About Me

I am a Cotswolds-based artist, art tutor, and nature obsessive. When I’m not painting, drawing, or teaching, you’ll find me outdoors in all weathers; it really is my happy place. This deep-rooted obsession with the local landscape and its wildlife underpins everything I do.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to draw. It has been my passion, my escape and my healer throughout my entire life. As a child, I was obsessed with wildlife, and nature guides were my favourite books—I still have some battered copies on my bookshelf to this day! It wasn’t lions, tigers, or elephants that fascinated me, but the plants and animals right on my doorstep. I’ve still believe to this day that you don’t have to go far to find something new and wonderful.

After several years working in bookselling and at Cheltenham’s famous festivals, I have been lucky enough to work as a freelance illustrator for over 20 years. In that time, I have collaborated with iconic names such as The National Trust, Scholastic, Oxford University Press, and HarperCollins.

I moved to Winchcombe in 2013 and decided to start an art class, mainly as a way to meet new people. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved teaching and derived a lot of joy from sharing my world with others. This inspired me to train to teach properly, and I am now professionally trained to teach students aged 14 and up.
I currently lead five regular classes a week, covering everything from life drawing and watercolours to printmaking and acrylics. I also run one-off weekend workshops and work at community events and festivals. I believe drawing is the fundamental skill that underpins all art. I don’t just teach “how to draw”—I teach my students how to see as artists. My classes are structured and inclusive, designed to help you find your creative voice no matter your starting point. We dive into projects straight away at the classes. I’m a strong believer that we learn best by doing.

My personal work is an extension of my life outdoors. There is nothing I love more than walking the hills and lanes around me and translating what I see into drawings and paintings. As a volunteer nature surveyor on Cleeve Common, I spend my time surveying plants, reptiles, and insects. This work has given me a huge sense of belonging to this very special landscape.

I am influenced by a diverse collection of artists: the Ladybird artists like C.F. Tunnicliffe for their simplicity; Eric Ravilious for his semi-abstract patterned landscapes; Hilma af Klint’s delicate flower studies; and Albrecht Dürer for his sublime use of line. The vibrant colours of David Hockney, and the unparalleled genius of Matisse and Van Gogh, are a massive inspiration too.

My Philosophy – The Roman Snail

My business logo features a favourite animal of mine: the Roman Snail. I chose it not only because I love drawing them (it’s all about the spiral!), but because they are quirky and, in many ways, sum me up—I, too, like to hide away in my shell from time to time.
Most importantly, the snail represents my desire to encourage others to slow down and really look carefully at the world around them. In a fast-paced world, my art and my classes are an invitation to pause, observe, and appreciate the small wonders right under our feet and the beautiful skies over our heads!

Commissions & Projects

I continue to welcome private painting and drawing commissions and am currently accepting a few select commercial illustration projects too. I am always open to discussing unique creative collaborations, community events, and workshops.

Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of art or want to join me at a class or workshop to start your own creative journey, I’d love to hear from you.