Laura McKendry

My illustrations often depict the natural world - birds, fish, plants, vegetables, the sea, wild animals, the changing seasons: There are so many places to find inspiration.

Whilst I draw mostly in watercolour, ink, charcoal and coloured pencil, I 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.

As a teacher, and an artist, I focus on the mistakes. They are fundamental to making creative discoveries and by trying to avoid them we risk stiffling 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.

My work can been found on book covers, homeware, fabric and greeting cards, and includes clients such as Waterstones, John Lewis, Laura Ashley, Whistlefish, Woodmansterne and Profile Books.