Hello! - an introduction.

Hi there and welcome to my blog. My name is Paul, I'm a self taught artist and illustrator and I draw very detailed and intricate pictures using Technical Pens, Fine Liners, acrylic inks and pencils. My work explores nature, wildlife, fantasy, folklore and humour (often with a personal interpretation). I work from home and a studio and will sometimes be assisted by my cat Arty Puss who's job is to make sure I get enough breaks and be as annoying as possible.

So very helpfull...

So with that said, I'm not an expert blogger or a full-time artist with a team behind me. and I'm not a business person or someone who feels comfortable on Social Media. I'm someone who loves to draw, loves nature, fantasy and sci-fi and wants to share my passion, observations, appreciations and insights with other people and show them the wonder and amazement that I see in the world in the hope that they too will find enjoyment and inspiration. If I can give someone advice or help them in some way then that's even better. So if you are curious about the creative process, interested in the craft of illustration or just enjoy seeing art grow from idea to finished piece then I hope you feel at home here.

The reason I'm writing this blog is that I wanted a space where I can share some of the work I have done or are in the process of doing. Where I can talk about the observations I've made, the process of creating the picture, my inspirations, the ups and downs of making a living through art as well as the effects of mental health and all the artistic insecurities that can crop up and affect your state of mind while you are trying to work. If you are like me then you are often dismayed and frustrated by other people's success while you seem to be getting nowhere or you see how other people seem to do things with apparent ease and wonder what on earth you are doing wrong. And when this happens, and the insecurities come out, you don't realise that this happens to almost all of us at some point and think that you are the only one who's going through this. So these blogs are for those who are having a tough time mentaly or finding the business side of things is difficult or just feel shy and introverted but want to show people what you can do but don't have the confidence to do it.

So far I plan to divide the blogs into a few key areas: About Me - where I look into my personal journey through art and where it has taken me - Techniques - Insights into the tools, methods and materials I use and the pro's and con's I've learnt using them - Projects and Work in Progress - A behind the scenes look at the pieces I'm working on and ideas for the future - Inspiration - Thoughts on nature and wildlife, myths and folklore, books, t.v, films, comics, console games and the other things that fire my imagination - The Business Side Of Things - Honest talk about my experiences selling art, running a stall, commissions, social media, approaching shops and business's and dealing with continual self-doubt.

I'd love for you to follow me and share your thoughts, offer advice, suggest things and ask questions. Whether you are an artist yourself, a fan of sci-fi and fantasy or a lover of nature then thank you for being here.