When creating the preliminary drawings for this limited edition lino print I found myself revisiting this crab apple tree in wind, rain, and sunshine, sketching amidst the tangle of branches bejewelled with golden apples to capture the perfect composition. During one of my sessions, a tiny bird I didn’t recognise paid a fleeting visit, inspiring me to consult my bird book for identification. I discovered it was a coal tit, and though its stay was brief, I did my best to capture its presence in the artwork. The crab apple tree also played host to blackbirds, a thrush, and a Fieldfare, all enjoying the last of the winter fruit. I gain a deep sense of place by revisiting the same locations to draw and paint from direct observation, exploring the colours and fauna as they change with the seasons and time of day. Back in my studio I create detailed botanical studies of the plants I’ve collected. Gradually I develop the compositions and colours for my prints, often layering the minutia of nature within larger landscapes. This print measures 31 by 31 cm.
