When you invite me to your school I will show students the process of creating an illustrated book. With a slide show, my sketchbooks, dummy books, storyboards and finished books  - all the things I create as I work out the pages of a picture book - students will see how a text can be brought to life in pictures. 

In drawing workshops we create a large charcoal drawing together, step by step.  The school will have an instant exhibition of works to hang for everyone to see. It's a fun day!

As the illustrator of sixteen picture books and winner of many book awards, I have a long career working with authors and publishers. I bring this experience  to my workshops and talks for primary and secondary  levels.

MY WORKSHOPS

Using charcoal and working big, I take students step by step through the stages of drawing from beginning with the most simple shapes to adding light, shade,  tone and texture to create a realistic picture. This simple exercise is extremely popular with children and is an excellent introduction to the basics of using charcoal to create different effects.

Elements of portraiture are discussed with older students and workshops concentrate on the proportions of the face.  We do a step by step charcoal drawing looking at light and shade.

 Drawing workshop - University of New England residency

Drawing workshop in charcoal at Nichols Point Primary School, Mildura