Stuff I like

Here are some of my favourite illustrators who inspire me and I aspire to.

John Burningham

I am a self confessed John Burningham obsessive. What I particularly like is that in his books for younger children not a lot happens! Often they are little more than a series of lists but yet, they have a pleasing rhythm that makes them enjoyable to read and they are infused with a serene and peaceful atmosphere:

‘For a little while they all went along happily but then…

The goat kicked

The calf trampled

The chickens flapped

The sheep bleated

The pig mucked about’

Excerpt from Mr Gumpy’s Outing, published 1970

Additionally John Burningham’s work is very hand drawn and human. He is a fantastic draughtsman but he varies his style from oily saturated colours on one page to scratchy line drawings on the next. He does not hide rubbed out pencil lines or messy paintwork. I long for the day when my work might more resemble his, but for now I content myself to aspire to the serenity of his books and their spontaneous, imperfect but beautifully human illustrations.

Lydia Monks

I am also a big fan of Lydia Monks. I like the combination of paint and collage, bright colours and white space that she uses. Her stories are funny, her characters quirky and she creates fantastic double page spreads, full of interest, that my son and I love to pore over.

Sam Lloyd

I also enjoy the work of Sam Lloyd. Apart from her stories being entertaining, I particularly like her interesting compositions, loose brushstrokes and the active role her text placement plays on the pages.

Pat Hutchins

And lastly, Pat Hutchins is also one of my favourites. The thing I like most about her illustrations is the effectiveness of a restricted colour palette.