About Me

I am a freelance illustrator working in West Yorkshire. I graduated from college, in 1992, with a degree in English and have developed my style by working in a series of sketchbooks. My influences come from modern illustrative artists, focussing on urban life.

Man made structures in the environment inspire my drawing work. I deliberately make my drawings quirky by breaking down the hard lines and shapes which surround us to create a more fluid and expressive interpretation of the subject.

My primary source of inspiration is from observation; whether it be a prolonged sitting in-situ or from a quick sketch. I like the immediacy of working outdoors and the opportunity to feel closer to the subject.

Working outdoors is a strong influence on my choice of materials; it has to be portable. I prefer to work directly onto paper using ink; fine line, waterproof pens and sometimes biro or marker pen for effect. Black ink gives a crisp, defined edge to my drawing work. Once initial outlines and detailing is complete I add watercolour wash. Again this medium is completely portable; I carry pans of paint and use water brush pens out in the field. Watercolour has a transparency and an unpredictable nature which adds a further quality of fluidity to my work.

Recent Works

Jan 2012>    – Illustration work for “Camping and Caravanning Club Magazine”

Sep 2011       – Exhibition at Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse

Sep 2011       – Illustrations used on Arts Council’s website ”Creative Case for Diversity in the Arts”

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