet its the first of December I need a brew and possibly make a christmas list.

Looking For Eric

Readers if you haven't watched "Looking For Eric" get it watched I really enjoyed this film by Ken Loach its a great heroic comedy. I was rolling about laughing at some of the dialogue; maybe cos I'm a bit of rough from the north and love the working class man and working class heroes, but I cannot praise it enough this film. "The Gulls they follow the Trawler Alreet".

Foxy

Early morning on my bike ride I spooked a fox then he proceeded to run alongside me whilst I was stepping up the pace on the pedals to keep warm; it was freezing early doors. I can sniff december and the christmas pudding this year where has it gone.

Reference Book

Just been out and about I could not stop myself a quick peruse in the bookshop. I stumbled across a reference book on adventures I couldn't leave behind. I think its an excellent book of reference points which could provide a platform for a piece of work for me with a Northern twist.

How Windy?

Well I rode my bike for seven and half miles in a nice wind. I really struggled to get into a rhythm. At the end of it my face was glowing red I felt drained. I've also had the pleasure of having to look through some old images of mine which made me cringe. But we continue, kettle on.

Fly With Me

Readers, I posted this image a little earlier; but I could not help myself tinkering with the image some more to be content with it. This is a drawing from a notebook I drew in a few weeks back.

All I Want For Xmas

From the 26th of November and all this coming weekend if you after an Al Heighton limited edition screen print visit The Old Truman Brewery 91 Brick Lane London E16QL find the stand "A Little Bit Of Art" Gina Cross will be there to sell you one.

Spotted

Forgot to mention readers last week on my travels I spotted my first house already with a christmas tree all decorated; plus they had these two foot tall drummers in the upstairs window. I know the retailers are ramming christmas down are necks, but its a bit early the 20th of November to have the tree up in the house. Reet kettle on.

Out Of The Saddle

Last Night Dean and Russell Downing those cycling superstars held there Out Of The Saddle charity auction and disco.It was attended by many cycling fans and superstars even the veteran Malcolm Elliot. They made a heap of money for there chosen charity. The limited edition screen print I donated went for a whopping £160 which I'm pleased about. It was beautifully modelled see the above, Its a good job I wasn't employed for that task readers eh!

Arctic Monkeys

Last night I saw the Arctic Monkeys play at Manchester Evening News Arena, many thanks dan from Devote for the ticket and invite. Mr Turner thas alreet from South Yorkshire wi your guitar and lyrics. Readers I helped eat one big pizza last night it was huge. Anyhow kettle on.

Boob Weekend

Well I've already had a walkout for the papers its very grey and wet. I've returned and thought kettle on and lets doodle some smiley faces. Looking through the papers its all X factor, handball drama and boobs in the jungle what more do you want on a weekend.

Gifted Charity Art Auction

I recently donated one of my limited edition screenprints to 'Gifted' a forth coming Charty Art Auction to raise money for teens with cancer check http://www.giftedauction.org/ All the works are being exhibited from the 23 - 26th of November 2009. There are some fantastic works by Jonathan Yeo, Rankin, Steve Wilson, Yuko Kondo, Rose Stallard, Mr Bingo, Damien Poulain and many other great artists. The auction day is the 26th of November. The venue Ground floor 9A Devonshire Square London EC2M 4YE.

Hockney

Today I visited  the new Nottingham Contemporary gallery to see the works by David Hockney 1960 - 1968 : A Marriage of Styles exhibition. Its a great new gallery space, the building is very interesting. More to the point the works on show really interested me, especially the etchings by Hockney. They have a great shop I got myself two new books. I shall surely visit this space again in the future. Readers if your in Nottingham go see it.

Walking With Bradbury?

I just want to confirm readers it wasn't me who bid 10 grand to go hillwalking with Tv's Julia bradbury for charity. Not that I wouldn't go walking with Julia with a big flask of tea and some shortbread and one of her great scarfs. Julia bradbury eh!

Twickenham

Find my illustration in tomorrows Guardian back page of the Sport section. Looking out of my window it looks a little sunny. Ok kettle on and I'll have a gingerbread man please.

Face

Well readers I've done some drawing with the sniffles the cold is back due to my cycling in the rain, but with a smile I continue grafting while my looks fade with old age. I'm 31 soon boo!

Exactly

Well one month today and I turn 31. I'm still single, with no pets, quick ladies these looks are fading quick. Did I mention I make a nice cup of tea. We continue.

Wind & Then Rain

Well I did some miles on the bike in the wind and the rain. I've had one idea and managed a doodle. Its saturday and that means more X factor drama best digested with a brew.

