Coloured Pencil on Canson Pastel Paper

The paper in this sketchbook is quite flimsy and textured but is wonderful to draw on with pen and ink. I always start drawing subjects like this by looking for a negative shape, in other words the space between the branches, and then progress outwards looking for more unusual shapes until eventually the tree appears [...]

This was completed from a little balcony of a bar nearby. It is important when painting abroad to be aware of the sun which can be very strong. Just sitting out for a few minutes sketching can result in quite nasty burns, especially as you tend to lose sense of time. A convenient bar not [...]

I was fascinated by the the way the hard stone had been carved to replicate the soft sensuous curves and delicate fabric. Wonderful! Graphite on Moleskine sketchbook, 21 x 12 cm