I’ve never really identified with being a ‘literary’ person. And yes, I’m aware of the irony given I’m an author/illustrator. I’ve always identified with being a more visual person rather than a wordsmith. As a kid, I remember drawing a lot, but I don’t remember reading or writing very much. To me, the term ‘literary’… Continue reading How to: sketch with words
Category: Making
Vinyl in the studio: Gurrumul, The Shins, Arcade fire and Khruangbin
I don’t know if anyone even listens to albums anymore. Music is a necessity when I’m painting or drawing and whilst I like the idea of things like “artist radio station”, nothing beats 45-70 minutes with the same artist who has painstakingly explored their soul and curated a sequence of songs that take you somewhere.… Continue reading Vinyl in the studio: Gurrumul, The Shins, Arcade fire and Khruangbin
My core colour palette: eleven pigments that have earned my trust
After 5 or so years of painting with watercolour, I’ve spent A LOT of money on paint. Some have been a brilliant investment, while others sit in the draw. There are some tubes that have only a few millilitres used and I’m unlikely to go to them any time soon. The problem is, I love… Continue reading My core colour palette: eleven pigments that have earned my trust
Where do ideas come from?
People ask me, ‘Where do you get your ideas?’ And, like most writers, I have the standard answer, “From life.” But I know it’s not a good answer. It’s vague, unhelpful, and to be honest, a bit of a cop-out. A better answer would be, “It’s complicated” or “I actually don’t know”. But that’s also… Continue reading Where do ideas come from?
Hope for humanity: The music of Joe Hisaishi
I’ve always been a fan of live music. I spent much of my early twenties going to pub bands and watching people ‘rock out’ on stage. But I very rarely think, “Hey, I should go see some classical music.” And that’s not because I don’t like it. I listen to quite a lot of in… Continue reading Hope for humanity: The music of Joe Hisaishi
Lines for Birds: poems and paintings
I’ve been working hard to understand language since I started writing for children. And while I ‘studied English’ in school, the focus was teaching you to communicate, not on how language can make you feel. Lines for Birds, Barry Hill and John Wolseley I was browsing a bookshop in Alice Springs on a recent trip… Continue reading Lines for Birds: poems and paintings
Fine Art Inspiration: Amanda Hyatt
I spend a lot of time studying fine art watercolour artists who are doing some of the most incredible work you’re ever likely to see. When I was just starting out, my wife bought me a ‘Masterclass’ with this lady I have never heard of. I had no idea who she was or what she… Continue reading Fine Art Inspiration: Amanda Hyatt
Urban sketching the Greek islands
Take a peek in to my sketch book where I play with ink and watercolour to try and capture one of the most beautiful places on earth.
May Gibbs Creative Time Residential Fellowship 2017
I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been selected as one of May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust’s Creative Time Residential Fellows in 2017. I’m a gum nut baby! YAY!
The HarperCollins Annual Author Day 2016: The definitive wrap-up
Whether your an author or illustrator who couldn’t make it or you’re keen to know what happens under the hood at a publishing event. Here’s my key takeaways from this great day.