Every day is tree day

I once worked for a bush regeneration project in which I planted thousands of Australian native trees over the course of about six months. Despite the stinking heat and creature-invested dirt (including some rather deadly spiders and snakes), I loved every minute. I'll never get tired of trees. I love looking at them, being near … Continue reading Every day is tree day

What tinnitus tastes like

I produce a lot of monochromatic (sometimes two-hued) artwork, such as in the top three recent entries in various sketchbooks. Mostly, I think this is just aesthetic preference, with a side order of apprehension over colour-coordination. I have always had an unusual relationship with colour, mostly because what makes sense to others doesn't necessarily make … Continue reading What tinnitus tastes like

Two Baobabs and a Boab

Tree portraits - three species of Adonsonia Three species of Adonsonia. In most parts of the world the common name for these bottle-like trees is Baobab - the first two sketches are the African Baobab (A. digitata) and the Giant Baobab or Grandidier's Baobab (A. grandidieri) respectively. In Australia they are mostly known as Boab's … Continue reading Two Baobabs and a Boab

Sycamore maple in pen and ink

Another day, another tree sketch. This time a Sycamore maple - Acer pseudoplatanus.

All shapes and sizes

"To really feel a forest canopy one must use different senses, and often the most useful one is the sense of imagination."- John Maloof Blackwood AcaciaNorway MapleMore trees from my sketchbook

Playing with my favourite pen and subject

Claudia Nice is the first artist that inspired me try working with pen and ink with several books, including Drawing in Pen and Ink. I like to engage fully with what I'm doing and ink requires a level of commitment that appeals to my nature. I like detail and I enjoy how tight and clear … Continue reading Playing with my favourite pen and subject

Nature on the net and in my sketchbook

Horse chestnut European larch If it isn't obvious from the page of trees in pen and ink that I love trees, my tree sketchbook will leave you in no doubt. I have one sketchbook devoted just to sketching trees in pen and ink, mostly using a fountain pen with black or grey permanent ink, and … Continue reading Nature on the net and in my sketchbook