Artists' Quarter

When I arrived in North Yorkshire I decided my hobby and real passion, drawing, deserved to be pursued in a more dedicated manner. I enrolled on an illustration degree, which I am moving through now at a part time pace. I knew that I wanted to draw, that I am at peace when I am drawing and that life seems to make more sense to me when I draw it.

Cows in Barn, Beverley Haines

I am endlessly fascinated by people, particularly by how they think. I work part time as a group facilitator helping people to deal with depression and anxiety and find inspiration daily from the people I meet, their lives, traumas and passions.

Illustration is a wonderful art form, it allows me to think underneath, above, beyond and through meaning.

Field Sheep, Beverley Haines

I was always flummoxed when left with a blank piece of paper and asked to just ‘draw something.' My judging brain got in the way and found it hard to focus on just one thing.

The infinite possibilities just made that blank paper seem enormous. But if you tell me a poem, sing me a song, or read me a book, the images come thick and fast.

My personal style is continually developing. I am interested in simplicity of line and vibrancy of colour and tend to use pen and ink and very soft pastels most of the time.

I am always looking to convey mood and feeling in what I do without moving into the world of ‘whimsy’. Most of all I love drawing and I hope that this always comes across in what I do.

Beverley Haines