Meet my latest illustration: introducing Oddicombe beach in Babbacombe, Torquay. I’ve captured the view from the snaking cliffside road, showing a first glimpse of the beach through the trees.
The story behind the illustration
I initially took some snaps from this spot back in 2018, back when I first started drawing local landscapes. It wasn’t until early 2022 that I actually created a sketch, as previously I’d considered the view too ‘ordinary’. However, following the restrictions of covid lockdowns, I found myself fuelled by a renewed appreciation for the natural environment.
It was another 18 months before I pursued this one again, revisiting the spot in summer 2023 to create new sketch and check out the plants and flowers that grow there. I took a break from actively promoting Hillfolk in2023, so this new sketch was destined to remain in my book for another six months.
Fast forward to 2024 and I started with a fresh enthusiasm and creative focus. I spent many evenings adding the details, working out how to simplify shapes and arrange the leaves and flowers like puzzle pieces.
I’m really happy with the end result, and thrilled that Three Degrees West (the cafe on Oddicombe beach) has agreed to display my print too!
