Describe your illustration style in ten words or less:
Simple lines,
Free and loose,
Vibrant with pizazz!
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Daniel Smith watercolour paints
Derwent Inktense pencils
Faber Castell watercolour pencils
Water brush
Brushes in all shapes and sizes but I prefer smaller
Fineliners in every colour of the rainbow
Gel pens
Sketchbooks for planning and ideas
Good quality watercolour paper
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Name three artists whose work inspires you
Ooh, now this would be way too hard as I draw my inspiration from many artists and sources, but if pushed I’m quite enamoured with illustrator, Quentin Blake.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
French Impressionists as they dared to break the rules
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Participating in The 52 Week Illustration Challenge founded by Tania McCartney was my starting point, but a lifelong love of children’s picture books would have been my initial inspiration.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often?
At the moment this just happens to be my kitchen bench which as you can see is quite contained, but I am in the process of converting my study into an art studio, but I can’t share pictures of that just yet as its way too messy!
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Ooh, does there have to be only one favourite part? I enjoy playing with initial ideas, but best of all I love adventurously splashing on the colour and watching the watercolour weave its magic. Sometimes I hold my breath as I watch what happens! ;)
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Practice every single day even if it’s just doodling a small drawing. Experiment with styles until you find one that is totally unique to you. Try different media until you find the one you love the most. Connect with other artists and illustrators. Never, ever give up, despite having days where you want to!
Leonie is an artist, illustrator and writer living on the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia.
She has exhibited, been highly commended in illustration competitions, illustrated a travel brochure and is currently illustrating e-book covers for an American crime author.
She aspires to illustrate and write her own picture books. You can find out more about Leonie - www.facebook.com/leoniecheethamart
