Once upon a time …

... long, long ago, well that's how it seems! We are unable to post pictures of our Christmas commissions yet, so how about a bit of history.We first got serious about art and craft in 1994, when we took over a business running ceramic art classes - we called it 'Studio Minerva'. The shop was…

You have to laugh

Last year I was fortunate to be asked to illustrate a book of humorous poetry, so I did.As an illustrator my job is fairly straightforward - read the poem, draw the picture. The difficult bit is with the writer. The author of these chuckle-worthy gems is Dianne Phillips-Zito, she lives in a rather bleak and…

Family Heirloom

Last year I was asked to draw a family house that held memories for three generations of one family. It was to be a Christmas present, but because the recipient was poorly I was asked to bring it forward as a birthday present instead. A few days ago, the lady who commissioned it contacted me…

There’s no place like Home

There are records dating back to 1650 for this Devon cottage. The modern extension is what used to be 'the stick store', presumably where firewood was stored, now kitchen/diner with bedroom and balcony above. It is also recorded as being the place where 'the pauper in the stick store' resided, according to census records. Apparently,…

North Lodge, Brockenhurst Park

This Grade ll listed gatehouse was designed by Alfred Waterhouse (1830-1905) and built in the 1860s by T H Wyatt. It is described as being of asymmetrical composition in a French Renaissance style. This building often appears on the internet in photographs but this may be the first drawing, albeit a tad stylised.  A4 pen…

Happy anniversary

This lovely Cotswold cottage was isolated from the rest of the row for a special anniversary present. Specific details were included at the commissioners request. The texture of the honey coloured stone lends itself to the pen and ink technique.  If you need a gift for a special occasion coming up, why not a caricature…

Miniature cottages

The wooden miniatures are hand made by Collette Stacey, of Cosy Cottage Designs, but after my wife had bought one I decided it looked so cute it needed to be set in its proper surroundings. Not wishing to infringe any copyright issues, I contacted Collette to ask if it was OK to produce drawings from…

Special Birthday Gift

Last time I said there was another house awaiting imminent delivery, so here it is. The lovely, half tiled house is located 'somewhere in Hampshire', and incorporates its more recent extension. Have you got a special celebration coming up, or has someone just moved in to a new home? Contact me with details of your…

Waiting for a bus

Strange time, this Covid lockdown thing. I took a commission just days before it all started, but the buyer didn't need it until July. So, as usual, I got on with the task and it spent over two months sat in my dining room waiting. No other commissions arrived, so I kept the flow going…

To infinity (well, 2020) and beyond …

The end of one interesting year and the beginning of another. And I'm ready for your commissions! 2019 was the year our son left home, two sets of rubber stamps were released, we moved to a whole new life in Devon, the new business (see previous posts) was closed, we met new people, joined in…