Behind the scenes of an illustration commission

One of my favourite parts of working as a commercial illustrator is seeing how an initial idea develops into a finished product.

For my latest commission with Relish, I was asked to create five new garden-inspired illustrations for their latest Aquapaints collection, Garden Wonders.

The process began with pencil sketches, developing the compositions and deciding how the different elements would work together.

Rather than painting each scene as one complete illustration, I painted the individual elements separately in watercolour — birds, flowers, bees, foliage and vegetables — often at a larger scale so I could capture the detail and character I wanted.

Once the paintings were complete, I scanned the individual elements and brought them together digitally in Photoshop, building each composition layer by layer to create the final print-ready artwork.

 

And then came the particularly rewarding part: seeing those original watercolours transformed into the finished Garden Wonders Aquapaints collection.

This is now the fifth Aquapaint collection I've illustrated for Relish, and my eighth commission with them overall.

It's a wonderful example of how a traditional, hand-painted illustration can be developed and adapted to create a product with a very different purpose — in this case, a calming and creative activity designed for people living with dementia.

I'm incredibly grateful to the Relish team for continuing to trust me with these projects, and I always love seeing where the artwork eventually ends up.

Painting A Vegetable Patch

Fresh vegetables, warm sunshine and time spent in the garden...

This harvest only needs water, with no digging!

Watching the colours appear, brushstroke by brushstroke, feels just as rewarding as gathering a basket of homegrown vegetables.😊

Hope you enjoy this veggie patch scene from the new Garden Wonder Aquapaints set. 

Garden Wonders - Magic Aquapaints

It still amazes me how a seemingly blank canvas can transform into a colourful garden scene with nothing more than water and a paintbrush!

This bird bath illustration is one of the five original watercolours I created for the new Garden Wonders Aquapaint collection with Relish Watching each scene slowly appear is such a calming experience, and it's wonderful to know these illustrations are helping to bring moments of creativity and enjoyment to people living with dementia.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing another illustration from the collection...

New Aquapaints Range - Garden Wonders

 Today is one of my favourite days as an illustrator...

The postman has just delivered my latest commission for Relish and opening the box never gets old. There's something incredibly special about seeing months of painting, planning and collaboration transformed into a finished product you can finally hold in your hands.

🌸 Garden Wonders is the fifth Aquapaint collection I've illustrated for Relish, and my eighth commission with this wonderful team. It's always a privilege to create artwork that will help bring moments of creativity, calm and achievement to people living with dementia.

Here is a link to Garden Wonders on the Relish website

I'll be sharing lots more over the coming days, including a look inside the box, behind the scenes of the illustrations, and the magical way these Aquapaints work.

✨ Tomorrow I'll reveal what's inside... I can't wait to show you!

Watercolour Workshop Derbyshire - Kingfisher

This week's Kingfisher workshop was everything I hope my classes will be... calm, creative, and filled with lovely conversation.

There's something so special about watching a room full of people gradually relax as they lose themselves in painting. Every brushstroke builds confidence, every painting develops its own personality, and by the end of the session everyone has created something they can feel genuinely proud of.

One of my favourite moments as a tutor is seeing students realise they're capable of far more than they expected. 💙

Thank you to everyone who joined me on Wednesday and made it such an enjoyable day.

If you'd love to spend a few peaceful hours painting with like-minded people, keep an eye on my page for details of upcoming workshops.

No Experience necessary - Just a willingness to have a go

Step-by-step worksheets - to easily follow along and take home with you.

My next workshop is at Art in the park, Derby. If you would like to join me, book your spot here

Watercolour Class Derbyshire - Kingfisher River Scene

 

Paint a Beautiful Kingfisher in Watercolour

Join me for a relaxing watercolour workshop inspired by one of Britain's most beautiful birds.

In this friendly, supportive class you'll create a vibrant kingfisher perched on a bulrush, surrounded by soft grasses with a peaceful river landscape beyond.

Whether you're completely new to watercolour or have painted before, this workshop is designed so everyone can enjoy the process.

Each student receives:
• A full set of quality watercolour materials
• A printed step-by-step guide to follow throughout the session
• Individual help and demonstrations from me during the class

Because everyone has their own guide, there's no pressure to keep up with the rest of the class. You can work at your own pace while enjoying a calm, creative few hours surrounded by like-minded people.

My aim isn't just to teach techniques, but to help you slow down, enjoy the process and leave with a painting you'll be proud of.

📍 Art in the Park, Markeaton Park, Derby
📅 Wednesday 29th July 

Places are limited, so booking is recommended.

Booking Link Here

I hope you'll come and join me for a relaxing afternoon inspired by nature.

Harvest Mice Watercolour Workshop Derby

A little glimpse inside my recent Harvest Mice watercolour workshop at Art in the Park, Derby.

One of my favourite parts of teaching is watching people arrive feeling unsure of their abilities and leave with a painting they're genuinely proud of.

These workshops are designed to be relaxed, supportive and suitable for all abilities, with plenty of step-by-step guidance along the way.

Thank you to everyone who joined me for this lovely morning of painting. It was a joy to see all of your beautiful harvest mice come to life 😊

If you'd like to hear about future workshops, make sure you're following me on Instagram & Facebook for upcoming dates and subjects.

Derbyshire Watercolour Workshop - Harvest Mice

There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching people reconnect with creativity — especially those who arrive convinced they “can’t paint”.

This short reel is a little glimpse into my watercolour workshops at Art in the Park, where I guide participants step by step through painting nature-inspired subjects in a calm and supportive environment.

