Red Legs

Inks, posca, fineliner, water
Inspired by the Sea Gulls and their natural environment at Brodick Harbour, observed during a recent trip to the Isle of Arran, Scotland.

Hidden Flowers - New Series

Handmade Cards
I am currently working on a new series of handmade cards. "Hidden Flowers" explodes details and patterns found on petals, leaves and stems beyond the flower itself creating an intricate and striking pattern, using purely black and white for added emphasis. Here are some examples....

Canal Artist Residency - planning commences

Light & Dark - Reflections & Shadows
I am about to embark on an Artist's Residency based at Shipley, exploring the creative impact of Light and Dark along a short stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Following a recent planning day where I produced initial sketches and created a bank of exploratory and reference based photographic material I soon became intrigued by the patterns overlaying the canal and the canalside as a result of the bright sunlight shining through trees and shubbery and bouncing off boats and bridges, along with the decorative reflections of the sky and the surroundings in the water. It was at this point I decided to focus my creative interest specifically on reflections and shadows, under the overarching theme of Light and Dark, during my Residency. Here are a few images I produced during my planning trip.......there are much more to come so keep checking back!

Twist: The twisting bare branches of this bold, archaic tree is mimicked through the twisted photographic layers, dissolved together with subtle colour tones to suggest reflections from the canal

Beyond: An image created in response to the abundance of life, foliage and vibrancy beyond the canal. A layered image mixing black and white and full colour to create a misty palette of browns, greens and yellows.

Shipley Canal: Photographed at the side of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal near Hirst Lock capturing the radiant blue sky and the delicate white clouds, which together create a backdrop of brightness and colour against the lone tree on the hillside.

Abstract Shadows

Here are two examples from a new set of handmade cards I am working on. More to come!

Sketch and Shoot - Test Sequence

Whilst preparing all the materials and equipment for the Sketch and Shoot Animation Workshop this weekend I have created a short test sequence. If you would like to learn how to make your own drawings come to life in this way join me at the Summer Fayre at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday 13th August. I will be running a participative workshop from 12 noon - 1pm plus there will be lots of other exciting things to see and do. It would be great to see you there!
 

Sketch and Shoot - Workshop Preparation

I am in the midst of the final preparations for the Sketch and Shoot Animation Workshop that I am delivering at the Lawrence Batley Theatre this weekend as part of the Summer Fayre. Here are four frames taken from an example test sequence I have prepared to help illustrate the processes of drawn animation. Can you spot the subtle differences between each frame?

I will upload more artwork and animation snippets after the workshop.....so keep checking back!!

Wrap (Close Up)

Inks, fine liner, posca and water
As promised, this is a close up preview of one of my four pieces currently exhibited at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield as part of the A Taste of Host Exhibition. Feel free to visit the exhibition between now and the 18th September. I will upload a close up of the fourth piece soon.....so keep checking back!

Work In Progress - Multilayered Floral Patterning

I have reached a new stage in the development of work for my Floral Series and have begun to build up images using layers of different art materials, allowing the materials chosen to interact directly with the patterns created on the canvas, providing an organic painting influenced as much by the combination of materials as by the subject. I have just completed the base ink layer of two new pieces of work and will upload progress images as the drawings develop.

Handmade Cards - New Series

Here are a few examples of a new series of handmade cards I am working on. Each contains a piece of original artwork creatively framed with recycled packaging materials. Great fun to make....and quite crazy : )

Embark (Close Up)

Creative Composite Photograph
This is a close up preview of one of my four pieces currently exhibited at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield as part of the A Taste of Host Exhibition showcasing the work of local artists. Feel free to visit the exhibition between now and the 18th September. I will upload all four pieces as the exhibition progresses.......so keep checking back!

I am also opening my studio at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September where you can see more of my work including work in progress, plus you can find out the background to various pieces of artwork and take part in an informal animation workshop too........It would be great to see you there!

"Still Seaweed?" (Close Up)

Inks, fine liner, posca and water
This is a close up preview of one of my four pieces currently exhibited at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield as part of the A Taste of Host Exhibition. Feel free to visit the exhibition between now and the 18th September. I will upload all four pieces as the exhibition progresses.......so keep checking back!

Rock Flow

Posca
An abstract interpretation of the rock formations found along the coastline on Holy Island

Shell, Thistle and Seaweed

Posca
An abstract interpretation of plantlife and shells found at Lochranza, Isle of Arran

Thistle Weed

Posca
An abstract interpration of plantlife found at Lochranza, Isle of Arran

Seaweed

Posca
An pattern based abstract drawing inspired by the flowing shapes, slimy textures and interlaced patterns of seaweed bunches

Bows

Fine liner and water
Interpretative drawing of seaweed huddles found along the coastline on Holy Island

Seashore

Fine liner and water
An interpretive observational drawing of the shoreline on Holy Island

Rock

Fine liners and water
Observational drawing of a large rock on Holy Island

Textures

Fine liners and water
Observational drawing of rock textures

Boats

Fine liner and water
A quick sketch of boats at Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, Scotland

Lochranza Castle

Fine liner, water and terracotta drawing pencil
Observational drawing of Lochranza Castle on the beautiful Isle of Arran, Scotland

Lighthouse

Fine liner and water
An interpretation of the old lighthouse at Ardrossan, drawn in the baking sunshine whilst waiting for the ferry to Brodick.

Beats

Fine liner and water
A music inspired piece drawn in the passenger seat of a moving car during a long journey to Scotland.

Crazy Top Hat

Fine liner and water
A sketch of a passer by, drawn from the front passenger seat of a moving car. This is a slight diversion from my usual drawings but great fun all the same!!

Moving Pictures

Fine liners and waters
A sketch of the view out of the front passenger window drawn inside a moving car on the way to Arran.

Little Mo

Fine liner and water
A 5 minute sketch of Little Mo reading the Map on the way to Arran.