Under the surface. A Fishes Tale.

Many moons ago when I was a keen angler I used to keep a diary of the various angling adventures and escapades I indulged in. I would illustrate the pages with all manner of watery creatures, various flies and lures, bits of tackle and equipment, baits used and so on and so forth! My favourite subjects though were the fish themselves. Some quick sketches but mainly painted in pen and ink from photographs taken at the time. It was a very enjoyable way of reflecting on a favourite pastime. I haven't done any fishing for a long time but I still like to observe what lies beneath the surface of a river, lake or pond at every opportunity. Visiting freshwater aquariums is a brilliant way to study how fish move in a near natural environment and I have stared into many over the years. I recently made some sketches and watercolours of some of my favourite fish which I take great pleasure in sharing on my blog.

Roach.

Chub.

Roach.

Tench.

Rudd.

Perch.

Small birds with big personalities!

At this time of the year I always look forward to the onset of the breeding season and accompanying birdsong that lightens the mornings and evenings in our gardens and hedgerows? Suddenly there is an eruption of activity among the feathered community as nest building and courtship gets under way. New visitors arrive and add their song to the spring soundtrack and familiar memories are re-kindled to gladden the heart! I have been sketching some of my favourite songsters from last autumn and through the winter and added one or two spring songbirds with freshly emerging buds and flowers in a series dedicated to some of these iconic creatures! My first exhibition of the season is coming up this weekend on Sunday April 10th at RSPB THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE and I will have these works on display. I will also be at RSPB RYE MEADS SPRING FAIR on Saturday April 16th in HODDESDEN, HERTS.

Stonechats and gorse.

Chiffchaff and tree fruits.

Common Whitethroat.

Willow Warbler.

Reed Bunting and Billberries.

Skylark among Pasque Flowers.