A SINGLE mum has begun injecting new life into fallen icons armed only with a ballpoint pen.

Abby Browne, 37, has been taking time out from looking after her three children to draw a number of pop icons, including Prince, Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury.

Abby previously studied at Mackworth Art College in Derby and then a decade later studied fine art at Derby University.

Many of the stars Abby has drawn are those who died in 2015, including David Bowie and George Michael, who died on Christmas Day.

“It’s about bringing them back to life, back to people’s memories. It’s a nice tribute to show people how bold they were “I love David Bowie.

"He’s one of my favourite stars, absolutely loved him in Labryth. I’d love to do a few more on him.”

One of her next pieces is a bit if a departure from the norm as it involves a living pop star, Robbie Williams.

“I think he’s got a bit of a cheeky face,” she joked “After that I want to do some bigger pieces. That will allow me more freedom of expression.”

Abby and her children – aged one, three and 14 – moved to Kingsmead in 2015 after splitting from her husband.

It was then during that time that she began ‘doodling’ with the pens, which then turned into pieces of art.

She said: “It just came from messing around really. I drew with the ball point pens in university but I’ve never really gone back to it.

“But it’s really fun and I just find it really easy. You can take a ball point pen and a piece of paper anywhere you go.

“Art is me. It’s not something I force myself to do. When I’m not doing it I don’t feel right. It’s second nature, it’s something I’ve done since I was a child.”

Abby now hopes her children will follow in her footsteps and embrace art.

“I always encourage them to use their imagination,” she said. “Art opens up their minds.”

She told the Guardian the art has also helped her following the break-up of her marriage.

“It’s quite therapeutic," she said.

"It’s something I can do in the evening when the children are in bed or when they’re taking a nap during the day. It’s just my little hobby.”

Abby is hoping her little hobby grows into a business and she can start selling off her works.

She has set up a Facebook page and has posted her work for others to view, and so far the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.

She said: “People couldn’t believe they were drawn from only ball point pens.

"They were quite shocked. I’ve had loads of comments through Instagram from all over the world.”

Follow Abby Browne Artist on Instagram and Facebook.