My approach to drawing and painting ranges from the expressive to the highly detailed; the character of commissioned work will depend upon its eventual use. A change in tempo is something I find inspiring and challenging as briefs can range from the highly specific to having complete freedom.
Brattleby House stables; private commission
House in Blakeney, Norfolk (front elevation); private commission
House in Blakeney, Norfolk (rear elevation); private commission
New homes; Rajkowsky Architecture and Building
Hanwell Castle Tower; private commission
Auborn Hall; private commission
Hanwell Church; private commission
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne; Northern Heritage
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne (section); Northern Heritage
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne (section); Northern Heritage
North Oxfordshire house; private commission
Hanwell Castle Tower book illustration; private commission
Bamburgh Castle; Northern Heritage
Hadrian’s Wall (Steel Rigg); Northern Heritage
Lindisfarne Castle; Northern Heritage
Brasenose College, Oxford
Brasenose College, Oxford
No illustrator can retain an edge to their work without a self-initiated drawing workout. Here are a few of my favourites, chosen at random and created for the love of drawing.
Knuston Hall stables
Abandoned villa, Samos
Samos Town
Priory Gate, Lincoln
The Lifeboat B&B, Wells next the Sea, Norfolk
Significant houses and gardens are handsomely celebrated by the recording of an estate, its heritage and particular architectural features. My approach represents the character and specifics in a choice of presentations, any of which becomes a fitting tribute to the effort and affection given to fine properties and their grounds. Drawn and painted by hand, each map is reproduced in printed form, either singularly or in limited quantities.
THE PROCESS
1. Each map is individual but every project begins with a meeting to discuss the estate, its features, history and architecture. At that point, content is agreed upon and a quote prepared; a deposit is necessary before commencing any work to be undertaken following the acceptance of a quote.
2. Ordnance Survey maps are generated and reference photographs taken. Aerial photography is necessary for the oblique projection which my map illustrations employ; this gives the map a truly three dimensional aspect where buildings, trees and landscape features are accurately represented. A detailed map is then drawn of the selected area.
3. An additional hand-rendered plan of the estate’s layout can also be incorporated; a plan view often enhances the project.
4. Drawings of significant aspects of the estate are made and a layout prepared which shows the component parts of the map to their best advantage.
5. The assembled estate map is proofed for approval and any amendments are to be made at this stage.
6. Final prints are made through a digital print process which ensures a high quality result with a projected lifespan of 70 years or more. If the client prefers prints produced by the litho process, then this alternative can be provided.
7. An intelligent and intuitive understanding of the client’s needs are paramount to the success of an estate map and I strive to take on board their particular relationship with the property and estate in question. The eventual result is far more than the illustrator’s objective view, it is a celebration of a much-loved home.
