I’m an artist-illustrator based in London, UK.
Combining bold, expressive brushstrokes and decisively drawn lines, my paintings of nature feel spontaneous and joyful whilst avoiding the sentimentality often associated with wildlife. I'm interested in the way we romanticise the natural world, how we anthropomorphise or uphold elements as desirable whilst disregarding others as a nuisance.
As a teacher, and an artist, I focus on the mistakes. They are fundamental to making creative discoveries and in trying to avoid them we risk stifling ourselves. My courses invite students to draw and paint in unusual and experimental ways, to let go of being in complete control and become open to the unexpected.
I draw mostly in watercolour, ink and coloured pencil, but also experiment with found materials and tools (bubble wrap, emulsion paint, sticks, teabags, squashed blackberries, paintbrush handles…). I often stand to draw and paint on the floor which injects an energy and playfulness to my drawings - the process for me is very physical, almost like a dance.
My work can been found on books, homeware, fabric and fine art prints, and includes clients such as Waterstones, John Lewis, Laura Ashley, Whistlefish, Woodmansterne and Profile Books.
Teaching
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Illustrating Nature: A Creative Exploration
Illustrate the natural world with an experimental approach using watercolor and ink
A course by Laura McKendry, Illustrator and Artist
Buy $0.99USD 95% Disc.Original price $19.99USD -
Creative Watercolor Sketching for Beginners
Paint exciting watercolor illustrations by exploring playful and unconventional techniques in your sketchbook
A course by Laura McKendry, Artist and Illustrator
Buy $0.99USD 95% Disc.Original price $19.99USD -
Animal Illustration with Charcoal and Ink
Embrace the simplicity of ink and charcoal and learn to print, draw, and paint striking black-and-white illustrations full of expression
A course by Laura McKendry, Artist and Illustrator
Buy $0.99USD 95% Disc.Original price $19.99USD
Professional listing
- Laura McKendry – @laura_mckendry
- Artist-Illustrator: Natural World
- www.lauramckendry.com
- Open to job opportunities, freelance