The gardener's cottage

Glenveagh National Park is found in the heart of County Donegal, among the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. Nestled within the park is the Victorian castle and gardens, where this picturesque traditional Gardener’s Cottage sits at the top of the kitchen garden. I first saw this cottage a few years ago when I visited Glenveagh and knew I wanted to create an illustration that somehow encapsulates its charm.

The Gardener’s Cottage

Inspired by the concept of a tunnel book, the finished cottage evolved into a miniature set design. I drew the different layers using pastels; the gate and the old stone wall make up the first layer. The flowers come next, followed by the hedge, the wheelbarrow, and the plant pots outside the front door. Finally, the cottage and path, and then the background trees and sky. I intentionally wanted the cut-out layered illustrations to retain the look of a 2D set with obvious depth between the five layers.