The 'Images of Albion' were my first attempt at illustrating characters from Arthurian legend.

It had been a long while since I had transferred any image of pleasing quality onto paper and these were to be my saving grace. Prior to these I had embarked on a set of colour paintings, which although pleasing to the eye, proved that my rusty former talents left a lot to be desired. So, I decided to try my hand at some line drawings.

Arthur was originally to be a depiction of the Welsh bard 'Taliesin,' but on completing the initial sketch; his features seemed a little too weatherworn to capture the serenity of a learned poet. My second choice was Arthur.

I was so entranced with the character unfolding before me that I immediately began work on 'Morganna' and 'Myrddin' simultaneously.

I wanted 'my' Morganna to be beautiful and dangerous, but not the evil sorceress early writers would have us believe she was. As mythical characters go, Morganna has to be one of the most misrepresented I have come across. She was given over to probable misogynistic Christian writers who revelled in the 'Eve-like' sin of being female; A fate handed to so many women through the ages. I much prefer the modern day depictions of her as a woman-priestess that can love and hurt as all women do.

I wanted to characterise 'Myrddin' as a younger man than is commonly portrayed where he is old and white-haired and bent with age. He was a strong, powerful man in his youth having endured many trials and tribulations. I see him as the man who is deeply in love, still stern, but with a hint of gentleness. Even though these qualities are in evidence, there is also an awareness of the fate that lies awaiting him amongst the branches of the ancient oak.

I was delighted with the completed designs - they became Celtic Moons first set of greeting cards in 1996. Now with more experience and knowledge I would like to again illustrate Arthur, Morganna and Myrddin in a new way.

The Arthurian legends are an important influence on my life and work so it would be a fitting gesture to pay tribute to them in such a way. This said though, this first set will always be very dear to me.