STUDIO JOURNAL

Behind the Artwork

Process stories, studio notes and the quiet details behind each drawing.

A closer look inside the Gwatkin Artworks studio — from wildlife reference images and early ideas to careful pencil layers, finished originals, fine art prints and commissioned portraits.

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EXPLORE THE JOURNAL

More than the finished drawing

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Behind every finished piece is a wealth of reference images, ideas, experiments and careful decisions.

This journal gives you a closer look at the process, the materials I use and the stories behind the artwork.

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FEATURED STORY

Gone Fishing — From Wildlife Hide to Drawing Board

Mal from Wild Lens Images spent hours in a hide to capture the perfect moment — a kingfisher with a fish. That photograph became the reference for this coloured pencil drawing.

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Wildlife Artwork Stories

The inspiration, references and process behind original wildlife drawings.

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Pet Portrait Stories

A closer look at the character, emotion and details behind commissioned portraits.

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From Photo to Finished Drawing

How reference images are studied, adapted and slowly built into finished artwork.

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Materials & Techniques

Studio notes on coloured pencil, graphite, surfaces, layering and detail.

Features, Exhibitions & Releases

Magazine features, exhibitions, charity pieces, prints and original artwork releases.

Latest from Behind the Artwork

Wildlife Artwork Stories

The story behind a coloured pencil kingfisher drawing, beginning with Mal from Wild Lens Images in the field and ending at the Gwatkin Artworks drawing board.

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Gone Fishing — From Wildlife Hide to Drawing Board

Pet Portrait Stories

This Behind the Artwork story follows Marley's portrait from the first marks around the eyes and nose through to the final layers of fur, expression and personality.

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Marley’s Portrait — Capturing Character in Coloured Pencil

Features, Exhibitions & Releases

A closer look at the coloured pencil kingfisher artwork that became an important milestone for Gwatkin Artworks after being featured in Ann Kullberg’s Color Pencil Magazine.

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