NZ Road Trip

This image is an attempt to summarise my journey around New Zealand.  My girlfriend and I spent most of the time in the rental car (a Nissan Sunny which was probably the same age as me), weaving round the rolling hills and steep mountains.  A land that consists of beautiful green meadows and bubbling mud pools next to imposing volcanoes is a feast for the senses.  Go there!

Rugby

Anorak Magazine is a fine example of how fun and interactive illustration can be used within publishing.  It appeals to kids and adults and I have wanted to work for them for some time.  So when I spotted their call for entries on the Doodlers Anoymous blog, I jumped at the chance.  The brief was to create a black and white image (which kids could colour) based on your favourite sport.  As my neighbours would confirm, I can be quite a vocal supporter of my native rugby team (Wales) during the six nations.  For me, rugby is a great mix of drama, thuggery and skill-a perfect spectator sport.  As somebody who has already produced a couple of colouring books for children, I really enjoy working in this area-considering how your audience might colour and add bits to the drawing.  I hope to be successful and have this image included in the next issue, but even if I'm not, making the drawing was pretty fun.

Summer Afternoon

Looking at the rain pouring down outside my window somewhat contradicts this blog post, but this is my latest quote-inspired artwork and focuses on slightly warmer weather.  The quote is attributed to Henry James (1843 - 1916) and I feel it perfectly describes the mood of summer (when the sky is not filled with clouds).  For this piece I aimed to add more texture than usual and to really capture the temperature through colour.  I'm quite happy with the results and hope to produce several more of these pieces that use typography as a descriptive form within the drawing.

What to read?

My most recent illustration for the Caravan Club Magazine focused on the all important holiday book. The decision of which book to read whilst enjoying some quality time away from it all, is a tricky one. Do you select a classic story, something weighty and existential or, like the writer of the column, Paul Scholes' autobiography? Decisions, decisions...

Living France Magazine June 2012

For the latest issue of Living France Magazine I was asked to illustrate a classroom of reluctant French teens who as part of their agricultural course, have to learn English. The teacher seems to have a tough time trying to keep the students interested, as they would much prefer to be outside, hunting game or growing crops. It reminded me of my youth, studying French GCSE. Two long years of hard graft and all I can remember is how to say I'm going to the swimming pool and I'm from Wales-not the most useful of phrases.

Serco Illustration Competition - 2012

Having been shortlisted for this prize last year, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be as lucky with my 2012 entry. The brief was to depict the secret or hidden side of London. As readers of this blog will know, I am rather found of putting on my walking boots and plodding around. There are numerous walking paths around London that bring you close to rare species of plants and animals. With this piece of artwork I have tried to show what is waiting for people in the city, if they are prepared to look for it.

Living France Magazine

This illustration was for the monthly column written by Karen Wheeler. Each month she gives the reader an insight into the pros and cons of being an expat in France. This month she describes the short-lived love affair between the owner of her local bar and his new girlfriend, which sadly had a detrimental effect on the bar's service.

Olympic Breakfast

My latest illustration for Caravan Club Magazine focused on a subject close to my heart, food, more specifically the epic fried breakfast offered by the Little Chef restaurants. This summer will involve watching numerous obscure sports on the TV and what better way to enjoy them and support team GB, than by stuffing your face with fried food?

New Puppy

Despite being very tempted to get a dog, I've never taken the leap into dog ownership and after illustrating this article for the Caravan Club Magazine, I think it will be a little while yet before I have to buy dog food. Taking a new puppy to a caravan site does not seem like a relaxing prospect.

New Zealand

I recently returned from a four week trip to the those islands at the other end of the planet. It was a journey I had been planning in my mind for several years and my experience was every bit as enjoyable as I could have hoped. Below are a selection of drawings and photographs I made during the 3500km road trip.