This illustration was drawn live from the Botanic Gardens Oxford. I went there on a day where I was really struggling for inspiration, I had been trying so hard to create things, putting an immense amount of pressure on myself, which of course is not sustainable. As soon as I stepped into the gardens I felt a wave of calm wash over me. 

I spent four hours wandering around drawing the different trees and plants, until eventually I settled on a bench, opposite two women chatting under the trees, and I started sketching without thinking.

The gardens felt peaceful, this was one of the few slightly cooler days this summer and people were making full use of it. Sitting in the gardens, taking time to capture my surroundings in pencil, enabled me to regulate myself. It gave me a chance to slow down, to breathe, to give myself a break.

This print is about the importance of green spaces. It's about the joy that can be found from just sitting under a tree and chatting with a friend. I hope it reminds you to connect with nature. To call a friend and make plans to do nothing but sit on a bench, or the grass and yap your heart out.