Artist Interview - Alan Woollett, drawing on Saunders Waterford® Hot Pressed

 

Alan Woollett is a leading figure in contemporary hyperrealism, known for his exquisitely detailed coloured pencil drawings that blur the line between drawing and photography. His work demonstrates a deep mastery of observation, tonal control, and patience, resulting in images that feel both precise and quietly powerful. Through his art and teaching, Woollett has become widely respected for his clear, disciplined approach to realistic drawing.

In this interview, we speak with Alan about his drawing process and his long-standing preference for Saunders Waterford® Hot Pressed paper. He shares why surface quality matters so much in hyper realistic work and how this particular paper supports fine detail, smooth layering, and subtle value transitions essential to his practice.

'Snowy Owl' by Alan Woollett
on Saunders Waterford HP

What first drew you to wildlife and bird subjects, and why do they continue to captivate you?

I have been interested in birds and wildlife since childhood and would spend hours poring over picture books of animals.

I think the interest in birds began at that time too and my mother was an avid feeder of the birds in our garden. This gave me real access to a world of amazing creatures just outside the kitchen window. A world that still fascinates me today.

It’s wonderful to be able to share my passion for birds and other wildlife through my art and hopefully make others aware of the beauty of the natural world.

How do patience and observation play a role in your creative practice?

Working in coloured pencils is not a medium for people in a hurry! It can be a precise and slow process to achieve a satisfactory result - for me accurate observation is the key. Many of my subjects I have been lucky enough to observe in their natural habitats; aspects of behaviour, movement and presence are things I strive to convey in my drawings.

I generally start from a selection of my photos and thumbnail sketches which I will juggle around until I hopefully arrive at a pleasing composition.

'Sacred Ibis' by Alan Woollett on Saunders Waterford HP

Could you walk us through your technique for building depth and form in your wildlife drawings?

I generally start with an accurate line drawing on Saunders Waterford paper which I will then build up using light layer of colour in the same style as watercolour artists do.

Background subjects are usually drawn using a Grisaille method building up form using a single colour, usually a warm or cold grey.

Once that’s complete, I will then build up the colour and detail.

'Velvet Stag with hairdressing crew' by Alan Woollett 
on Saunders Waterford

You’ve shared with us that Saunders Waterford® Hot Pressed is excellent for drawing on. What are the qualities of the paper that you enjoy?

I find Saunders Waterford Hot Pressed paper suits my style of drawing with its smooth surface which has the right amount of tooth to allow good coverage and also, durable enough to allow me to add many layers and fine detail as well.

It’s an excellent quality paper that always allows me to work to the best of my abilities whilst delivering the highest quality.

'Dad's Tools' by Alan Woollett on Saunders Waterford HP

Links 

To see more of Alan Woollett's work, visit his links:

alanwoollettart.com  

www.facebook.com/alanwoollettbirdart/

www.instagram.com/alanwoollettart/ 

To learn more about our Saunders Waterford® range, visit our website.

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