Soaked On A November Evening

Well I got soaked on my bike this evening, the rain is really coming down out there. 70 mph winds are on the cards tomorrow I can hardly wait. Reet kettle on. We continue.

Flora & Fauna

Well readers I've been drawing flora and fauna subject matter, whilst there are grey skies looming outside and workmen sup tea out of thermos flasks in High Vis jackets. I've perked up a bit more. I've been doodling and back to making jokes. Fear not. Kettle on.

Global Contexts

I've just had delivered a copy of Basics Illustration 04 Global Contexts by Mark Wigan author and graphic artist. Its a great little book, find me on page 31 which feels quite apt, I'm 31 this year readers next month on the 15th to be precise. Other featured contributors include Andy Smith, Gemma Correll, Mike Redmond [ who I taught briefly], Simone lia and many more. Its packed with some thought provoking commentary and a good journey through contemporary illustration landscape.

Perked Up

To be honest I feel better than I have over the last four or five days. I'm hoping the worst of my cold is behind me, I need to crack on. Here is a cute little whale, I recently bought a book on Whales which the talented Jon Burgerman recommended to me, admittedly during the transaction of buying a copy for a few seconds; I fell in love with the lady selling me it, in the bookstore. Readers she was gorgeous, but enough I need a brew.

Another Hot Drink

Well readers I've still got a cold. I'm wrapped up complete with scarf sat on my radiator feeling rubbish supping hot drinks. I hope I can shift this cold soon.

Lemon & Honey

Readers I'm still full up with cold. I'm sneezing every few minutes I feel rubbish. I may manage a doodle or two in my sketchbook. Reet lemon and honey drinks for me today.

Full Up With

Well readers I'm full up with cold, or man flu perhaps both. But I continued to graft while my nose ran and eyes watered cos I'm from Donny!. I did spot a picture of Katy Perry in a West Ham united dress which made me chuckle. It was quite an outfit. Remind me when I next step out with a lady to have her wear a Doncaster Rovers dress.

Busy With Sniffles

Today I've done lots of drawing with lots of sniffles and a sore throat. But we continue. I shall be busy readers.

Cold En Route

Well readers I'm filling up with cold for sure it started with a sore throat this morning. At the time of writing my nose needs blowing. I don't look attractive at all. The brews will be replaced with Lemsip for sure. But I must plod on.

Jungle Time

Here you go readers a little jungle scene for you. I do know its a jungle out there. Reet kettle on.

Packing & Sorting

Well I've already braved the wet weather to go get some packing and wrapping materials. I even donned flat cap and scarf readers. I have much to sort in my work space. I best crack on grafting the kettle will be on later.

Poets & Me

I read today in "How to be Idol" by Tom Hodgkinson with excellent illustrations by Rodrick Mills "Coffee is for winners, go-getters, tea ignorers, lunch cancellers, early risers, guilt-ridden strivers, money obsessives and status-driven lunatics. It is an evervating force. We should resist it and embrace tea, the ancient drink of poets, philosopers and meditators". Nuff said, I say "kettle on tea bags at the ready".

November Rain

I got soaked and truly blown about out on my bike today, its a proper art I'm sure riding your bike in a cross wind. I did however have a fantastic bit of shortbread with a brew today.

Tractor

Today on my bike I raced against a tractor for about 3 and half miles. I certainly built up a sweat going quite quick. When I got in I was ready for the sport drink. Then a brew.

More Miles In The Dark

Well I cycled more miles in the dark, achieved a doodle or two and did emails drank a few brews thought quite a lot. I've got a string of tasks to complete, but the first is to have another brew before bedtime at the time of writing this.

Brew Ahoy!

Got to admit everytime I've opened the newspapers over the last few weeks there's an article with some slant or stats on "Booze Britain", myself at this HQ its  cups of tea all the way except on weekend trips to Edinburgh where I've been known to play Air Piano. Reet kettle on.

Out Of The Saddle 21st November

Well readers, cycling fans why not attend "Out of the saddle" an evening with the Downings on the 21st of November at Sitwell Golf Club Rotherham 7.30pm till late. Dean and Russell Downing are working with the Geoff Thomas Foundation all proceeds from there auction and raffle go to the foundation. You have chance to bid for one of my limited edition screen prints "Brew race", Paul Smith has one in his collection. There are guest speakers, there is a buffet and a disco. There will be plenty of banter about cycling events from the last calendar year. The evening is supported by SIS products, Continental tyres, Pinarello Racing and Rapha Condor

Contact: J Smith  email: jsmithblade@talktalk.net

Warm October

Well today I was most surprised this morning I got really wrapped up to go out on the bike, and was amazed how mild it was. Compared to this time last year it really was cold first thing. For those that don't know and are wondering I'm on the right in the photo below. 

