artwork & illustration

Born into a family of artists- fine art and metalwork; musicians and dramatists- I suppose it was inevitable that illustrations would wind their way into my own creative work. I’ve only recently published my artwork for the first time via illustration in The Life of Sir Dunstan Pigglesworth, but I’ve enjoyed exploring visual art sporadically over the years.

Coloured pencil is my preferred medium by far. I also enjoy using pastels and have recently begun to acquaint myself with charcoal. Please enjoy a selection of artwork and illustration- click on the thumbnail to expand each offering. For artwork that references a poem, please click on the link within the caption to be taken to the poetry that inspired the art. I will be updating this page periodically so check back for the latest content. I will also sometimes post artwork related to my poetry on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

artwork gallery

Artwork- Black and white pencil drawing of a tiger stalking through grass. The only colour is the yellow of the tiger's eyes which stare intently at the viewer.
I drew this to accompany my poem Underestimated, which I have not yet published. It’s not a single drawing; the grass is cut and pasted from some earlier scribbles of mine.
Artwork- Simple coloured pencil illustraion of a cockatoo sitting on a branch.
Cockatoo to accompany my poem Dawn Chorus
Artwork- Monochrome pen drawing of a lop eared rabbit, mid stretch. There is a little pencil shading.
Missy in a “legs eleven” pose. Inspired one of my favourite haiku, Hot Cross Bun
Artwork- Monochrome pen drawing of a seated lop eared rabbit, looking at the viewer. The rabbit has dappled fur which is shaded in pencil.
In memory of Doc, 12.07.19- 26.08.24
Artwork- Pen drawing with pencil shading, featuring a rabbit and a chicken on either side of a glass door.
Gina and Arthur’s relationship inspired my poem Patio Doors, which formed part of my November Challenge
Artwork- Detailed coloured pencil portrait of two collie cross dogs on a purple blanket in long grass. One is seated, the other lies down. They are both watching something off page.
I drew this for a good friend on her birthday- Sascha and Bella
Artwork- Coloured pencil illustration of a sow lying on her side, atop hay in a barn. Six piglets suckle beside her. She appears contented.
Three of my favourites from Dunstan Pigglesworth…the Curly Tail begins.
Artwork- Fantasy coloured pencil illustration of a pig in a top hat and monocle flying through space. Features a rainbow, crescent moon, 2 planets, stars, flowers, sand & sea, a hillside & shed, and the back of a woman's head with long hair. The pig is smiling.
Three of my favourites from Dunstan Pigglesworth…freedom.
Artwork- Coloured pencil illustration of a bedroom scene. A woman lies on her side, thought bubble indicates a dream- inside the bubble, a smiling pig in a top hat and monocle sits amid a pile of red apples, with a long haired person in a blue jumper beside him. Elsewhere in the room, there are a pair of closed blue curtains, a soft nightlight, a crib with a mobile suspended above it, and a baby's bottle on a nightstand. The letters 'Zzzz' appear above both the bed and the crib.
Three of my favourites from Dunstan Pigglesworth…always in our dreams.
Artwork- Seven coloured pencil illustations of two people sitting on a wall with their backs to the viewer: two babies in swimwear; two little girls in fancy dress; two pre-teens whispering; two teeneagers in rock outfits; two young women in club wear; a bride and bridesmaid; 2 old ladies with matching walking sticks. The amount of ivy on the wall increases in each picture in sequence.
One of the most important people in my life turned 40 this year- these are from the illustrated poem I wrote to celebrate our 36 year friendship.

creating art post injury

Whilst post concussion syndrome still effects my attention span and energy levels, I’ve found the biggest barrier to artwork since the crash has been neck pain. Looking down at a table for an extended period of time is not a comfortable position for a once-broken neck. However, where there’s a will there’s a way, and in this instance I have been saved by a table top easel.

I find the act of creating visual art very soothing; I like having something to focus on, something that brings me into the present. I have begun a small exploration of art therapy. Updates to follow in the coming months.