Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of paints do you use?

I use watercolours, the majority of which I buy from small, independent paint makers.

Issy Watercolours

Artsy Oubliette

The Tiny Tinkery

Tiny Watercolors

How do you make Pareidolian Pixies?

First I mix up a load of watercolour paint, making sure that it has plenty of pigment in it, then I use a pipette to suck it up and squirt it out onto the paper. I use a straw to then blow the paint around, to create the splatter effect. I don't do this with any particular shape in mind, just as the whim takes me!

Once the paint is dry, the tricky part starts! Some of the paint splatters are very clear, and I can quickly see where each of the features should go, whereas some keep their faces hidden for days, and the longer I stare at them, the more they hide! Eventually I manage to coax them out and draw on any faces and limbs they choose to reveal.

I use Derwent coloursoft pencils, and add a darker shade of watercolour very thickly for the eyes and any other parts that need a deeper shadow. 

I finally use a spot of white gouache for that all important glint in the eyes.

Where do you get your ideas?

That is a very good question! I don't have a specific place where I go looking for inspiration, but my brain is constantly absorbing the things it sees, and working away unconsciously to create weird and wonderful ideas. Nature is a huge influence on my work, but again, this is usually something that goes in subconsciously and ideas will materialise, fully formed at inconvenient moments!