Sir Lisle & Me

This is a photo from a great weekend spent in Edinburgh and a very rare photo of me cos there are not many kicking about. Just been debating Lego or Airfix, I loved both.

Air Piano

Well here is a chap, playing a keyboard I guess; over the weekend I must confess in the tree of trust I played a bit of air piano at about 3am after a nightout in deepest Edinburgh. For those that are not mates with me on facebook and had the pleasure of watching a cringe worthy performance of me, you can digest the above image.

Hunt It Milk It

On my weekend adventure to Edinburgh to see my painter mate dylan lisle, I digested a massive breakfast plus the art galleries including some works by damien hirst. But I found this above in a pub you've not pickled and put one of these in a tank mr hirst eh!

Edinburgh

I'm off to see the very talented painter Dylan lisle tomorrow in Edinburgh it shall be a great weekend I'm sure. This lad has never been before to Edinburgh, I've not been further north than Newcastle in this country.

Good Advice

Amongst a load of books I found an old exercise book which my sister had created when she was maybe 5 or 6 many years ago. Flicking through the pages it made me chuckle, I especially liked the above page wrote in pencil which is why its faint, nothing changes she still gives out the advice still today but mostly verbally.

Concept For Living Magazine

Well readers; I had a lovely email the other day to tell me my blog is written about and features in the new november issue of Concept For Living magazine. Many, many thanks to the people at the magazine for mentioning my blog it's great people out there enjoy it on a tea break. keep reading folks I promise I'll continue updating with my life and adventures..... click on the above image to read the article.

Another Rainy One

Well I've been soaked once more out cycling on my bike. With the weather changing its only the very hardy you see out on bikes in this autumnal weather maybe I'm just not wired up correct. The fair weather brigade all these young dudes on there expensive bikes where are they. I noticed there was an article in yesterdays G2 in the Guardian about cycling in this weather.

Rainy October Day

I've done this readers whilst its cold and rainy outside and leafs fall from the trees. We continue as ever.

J Bradbury

Last night; I digested the last episode of Design for Life, meanwhile a mate sent me a text. I'd missed Come Dine With Me, with the gorgeous Julia Bradbury apparently looking quite sexy. At the Heighton HQ its no secret I'm an admirer, I especially like the scarf and wardrobe collection Julia rocks on Contryfile. Sigh....................... any how Its that time of year I can sniff november and christmas how this year has flown.

Me,Myself and I !

Well readers recently I've had numerous people make fun and ask if I have a brother or a cousin that looks like me they even say I look geeky some of these mates. Nope I don't, no relation to me folks. Besides me mum describes me as good looking.

Rats & Bats

I'm getting a bit fed up on my early morning bike rides with rats jumping out and nearly going under my front wheel, or nearly leaping at me in my lycra thinking I'm some snack. Plus bats swooping at me whilst my LED lights are on. Grrrrrrr.

The Fall

Well this afternoon I've done some more miles on my bike and it really does look more like Autumn to me outdoors with the colour of the trees. I spotted Russell Downing on his bike going at quite a pace in his new team Sky cycling gear. I'm sure we will see lots of riders in that team kit next summer I feel sure.

Made & Sold

Well readers the postie has just delivered me a copy of Made & Sold by fl@33 published by Laurence King;I feature in there with two of my images. But there's some really fantastic work in there by Andy Smith, kate Sutton, Peepshow, Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville, Emily Forgot and a heap of other talented people. This book is amazing, they even quote me in it. I sound half smart in it. Get yourself a copy enjoy with a brew.

Down The Village

Yesterday I visited London and on my travels I was quite taken with a book which was £90 squid it showed the work by Edward Bawden and his work for a rather expensive shop that the Queen shops at. I also spotted some actual models from the Fantastic Mr Fox film, they were so detailed find them down Oxford street in a window of a large chain store.

Autumnal Doodles

Well today I've done some doodles in my sketchbook, supped tea and eaten choc bars. I've even sorted through more of my old work. I may scour old sketchbooks next just to annoy myself and make me chuckle.

Sketchbook Pages

Here you go readers some spreads from one of my latest sketchbooks. I'll be honest its full of madness by myself lovingly done powered by a many cups of tea.

Northern Derby

Well readers find me in the Guardian tomorrow for summet reet northern in flavour on the back page of the sport section. Reet now I need a brew.

