Description
The Print
Each print comes with it’s own certificate of authenticity signed by me. Only the finest materials were used to make this limited edition print, which I have produced myself. Both the paper (Somerset Enhanced Velvet) and the inks (Epson UltraChrome Pro) are of archival quality, meaning the print could last up to 400 years.
Size: The framed print is 53.5 cm x 53.5cm and the unframed print is 50cm x 50cm. A standard size that should enable you to get a frame easily online if you choose this option.
The Technique
I draw with Uni-ball Signo ballpoint pens on raw linen canvas. To prepare the surface I lighten the canvas with a white oil paint wash. Once this is dry, I draw with the biro, as I would with pencil on paper. After the drawing is complete, it’s varnished (to fix the ink in place) and more white oil paint is used to add light and finalise the composition. The ink is actually surprisingly versatile, in terms of its colour. If I want a blue tinge to the work I can layer white oil paint over it, or leave the canvas showing through to leave a sepia tone.
The Inspiration
This was the Eleventh artwork created as part of The Wildlife Trusts project. The project lasted just over a year and involved us travelling around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visiting 53 Wildlife Trusts reserves, across 20 separate Trusts.
The vast majority of the logos used for the 46 Wildlife Trusts feature a badger and I was therefore very keen to see badgers on a wildlife trust reserve. Thanks to Jess, Hayley, Chris, Marcella and especially Michael (who has been feeding the badgers of Tewin Orchard, owned by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, for over 20 years) we did just that. Michael is an inspirational guy and it was a huge privilege to meet both him and the badgers! In the hide I ended up lying on my belly, camera in hand, inches away from the badgers, one of whom thought there was something there (their eyesight isn’t good) but wasn’t quite sure, meaning they were looking straight at me, without realising it. A very special moment indeed.



















