I was thinking of something Emily Gravett said at the Illustrators’ event I attended, the whole time I was drawing this tower block.
Each panellist was asked to talk about how they got inspiration for their next illustration project. “I think of something I like drawing”, said Emily, or words to that effect – that is to say, if you are going to embark on a picture book, it might as well feature something you know you enjoy depicting.
And yet, despite having been present to hear that pearl of wisdom, tonight I found myself tackling a towerblock. No, I don’t like drawing towerblocks – I don’t really even like looking at them very much, except maybe late at night when they are all lit up. I do not particularly wish ever to think about complex perspective.
In the end, I quite enjoyed it, though. It’s certainly new ground for me, and that’s always interesting, if nothing else. So I think I have to add to Emily’s proposition, and say that sometimes it’s good to draw stuff you think you don’t like drawing.
Myfanwy Tristram 