Colour Pen & Ink
In utilising colours, I adopt a similar philosophy to my work with black and white pen and ink. The dynamic interplay of shades and lines in monochromatic art finds a vibrant counterpart in the use of colour.
In my colour works, I pay close attention to contrast and balance—as they allow for a visual symphony that can either soothe or stimulate the senses.
I approach each piece with an intuitive sense about the emotional weight of colours, exploring how they interact with one another and with the viewer’s perception.
Colours are not just visual elements; they are instruments that play on the strings of human emotion. Whether through tertiaries or bold primaries, the tenor of the artwork shifts, leading the audience through a narrative told in the visual language of colour.
Every colour addition is deliberate, echoing the precision of ink work, yet it dances with an energy all its own. The pen strokes may be fluid, the blending seamless, but each decision is as calculated as the placement of ink upon paper. The marriage of technique between the two mediums—pen and ink, and colour—is a testament to the adaptability and depth of visual art. It’s a continuous exploration of how far boundaries can be pushed and narratives spun out of nothing more than pigment and perception.
The Guardian (at Sunrise)
(80cm x 120cm)
‘The Guardian (at sunrise)’ is a captivating, large-scale pen and ink work that masterfully blends intricate detail with luminous elegance. The composition features a stylised, contemplative angelic figure—an embodiment of strength and serenity— enveloped in a cascade of flowing lines and organic motifs, rendered in a sophisticated palette of black, gold, and copper.
Inspired by a musical composition written for electric violin, this artwork illustrates the majesty of the sunrise. Flowing gold and copper, along with intricate linework, evoke the energy of the dawn’s radiance, capturing the moment when light breaks through darkness and a new day begins—a celebration of renewal, harmony, and hope. The emotive power of music is translated into a visual language.
Queen’s Gambit
(59.4cm x 84.1cm)
‘Queen’s Gambit’ is a visually arresting work that reimagines the timeless strategy and drama of chess. This intricate composition weaves together bold black-and-white geometry with fluid, organic forms and striking accents of cerulean blue and gold. At its heart, the piece features a powerful, stylised queen crowned in gold, her presence commanding the swirling chessboard landscape, while a vigilant knight emerges from the patterned depths—both figures poised in a moment of calculated tension.
The ‘Queen’s Gambit’ is one of the oldest opening moves in chess. This concept is elegantly embodied in the composition, where the Queen’s influence radiates outward, orchestrating the flow of the entire scene.
Ahead Of The Curve
(42cm x 29.7cm)
‘Ahead of the Curve’ is a contemporary work that explores the interplay between time, abstraction, and precision. At first glance, the composition captivates with its dynamic, flowing forms—each line and arc meticulously rendered using a combination of French curves and freehand techniques.
A closer look reveals a subtle conceptual twist: the presence of hidden clock numbers, ingeniously woven into the design. These concealed numerals invite viewers to engage in a visual search, transforming the artwork into an interactive meditation on the passage of time and the beauty of discovery. The cool, sophisticated palette of black and teal enhances the sense of movement and modernity, while the underlying theme of time adds a layer of intellectual intrigue.
Beneath The Waves
(29.7cm x 42cm)
‘Beneath The Waves’ is a captivating exploration of marine mystery, rendered in intricate pen and ink with subtle blue accents. This piece draws the viewer into a mesmerizing tangle of organic forms and rhythmic patterns, evoking the enigmatic life and movement found in the ocean’s depths. Each swirling line and meticulously detailed motif suggests the hidden vitality and complexity of underwater worlds, inviting the eye to wander and discover new details with every viewing.
The composition balances bold, graphic black-and-white contrasts with delicate, almost lace-like textures, punctuated by droplets of blue that hint at both water and the unknown. The result is a work that feels both dynamic and meditative—a visual meditation on the secrets beneath the ocean.
Gilded Botanica
(21cm x 29.7cm)
‘Gilded Botanica’ is a celebration of organic form and ornamental detail, rendered in luminous gold and deep black ink. This piece draws the viewer into a lush, fantastical garden where every petal, leaf, and tendril is meticulously articulated with rhythmic linework and shimmering highlights.
The interplay of gold and black ink creates a dynamic tension—evoking both the opulence of illuminated manuscripts and the boldness of contemporary graphic art. Each botanical element is layered and intertwined, suggesting the complexity and abundance of nature, while the gold accents catch the light, imbuing the work with a sense of luxury and timelessness.
Killing Time
(84.1cm x 59.4cm)
‘Killing Time’ is a meditation on the human obsession with the passage of time and the legacy we leave behind. This intricate composition draws viewers into a world where minutes and hours are not merely measured, but relentlessly pursued—each moment thrashed and wrung for meaning, as if only through this struggle can we truly claim, ‘we were here, and we have lived’.
At the heart of the piece, a skull in a bowler hat commands attention—its visage transformed into the night sky, luminated by the last moon, serving as both a face and a final witness to existence. This haunting figure becomes a symbol of mortality and memory, a reminder that the timepiece of our lives will inevitably draw to a halt.
Flower Duet
(84.1cm x 59.4cm)
“Flower Duet” is a dynamic pen and ink composition that weaves together intricate ribbons of black, white, and gold, evoking both the fluidity of music and the organic forms of two blooming flowers. The piece pays homage to Delibes’ famous “Flower Duet” from the opera Lakmé, with swirling lines and embedded musical notation that echo the lyrical interplay of voices in the duet.
By merging visual rhythm with references to the original score, the artwork invites viewers into a harmonious world where sound and form are inseparable, celebrating the timeless beauty and emotional resonance of Delibes’ masterpiece.
