Kew Palace

This is an illustration I completed recently that had been in production for several months. It is one of the architectural gems in the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. Kew Palace is actually the earliest surviving building in the gardens, built around 1631 by Samuel Fortrey. Fortrey was a wealthy merchant of Dutch heritage, alluded to in the distinguished gabled roofs and carved brickwork.

The palace was a royal residence between 1728 and 1898 and has been open to the public ever since its release from royal duties - acquired by Kew in 1896. Notable residents include King George III, who reigned between 1760 and 1820 and used the palace as a school house for his children and during his convalescence from illness.

Kew palace underwent a 10 year restoration completed in 2006. This same year it hosted its first royal engagement for 200 years when it was the venue for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday party.

I love the palace and have been visiting Kew Gardens since I was a child, seeing and enjoying it in all seasons. The gardens are a haven from the hustle and bustle of central London. At Kew the visitor has the chance to escape to the more exotic climes from which many species of plant life originate. As an artist now living overseas and away from my home city, I realise that increasingly I live through my work. The work itself becoming a connector to the places that I love.

Sources: http://www.hrp.org.uk/KewPalace/stories, http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/garden-attractions-A-Z/Kew-Palace.htm

Consulate General of Greece, San Francisco

Walking the streets of SF one day early this year I happened upon (of all things) the high commission of Greece. San Francisco is one of the ultimate in cosmopolitan cities and full of indications of the wealth of people and cultures that exist here on America's west coast. I decided to immortalise this one as I liked the mixture of classic Franciscan Victoriana with more modern additions such as the windows in the upper story. I also liked that they were proudly flying the flag for Greece far from home.

FroYo

These are 2 images from a recent commission to illustrate a number of frozen yoghurt and ice cream parlours belonging to a chain that can be found in north america and asia. I had a lot of fun interpreting the architecture into my own illustrational style.

Swensen's Ice-Cream Parlour

This is my latest completed illustration. Swensen's Ice Cream of Hyde St, San Francisco really captured my imagination as I passed by one day. It had to be a drawing. As a move away from earlier images I have included the sidewalk to indicate just how steep the streets here can be! In the very near future my illustrations will be available as greetings cards. As sets and individually. Check back for further info or drop me a line through the email to your right.

'City Of Trees' exhibition, 16th-30th May 2009

Here is a preview of my entry which was selected for the 'City of Trees' exhibition. The exhibition features artworks by both amateur and professional artists depicting trees and views from the city of Tustin, California. The rules stipulate that selected entries must show a tree, or part of a tree, that exists somewhere in the city. Given the number of palm trees in California it is unlikely that you would be able to guess the exact location of my entry from this cropped section of it! However, you can come and see the entire picture for yourself. The exhibition runs from 16th - 30th May 2009 at:

Chemers Gallery, 17300 17th Street, Suite G, Tustin, CA. 92780 USA

Contact me for further info at the top of the blog or link to the gallery's blog amongst 'my reads'.

Royal Albert Hall

I recently completed this illustration, feeling nostalgic for England and remembering a great trip to the Proms with some work colleagues a couple of years ago. It is for a proposal to a British historical society. I have been working a lot with a small box of watercolours that I have. Nothing fancy, but you can get some great colours out of them and this is always a welcome challenge to someone who has a background in oil painting.

San Francisco

I have spent the last week in San Francisco. It's like all the best places you have ever visited all rolled into one. We used the City Pass which can be bought for around $60 and gets you free entry to numerous attractions as well as free transport on the Muni transport system which includes buses, streetcars (trams) and the cable car. We saw Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay, the De Young museum and San Francisco MOMA all on the pass. Other highlights include Coit Tower, the Streetcar Museum, the California Historical Society and the Exploratorium. The Oakland Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate are spectacular, as is the cityscape. There are many beautiful Victorian houses and the choice of food here is exceptional. It's a very inspirational city.