Category Archives: Back Catalogue

Honduras in 1997

In 1997 when I was just 26 and living in Bristol, I travelled to Honduras to stay with a friend who I’d shared a house with. We’re still friends now. I have rediscovered this sketchbook because I’ve just moved house and found all my sketchbooks in the loft. And when I say all my sketchbooks,Continue reading “Honduras in 1997”

Event Illustration & Being ‘A Jobbing Artist’

The term ‘Jobbing Artist’ is one I first heard mentioned in a lecture by Martin Salisbury during last Semester. He referred to Barbara Jones as having been a ‘jobbing illustrator/artist’ – and really we all are… except, as I’m not yet published, and I got made redundant from my FE Lecturing post last year – IContinue reading “Event Illustration & Being ‘A Jobbing Artist’”

Colouring-in

Experiments with using Photoshop to colour some older drawings. I really like this technique and I’m super-happy I’ve discovered it. I use a computer-pen directly on a monitor to colour, and I use the colour rather like an ink wash – but a lot less messy and easier to do it again if you don’tContinue reading “Colouring-in”

Roma (Aged 19)

These drawings, studies and sketchbook experiments are just a few of the many that I have in the sketchbook I took to Rome in 1989-90. It is possibly one of my most treasured possessions because, like a diary, it’s a glimpse back to my 19 year old self. I love to see how passionate IContinue reading “Roma (Aged 19)”

Experiments With Technique or Media

This is a post to collect a lot of odds and ends really. Trying out different techniques and bits and bobs. The photo-collage of my two boys with the pen and ink studies of their ‘precious things’; that’s just a nice thing to have. I think I should do one every year, to see howContinue reading “Experiments With Technique or Media”

Calming the Rat Cage of the Mind

Drawing as a means to calm the mind. When I’m wandering aimlessly through my house, overwhelmed, I know there’s loads to do. I know I have things I ‘should’ do. The ironing pile is massive. I’ve got work to prepare for college but I don’t want to do it. The duvets need changing, the floorContinue reading “Calming the Rat Cage of the Mind”

Around every Cup of Coffee is a Soap Opera?

I love to draw in cafes. It can be quite relaxing, a way to ‘get out of yourself’ and focus on other. A way to sit back as an impartial observer, give the imagination free range as the ‘drawing’ part of your brain concentrates on the marks, shapes and tones that make up the scene.Continue reading “Around every Cup of Coffee is a Soap Opera?”