Here are the steps involved in creating some of the illustrations for 'Banjo Blue's Great Australian Adventure'.

1. Come up with the initial sketch, and sort out the basic composition of the picture.

2. Using the initial rough sketch as a guide, create a larger, more detailed drawing, with all the characters in place.

3. Trace the final drawing onto 300 gsm hot pressed watercolour paper with a black pen and paint it with watercolour paints.

Spacestation OZ-1

The starting sketches are quite small. I find it easier to start small when working out the composition. It helps get an overall look and feel of the spaces and the shapes.

I usually start drawing with a pencil, and go over the pencil lines with pen once I'm happy with the overall feel.

Diving the Barrier Reef

I wanted to create a sense of depth, beginning with the large shells in the foreground and reaching back to the whales way, way off in the distance.

You have to be careful not to put anything too important in the centre of the picture, which is where the page will fold in half.

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Outback Camp

Camping and campfires are always good fun, whether you're drawing them or actually on the spot!

I wanted to make this a very warm painting, reflecting both the sun setting in the sky and the reds and oranges of the Outback sand.

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What About Me?

This is the first sketch idea for the layout of page 23 of 'What About Me? The Autism Survival Guide for Kids'.

I thought it would be fun to draw some pirates hiding their treasured possessions. The authors suggested a treehouse would be a good place to go when you wanted to be alone.

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