Always wanted my own shed...

Growing up in Preston, Lancashire - I always wanted my own shed... it never happened. Later in life, about 30 years or so, on a visit to the brilliant Malvern Spring show, I saw the most perfect shed/greenhouse - by now I had developed a love of gardening so the greenhouse part of the shed was also desirable. The beautiful cedar building on the Gabriel Ash stand looked to me far beyond my budget, I was scared to even ask. Stuart talked to the exhibitors - and negotiated a great price for the ex display model - genius! A few weeks later we began construction. I was so pleased with the result I held a shed opening party to celebrate. #gabrielash #malvernspingshow

Many seasons have now come and gone, it is well used, well loved and looks as good as new. #gardening #growyourown #homegrownveg

The original sketch for this was done as part of #inktober - a daily drawing initiative on Instagram. These images show how I adapted the drawing to create the woodcut. I enjoyed deciding which bits should be cut away or left. I tried out texture on the door planks and a kind of scratchy stippling effect for the pebbles in the foreground.

When it came to adding colour - just a few red, orange, yellow or green tomatoes was enough - I made these with a hole punch. This image lends itself to being printed in dark green and is the first in my series of 'Produce', see more on my website. https://www.ballardcreative.co.uk/produce

#wallart #artforgardeners #limitededition #handprinted #woodcut #ballardcreative