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

A tree on INPRNT.com and a promo code

I've just finished a rather large pen and ink and watercolour of an antarctic beech; those magnificent Gondwana relics, which I am blessed to live in the same state as. I have a collection of photos of two rather old trees in particular from several different pilgrimages. Unfortunately that still wasn't enough for a faithful … Continue reading A tree on INPRNT.com and a promo code

Forest time

Most of my time at the moment is consumed with a fairly large mixed media piece I'm working on. I haven't had much time for sketchbooks, so I thought I'd share some progress pics on the piece instead. The first image is the pen and ink sketch which probably took too many more days than … Continue reading Forest time

A Moreton Bay Fig in pen and ink

Moreton Bay figs from Old Petrie Town and Sydney Botanical Gardens (My own photos) Moreton Bay Figs, sometimes Australian Banyan, (Ficus macrophylla) come in all shapes and sizes, as you can see from the photos. The first two photos were taken at Old Petrie Town, not far from my home. These individuals are said to … Continue reading A Moreton Bay Fig in pen and ink

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

Old Lime

Finished at last. An old Lime, also known as linden or Tilia, in pen and ink on hot press watercolour paper. Lime trees, not to be confused with the citrus, were considered sacred in parts of Europe and it still have an important place in folklore.

Artistic Process

It's been awhile since I created a large piece because when I do it takes up most of my creative headspace and time. This means I don't spend much time in my sketchbook. I've decided to share my process instead. The piece I'm working on is a large leaf lime or linden tree (Tilia platyphyllos). … Continue reading Artistic Process