My next workshop focuses on these charming little harvest mice climbing amongst spring dandelions, and I’ll be teaching it next week in Markeaton Park.

One of the things I value most about these sessions is creating space for people to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy the process of making something by hand.

It’s always amazing to see what people create when they give themselves permission to simply begin 

Watercolour Workshop Derby - Harvest Mice

Really looking forward to teaching my next watercolour workshop at Art in the Park on Wednesday 27th May!

In this relaxed step-by-step workshop, we’ll be painting these adorable little harvest mice climbing amongst bright spring dandelions 

This class is perfect for beginners as well as those with more experience — all materials are included and I’ll guide you through the painting every step of the way.

📍 Markeaton Park, Derby
🕤 9:30am–1:30pm
🎨 All materials included

Spaces are limited to keep the workshop small and supportive, so if you’d like to join me just book Here

Harvest Mice - Watercolour Workshop - Derby

 🌼 Bookings are now open for my next watercolour workshop at Art in the Park, Derby!

 Tuesday 27th May | 9:30am – 1:30pm
 Art in the Park, Markeaton Park, Derby
 £46 – All materials included, plus a complimentary parking pass

Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.

Join me for a relaxing and inspiring four-hour watercolour workshop in the beautiful surroundings of Markeaton Park.

In this adult workshop, I’ll guide you step by step as we paint two adorable harvest mice climbing amongst sunny dandelions—a delightful spring subject full of charm and character.
Designed to be calm, supportive, and enjoyable, this workshop is suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners. No previous experience is necessary.
During the session, you will:
 Learn how to mix and balance colour
 Build confidence with layering techniques
 Follow clear, step-by-step demonstrations
 Receive printed reference and instruction sheets to take home
 Enjoy a mindful and creative escape in a beautiful park setting
All materials are provided, so simply come along and enjoy a few peaceful hours of painting.
To ensure plenty of individual support, spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.

You can book your place here: Harvest Mice Workshop

Derbyshire Watercolour Painting Workshops

My Bee Orchid workshop was fully booked – thank you so much to everyone who came along!

It was such a lovely, relaxed day and I’m always so happy to see what my students create. 

If you fancy discovering the calming rhythm of watercolour painting, I’ve just released dates for my next workshops at Art in the park Derby.

27th May

29th July

2nd Sept

28th Oct

16th Dec

These workshops are suitable for beginners. I provide step-by-step guidance. 

Booking can be made here: Book Workshop

Watercolour Workshop Derbyshire

 Only 3 more spaces left for my Bee Orchid watercolour workshop!

If you've been thinking about joining, now's the time-this class is nearly fully booked.

April 8th at Art in the Park, Derby

Booking link

My watercolour workshops featured in Derby Telegraph

 A lovely surprise with my morning cup of tea this Saturday...

My watercolour workshops at Art in the Park Derbyshire have been featured in the Derby Telegraph.

The article talks about the idea of taking a “creative pause” — something I see happen in every class. Watercolour encourages you to slow down, focus on the brush and the colour, and enjoy the rhythm of painting. Many of my students say they leave the workshops feeling relaxed and refreshed.

It’s a real privilege to teach these classes in such a beautiful setting in Markeaton Park, surrounded by nature and creativity.

Thank you to everyone who has joined a workshop so far and helped build such a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

My next workshop is on 8th April, where we’ll be painting a beautiful Bee Orchid step-by-step.

If you’d love to spend a relaxing afternoon learning watercolour, you can find the booking link Here

Bee Orchid Booking Link 

Bee Orchid Watercolour Workshop - April 8th

  Bee Orchid Watercolour Workshop

📅 8th April | Art in the Park, Markeaton Park. (9:30am-1:30pm)

I’m so excited to share the artwork for my next workshop — a beautiful and intricate bee orchid.

In this relaxed 4-hour class, I’ll guide you step by step through painting this fascinating wildflower, exploring colour mixing, delicate layering, and fine detail techniques along the way.

✨ Suitable for all abilities
✨ All materials provided
✨ Step-by-step instruction sheets included
✨ Friendly, supportive atmosphere

Come and enjoy a peaceful creative escape surrounded by nature at Art in the Park.

Bookings can be made on the Art in the park website, under Adult Art Classes.

£46 for new students

£44 for current students

Booking link for Workshop

Capturing the first wild flowers - Watercolour nature illustration

 I look forward to capturing the first wildflowers of the year, every year 😊 Their burst of colour feels like a gentle welcome after the winter bleakness!

I photograph them so i can take them back to the studio with me and sit and appreciate them a little longer.

Painting them in watercolour feels like a way to honour that fleeting moment before they sipper again 😊

Relaxing Watercolour Workshop

 Relaxing Watercolour Workshop – Bullfinch on Blossom 

Join me at Art in the Park Derbyshire, set within the beautiful surroundings of Markeaton Park, for a calm and creative 3-hour watercolour workshop.

Date: 18/02/2026

Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Venue: Art in the Park, Markeaton Craft Village, Markeaton Park Derby, Derbyshire DE22 3BG

Price: £36 (All materials included & free parking pass)

Book a place via Art in the Park website www.artintheparkderby.co.uk/adults-art-classes

We’ll paint a goldfinch perched on soft pink blossom, working step by step through colour mixing and layering techniques.

✨ Suitable for all abilities

✨ Relaxed adult class

✨ All materials provided

✨ Step-by-step instruction sheets included

This workshop offers a chance to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasure of painting in a welcoming creative space. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike.

Come and enjoy a peaceful creative escape in the park.