Since graduating art school three years ago, I’ve been following the artwork of children’s book illustrator Kelly Murphy. I really would like to illustrate children’s books but I have problems drawing people. Her work has taught me to let go of the confining concepts of how human anatomy “should” look. Murphy’s work has inspired me to let the natural way I create people and the emotion/mood involved come through my artwork.
So, thanks for that Kelly [and to the internet for making it all possible]!
What artist(s) have you been following that has influenced your artwork?
Amazing artist!
I too have problems with drawing people, especially men. The men I draw are quite femenine, or that’s what I’m told. I keep struggling with it and also have learned to let myself go at this point.
There are so many great, talented, natural born artists out there that almost every time I visit a blog or a site I learn something. Yours is no exception.
Thanks!
Me too! I have problem drawing people! hehehe.
I’ve been following May Ann Lucidine. She is from Philippines. I love her artwork. Her artwork are so magical and whimsical. Here is her website: http://nnayam.blogspot.com
I’d love to write and illustrate a children’s book too but I can’t naturally draw consistently the same, it just happens randomly :S
I love Kelly’s work! I recently purchased one of her books and it sits on my desk and inspires me everyday. 🙂
I always think Quentin Blake is the master of capturing the human being, particularly children, and it always looks so effortless and full of affection.
I’m old school, so I’m all about Edward Gorey. It’s his work that makes me realize that drawing stick figures are okay too!
I’ve never seen this illustrator before but really like her characters and technique – perfect for a kids book.
I love that first image. I have always admired and been influenced by the work of French children’s picture book illustrators such as Anne Herbauts and Rebecca Dautremer. I love both the strange stories and the beautiful illustration styles that you see in continental Europe compared to the relatively staid stuff you see in the UK.
I wrote about them, with links to their work, here:
http://alternativeeagle.blogspot.com/2009/06/anne-herbauts.html
and here:
http://alternativeeagle.blogspot.com/2009/06/rebecca-dautremer.html
Kelly was one of my teachers in art school. She is really great. I was so excited to see her on your website. She is an amazing illustrator.
I genuinely hope there are a lot more posts like this one your blog; we need to post the artists out there.