What are geobirds?

Geobirds are my signature series of geometric bird illustrations. Each piece is based on a real bird species and created by combining hand-drawn sketching with digital illustration.

I build each artwork using layered geometric shapes to explore form, movement, and character. The series allows me to set clear visual rules for each piece while leaving room for instinct and interpretation, resulting in bold, modern bird artwork.

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Are your bird illustrations based on real species?

Yes, every bird I illustrate is based on a real species.

I would not describe myself as a scientific illustrator. My work sits somewhere between observation and interpretation, giving me the freedom to create distinctive and expressive pieces while still respecting the structure and character of each bird.

In some series, such as Birds of Prey in Flight, I work within strict creative rules, including only using straight horizontal, vertical, 45 degree lines, and circles. These limits help push the creativity while keeping the species recognisable.

Some of the most popular geobirds include the Blue Tit, Robin, Kingfisher, Barn Owl, Puffin, and a range of birds of prey.

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What inspired your bird artwork?

I have been interested in birds for as long as I can remember. That interest was nurtured by my mum, who encouraged both a love of nature and my creative side from a young age. Birds were always part of everyday life, from watching the garden feeders to long walks outdoors, and that connection has never really left me.

In 2021, a serious ankle injury kept me off my feet for around 18 months, meaning I could no longer work in my studio. During that time, I moved into digital illustration so I could continue creating while recovering. What began as a practical solution quickly became something I genuinely fell in love with.

Over time, this way of working developed into the geobirds series. Digital illustration allows me to set my own creative boundaries by deciding the rules, shapes, and constraints for each piece, while still responding intuitively to the subject.

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Is each piece hand-drawn?

Yes. Every piece in the geobirds series is hand-drawn.

Each artwork begins with pencil and paper before being refined digitally on a tablet to create the final illustration.

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Do you use AI to create your artwork?

No. I do not use AI to create my artwork.

Every illustration begins as a hand-drawn sketch. I start with pencil and paper before moving the drawing onto a digital tablet. From there, I carefully build each piece by layering geometric shapes, paying close attention to how forms overlap and intersect to create the bird’s shape, movement, and detail.

Nothing is generated by AI. The process is slow, intentional, and hands-on from start to finish.

 

What paper do you print on?

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I offer two types of prints, each chosen carefully to suit the artwork.

 

Fine Art Prints

• Fine art giclée printing for vivid, accurate colour with beautiful depth

• Smooth matte finish on 200gsm FSC-certified paper

• Available in A4 (210 × 297 mm) and A3 (297 × 420 mm)

 

Graphic Posters

• Semi-gloss finish that enhances colour with a soft, subtle shine

• Printed on high-quality 170gsm FSC-certified paper

• Available in A4 (210 × 297 mm), A3 (297 × 420 mm), and A2 (420 × 594 mm)

I do my best to ensure on-screen colours match the final print, but slight variations may occur depending on individual screen settings.

 

Can I request a specific bird or species?

Yes, absolutely.

I already have a long list of birds I plan to illustrate, but I am always adding to it. If there is a particular species you would love to see, just get in touch.

You can email me at luke@lukewesternart.com or message me on WhatsApp using the pop-up on my website.

 

Do you take commissions?

Yes, I do take commissions.

If you are looking for a special piece for a loved one or for yourself, feel free to get in touch and we can talk it through. I also create one-of-a-kind wire sculptures, which are especially popular as commissioned pieces.

 

Can you personalise a print as a gift?

Yes. If you would like a personalised message or a bespoke touch to make a print extra special, please get in touch and I will help you create the perfect gift.

 

How long does delivery take?

Every print is made to order to help reduce waste.

You should receive your order within 5 to 7 days.

 

How is the artwork packaged?

A4 and smaller prints are packaged flat in a protective envelope.

Prints larger than A4 are carefully rolled and sent in a sturdy tube.

Everything is packed securely to make sure it arrives safely.

 

What if my print arrives damaged?

In the rare event that something goes wrong in transit, please let me know as soon as possible and I will arrange a replacement straight away.

 

How should I care for my print?

To keep your print looking its best:

• Frame it behind glass or acrylic where possible

• Avoid direct contact with moisture

• Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight

• Handle prints with clean, dry hands

With simple care, your artwork should stay in great condition for many years.

 

Will the colours fade over time?

All prints are produced using high-quality inks and papers designed for longevity.

When displayed away from strong, direct sunlight and cared for properly, colours should remain vibrant for many years without noticeable fading.

 

Is the artwork suitable for kitchens or sunny rooms?

The artwork can be displayed in bright rooms, but I recommend avoiding prolonged direct sunlight, particularly in south-facing windows.

For kitchens or areas with higher humidity, framing behind glass will help protect the print and extend its lifespan.

 

Who is Luke Western?

Luke Western is an illustrator, sculptor, and writer based in Shropshire. His work is rooted in a long-standing connection to nature and a practical, hands-on approach to creativity.

Growing up in Bristol, Luke developed an early interest in wildlife, encouraged by his mother’s enthusiasm for birds and the natural world. From garden birdwatching to countryside walks, nature has always been part of his daily life.

 

Luke studied sculpture at Filton College, where he discovered wire as a medium and began developing the sculptural style he continues to use today. His sculptures range from large wildlife pieces designed for outdoor spaces to more intimate works for the home.

After a serious ankle injury in 2021 changed how he worked, Luke moved into digital illustration. His first digital bird illustration, a geometric Blue Tit created while living at Glastonbury, led to the creation of geobirds, an ongoing series of over 100 geometric bird illustrations now found in thousands of homes across the UK.

 

Luke also runs Art For All, a campaign that donates prints to schools, GP surgeries, hospices, care homes, and refugee centres across the country. Tens of thousands of prints have been donated, funded entirely by Luke Western Art and supported by its community.

 

He is the author of The Best Nest Contest, a rhyming children’s book celebrating curiosity about nature. His conservation-focused poetry has also been recognised nationally, including winning Explorers Against Extinction’s Stories for Survival competition.

Today, Luke continues to illustrate, sculpt, and write. Working across different disciplines allows him to create when inspiration strikes rather than forcing it.

 

Where are you based?

I am based in Shropshire, but I ship artwork all over the UK.

 

Is Luke Western Art a small business?

Yes. Luke Western Art is a small, independent business.

Limited Company Number: 14618025

 

Why birds?

I love nature, and birds are one of the most accessible ways to connect with it.

There is always something to notice. In winter, bare trees make resident and visiting birds easier to spot. In spring and summer, the variety and movement are incredible, and there is nothing quite like the thrill of spotting something rare.

 

I feed the birds in my garden during winter, while in summer the garden provides plenty of natural food through planting. The most important thing I do year-round is provide fresh water, which birds rely on just as much as food.

 

Birds remind us to slow down, look closely, and stay curious, which is exactly what I hope my artwork encourages too.