There is something very special about a student who simply loves to sketch.

From the first time we met up in the quaint little village of Shere in Countryside Surrey UK, I noticed how quickly she understood that sketching isn’t about perfection - its about about seeing clearly and responding simply.

We discovered that although she was quite expert at calligraphy and typefaces, she took to sketching like a duck to water. (plenty of those over in the river lol)

I noticed that, like me, she soon added the smallest touch of humour that makes the sketch come alive.

She couldn’t wait to join me in Southern France and learn more, and so excited to be in my part of the Languedoc - my French world.
Staying in Hotel d’ Alibert in Caunes - a 300yr old family owned Abbey - has to be an incredible authentic experience in itself - and that’s even before you step out onto the cobbled streets of the village itself.
What’s interesting is that she now says that everything she learned with me has set her up for what was to come.

Recently Joanne was asked by Tiffany&Co of London to create hand-sketched personalised stories as cards for their clients on Valentines Day.
Each couple would tell her about themselves while enjoying champagne and chatting. Meanwhile our clever sketcher, made tiny sketches, beautiful wording and applied some watercolour. All while they waited.
Utterly unique and never to be forgotten.

Her story is a gentle reminder - your sketchbook is not ‘just practice’. It’s where you build your own style. Where you sketch your own story. It’s where your confidence grows.
You never know where your sketchbook might lead you.

Just a few samples from the day.