I’ve taken to calling them coffee bees. First thing in the morning, when I wander out into the garden with my coffee, the poppies, just open, are abuzz with them.
If I spoke bee, I’d probably find that the conversation was something work-related. As I take a moment before the studio day, they’re already cracking on. But to me, they’re happy noises, sounds of pure joy as they roll around the bowls of the smooth-petalled poppies and nuzzle into the double-headed blooms.
I have to take in a lot of information, very quickly, to draw them, particularly in flight. It's my way of looking at them, as they go about their day.
Such morning business makes each flower’s moment even shorter – but the bees are happy, and so am I.
These gave me a daily sketch for 30 Days Wild, The Wildlife Trusts' nature challenge.
Biro, watercolour, fineliner, on waste paper.