Eagle Eyed
(21cm x 29.7cm)
‘Eagle Eyed’ serves as an homage to the majesty of the golden eagle. This piece captivates with its intricate, hand-drawn detail—each feather and contour meticulously rendered in a harmonious palette of amber, black, and white. The composition radiates energy and precision, echoing the eagle’s legendary vision and power.
Joanna’s technique combines fine linework, layered patterns, and subtle metallic accents to create a sense of movement and dimensionality. The stylised form is both bold and elegant, inviting viewers to explore the interplay of organic motifs and abstract design. The golden eagle’s piercing gaze anchors the composition, embodying strength, clarity, and the spirit of the wild.
Hooded Falcon
(21cm x 29.7cm)
‘Hooded Falcon’ is a contemporary interpretation of one of nature’s most formidable birds of prey. This work captivates with its intricate, layered pen-and-ink technique, where every feather and contour is rendered through meticulously patterned lines, dots, and sweeping curves. The composition radiates energy and precision, echoing the falcon’s legendary focus and power.
A sophisticated palette of black, amber and silver-grey infuses the piece with both opulence and restraint. At the same time, the stylised forms evoke the ceremonial hoods used in falconry—suggesting both the wild spirit and the cultivated discipline of these majestic birds of prey. The eye, rendered with hypnotic detail, draws the viewer into a world of watchful intelligence and latent strength.
La Fin
(29.7cm x 42cm)
‘La Fin’ is a dynamic and visually arresting work that captures the exhilarating spirit of Formula One racing cars, the drama of the grand prix, and the iconic symbolism of the winning flag. This piece fuses abstraction with recognisable motifs: sweeping, aerodynamic forms evoke the speed and power of racing machines, while the bold black-and-white checkered flag undulates through the composition, signaling both victory and the climactic end of the race.
Executed in a sophisticated palette of black, white, and metallic gold, ‘La Fin’ balances graphic intensity with elegant linework. The intricate layering of curves and geometric patterns creates a sense of movement and energy, immersing the viewer in the tension and triumph of motorsport’s most celebrated moments.
Hell-Ta Skelta
(48cm x 64cm)
‘Hell-Ta Skelta’ is a psychologically charged work that transforms the familiar chaos of fairgrounds and roller coasters into a nightmarish, surreal landscape. This piece draws from the deep-rooted fear of fairgrounds and roller coasters, channeling that anxiety into a composition that is both visually captivating and profoundly unsettling. A brooding, storm-laden sky looms above, intensifying the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
The scene is dominated by a labyrinth of interlocking tracks and twisted structures, rendered in stark black and white with razor-sharp precision. Emerging from this mechanical tangle are three sinister serpent forms, their bodies seamlessly integrated with the architecture of the ride. The serpents’ cold, unblinking eyes and menacing fangs evoke a sense of imminent danger, amplifying the work’s underlying tension.
In Two Minds
(29.7cm x 42cm)
‘In Two Minds’ is an ethereal exploration of duality and identity, rendered in a monochrome palette with subtle sage green accents. At the heart of the composition, two enigmatic faces—twins—emerge from a labyrinth of intricate linework and organic motifs. The mirrored forms evoke both unity and contrast, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of self, perception, and the delicate balance between opposing forces.
The artwork’s hypnotic patterns and meticulous detail create a sense of movement and depth, drawing the eye across swirling forms that suggest both the inner workings of the mind and the interconnectedness of nature. The faces, at once serene and mysterious, appear to float within this abstract landscape, their presence both grounding and otherworldly.
SAX (original sold)
(42cm x 29.7cm)
‘SAX’ is a vibrant celebration of music and movement, capturing the soulful energy of jazz through a masterful saxophone illustration using gold pen and ink. This artwork pulses with rhythm—each line and flourish echoing the improvisational spirit of jazz, while the luminous gold accents evoke the warmth and richness of a live performance.
The composition is both dynamic and elegant: sweeping curves and intricate patterns suggest the flow of sound waves, while the stylised saxophone becomes a visual focal point, radiating energy across the canvas. The interplay of metallic gold against deep, contrasting tones creates a sense of depth and sophistication, inviting viewers to experience the artwork both visually and emotionally.
Veiled
(42cm x 29.7cm)
‘Veiled’ is a striking black pen and ink work that masterfully explores the interplay between concealment and revelation. The composition centres on a stylised, enigmatic figure whose features are partially obscured by intricate, flowing lines—suggesting both mystery and quiet strength.
A single, partial teal-coloured lip emerges from the monochrome palette, serving as a bold focal point and a symbol of individuality breaking through restraint. This unexpected accent not only heightens the visual impact but also invites deeper interpretation, hinting at themes of identity, transformation, and the power of what remains hidden.
HARLEY
(80cm x 120cm)
"HARLEY" is a bold homage to the legendary Harley Davidson motorbike, fusing the raw spirit of the open road with the iconic energy of Steppenwolf’s "Born to be Wild." This dynamic composition pulses with movement and freedom, its intricate linework and textured forms echoing the chrome, leather, and thunderous power of classic motorcycle culture.
Within the artwork, the unmistakable silhouette of the Harley is interwoven with visual rhythms that evoke the driving beat of "Born to be Wild." Swirling patterns and bold contrasts capture the sense of rebellion, adventure, and limitless possibility that define both the machine and the music. The piece invites viewers to feel the wind, hear the roar, and embrace the untamed spirit at the heart of American road mythology.
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