How an illustration is created - Hamlet sneak peek

Hamlet - take 1

Hamlet from the early versions!

Enjoy these sneak peeks at some of the first watercolours, sketch line drawings, and finally complete change of pose for the Dane to get a more dramatic effect.

Hamlet - take 2

Hamlet - take 3

The final illustration!

Shakespeare was a wordsmith - it's about words!

Yes, we love Will's characters but remember it's all about the words. The amazing phrases, memorable quotes, and countless words we use everyday!

Did you know it's estimated that about 1,700 words in his plays were invented by him?

Words that are now common usage. I've captured some in bright colours in an original print - Words Words Words. Just one of my words and quotes inspired series.

Here's more words Shakespeare gave us!
Can you imagine not having the word "blanket"?

• Bet
• Ode
• Bump
• Hint
• Rant
• Zany
• Caked
• Cater
• Elbow
• Jaded
• Label
• Arouse
• Bandit
• Buzzer
• Critic
• Frugal
• Gloomy
• Gossip
• Hobnob
• Impede
• Lonely
• Madcap
• Pedant
• Unreal
• Varied
• Beached
• Bedroom
• Blanket
• Dwindle
• Eyeball
• Fixture
• Obscene
• Panders
• Scuffle
• Swagger
• Torture
• Besmirch
• Blushing
• Majestic
• Olympian
• Radiance
• Savagery
• Tranquil
• Barefaced
• Courtship
• Laughable
• Noiseless
• Birthplace
• Compromise
• Discontent
• Excitement

Historical accuracy?

This is what happens when your favourite artist works a bit too many late nights then tries to go out and get some historic authenticity. It's pretty certain that Henry VIII didn't wear sunglasses...

The armor you can try on is at the Greenwich Visitor Centre in south-east London, where they have a lot of great activities for kids (and artists) if you need a fun but slightly educational day out!



P.S. Did you know you can now get the Tudor illustrations on cards, laptops skins, desktop wallpapers, and journals? Click here for the Tudor shop!