"My people aren't exactly realistic. It's something to do with the way I try to show a sense of heightened emotion"

Angela Barrett is a leading figure in illustration. Since her first book in 1983 she has illustrated other people's stories and designed book covers for well over 30 titles.

Magic Word: Empathy
"I don't use models but I frequently draw myself in the mirror. If you look at Joan of Arc that's me imagining what it's like to be burnt at the stake". More

Magic tricks of her trade
"I use a camera quite a lot, for composition but not for people. Once I've got the drawings and composition more or less plotted out I stick them onto the window with masking tape. I haven't got a light box. I trace it all onto beautiful handmade watercolour paper. I make any last minute alterations, then I draw the whole thing in pencil with great precision, before setting to work with a mixture of watercolour, gouache and coloured pencils". More

Inspiration
Dreams

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