I spent most of my life in various rural parts of England and Wales. I became very absorbed with all things growing, natural history and wild, domestic and farm animals. Snakes, frogs, newts, pigeons, fish, became pets... even slugs! I began to draw these creatures and I am still amazed at the variation and depth of colour that can be discovered in feathers, fur and reptile skin.

I studied English, Art and Education, concentrating on illustration and textiles at Cardiff University. Teaching was in Wales, Worcestershire and the Midlands and I enjoyed my time with children very much. Designing teaching aids and art teaching lesson plans was interesting enough, but I yearned to try something different. So, a 'Dummy Board' business was launched; wooden cut-outs depicting people, animals, birds, fish. I used waxy coloured pencils over paint for these. The boards were exported throughout Europe and I learned all about the word 'deadline.' Exhausted by this, I decided to pursue my love of children's books and illustration.

I moved to Kansas City, Missouri to live with my new husband who is a Medical and Natural Science Illustrator, not too long ago. We share a studio and three sons . . and we are STILL on speaking terms!

So here I am now, a book illustrator and social expression artist and I love everything about it!

Sketches for each page of a book (thumbnails) have all to be approved by the publisher before the best part can begin ...the actual illustration. This is the most fulfilling and creative time for me. I just love using colour. When I use pencils, I work on a section at a time as if I was working a tapestry. Pencil crayons allow control for detail and I love the huge array of colours available to mix and blend together.

I am contracted with publishers in the States and I am working on some very exciting projects. One of these is a children’s book, ‘Blessed be the Light of Day,’ by Anita McAndrews, to be launched on Columbus Day this year, published by The Brookfield Reader. A true story about a ship’s boy on the Santa Maria, the book will be full of reptiles, tropical islands, sea scenes and characters. I shall be using soluble, waxy and hard coloured pencils in combination with paint. Another current book is by Sue Foley; ‘Here I Come, Ready or Not!’ Dick Foley, her brother, is publishing it in memory of his late sister. The main character, Tyrone the Turtle has red shiny glasses and wears a T-shirt.

Visual imagery is very important in a book for children. My intention always is to look at a really good manuscript and not change it with my illustration, but enrich it.... The successful book is a combination of hard work and creativity by the author, illustrator, the publishing house and the printer.