Autumnal

It looks more like Autumn out and about the leaves are falling and I've dug out my scarf collection, me hat collection will be out next. I'm even gonna dig out my big coats.

Sloe Berries

On a leisurely Sunday afternoon bash on the bike me and my mate were flagged down not for you average set of directions. But to ask us if we knew personally where the sloe berries were. Could we direct them to the sloe berries?? I haven't a clue was my answer but they had plenty of countryside to pick from. I've not tasted Sloe Gin, I like a brew.

Kinghts Tale

This last week I've caught a peek at Nick Knights new book another book I want to own, I love the photography of this man and his dress sense, probably one of the best dressed gents in Britain.  His photography never bores me but engages me and indeed inspires me. I just hope he keeps grafting.

Soaked In October

Well on an evening ride on the bike I got well soaked, a cup of tea at the end of that ride never tasted so good.

Brews & Wiggo

Well at the time of writing I've had 6 cups of tea already before 12pm lunch time. I've resolved an A2 image I'm about happy with and I've read some more of the Bradley Wiggins biography. We continue.

Bike Hound

Well I've done a few miles on the bike wrapped up warm cos there was a nip in the air first thing. I've done some drawing and supped tea. I'm off to read the paper.

Bakery

Today on me lunch break I went the bakery and had my eye on the gingerbread men. I was thinking about saturday night, some how I arrived at this little dude. I'm still trying to resolve a large image.

Rainy October Day

Well its been raining outside off and on. I've been singing off and on, whilst sat on my computer. I have the new Michael Buble song in my head. "Have'nt met you yet", I like the lass in the pop video that never happens to me down at my local supermarket though.

Plane

Here is another snippet of something I'm working on at the moment on and off. Reet kettle on its getting chilly. Riding around on my bike I think the trees are looking more interesting with there colour reds and yellows.

Getting Cold

Its getting colder readers, I know cos the heater as been switched on whilst I do my drawings sup tea and generally sing along to tunes in the background.

In Town

Well readers I heard a whisper that the prime minister might have been in South Yorkshire today for an event over at Sheffield. Leaving Doncaster today I was stopped on my bike while a Police escorted Jaguar and a smart land Rover were escorted through the rough and ready roads of Donny. Could have been the Prime Minister.

The Irony

Well this morning I mentioned in my blog about christmas. Later in the morning I won a job to illustrate Santa. I love it we have hit October and its christmas from here onwards. I need a brew. perhaps serve it up with biscuits and xmas trimmings.

Xmas Is Soon......."Shut Up".

Well readers I've just changed over my calendar. Yes it's a fabulous two piece costume the model is wearing; but more alarmingly its the 1st of October. I've just set out on foot to work on my ten thousand steps for the day. I hit step 20 I believe before "Morning, its Christmas soon". Shut up!

All Dudes

Well I've done a few miles on my bike, I'm on brew number 5 at time of writing. This above readers is part of something I'm gonna produce. Any how I'm gonna make brew 6 shortly.

Propellor

Check tomorrows back page of the sport section in the Guardian. Reet I need a brew after that job. possibly some food.

Fix it

This dude just looks like he could fix owt. Cars, bike, plumbing issues you name it. He will fix it and a good rate. Plus he loves a brew.

Dash

Check this little dude out. Reet this dude needs a brew and a biscuit. Then more drawing.

Wiggins

I have got a copy of Bradley Wiggins biography to digest with an extra chapter about this years Tour de france. How many brews will be supped while digesting this tome is anyone's guess.

Better Image Of This Dude

Past project

Here is a photo by Jill Temporal of a book jacket illustration I did a while back. The typography was done by the publisher.

September Weekend

Well today I've visited some old mates in Manchester and the weather was good. I had a brew or two along the way. We continue.

Love A Brew

Well readers it looks half sunny out my window as I dance with a cuppa to more Calvin Harris; we continue.

Cool Cats Mate

After the introduction of Cool Cat meet his mate. This afternoon I've got half an idea for a very detailed bit of work. I'm still working it out in my brain.

Apple

Well readers I've been doodling faces. I may start doing one a day or maybe just eat an apple a day, and then drink 8 or 9 brews a day. 

Cool Cat

Cool Cat says "If the milk turns sour he ain't the pussy to drink it". Or is that dialogue from a film. But this Donny Cool Cat needs a brew a refreshing beverage.

Chef

I admit readers I'm not very good at cooking; I wanted to share that with you readers in the tree of trust on this September morning. I'm good at making a brew though!

Me At 80

Take note readers this is me at 80 years old with a walking stick and brew. Talking of which I need one reet now.