n my last months living in Singapore, 2003, I illustrated a children's book Kayla & the Magical Tree, which was written by Steve Stine. It was a wonderful challenge creating the characters he was trying to describe in words. 

It was an unusual collaboration as the author and artist don't usually get to work together, discussing the ideas and sketching out options.

I chose to base the characters on natural subjects - real trees, real leaves and frequently referencing works or art or other photos Steve or I took - rather than working purely from imagination.





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Here are a few of the illustrations, all painted in watercolour on smooth 300gsm Arches paper.

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