….. Because I love it!

I draw as a way of exploring my subject matter, as preparatory work but also as a means to an end. Often drawing helps me ground myself when I feel a bit lost in my painting. Sometimes, when I draw, the style and subject matter is the antithesis of what I’ve been working on in my paintings. It’s like my brain’s had too much abstract landscape and needs a rest from it. so I need to draw a bunch of flowers.

I mostly draw in monochrome so I can concentrate on line, mark making and tone and not be distracted by colour. As a colourist I can lose focus on other stuff, particularly tone. I don’t often refer back to the drawings once they’re made but the imprint of making them remain in my visual memory and informs my painting.

I often joke that my 2 favourite drawing tools are my hand made (and free) bamboo pens and my Apple iPen (£100+) . Could you get more polar? Nothing beats the feel of pen and brush on paper but when inspiration strikes or whilst watching a slightly dull England game then the iPad is a great way to draw from the comfort of the sofa (ref - drawing of Willow the staffy on the Sofa below).

I’ll be giving a demo of my pen and ink drawings at Clifton Arts Club on the 14th April. If you’re a member come along

Some of my Digital Drawings are available to purchase here.