Frequently asked questions...

when did you start drawing?

I can always remember drawing and painting. As a child I spent ages drawing what was right in front of me, when I was on holiday, or my front room watching telly on a Saturday afternoon.

I still like to draw like this in my sketch books, drawing whatever is in front of me, in cafes, at home, and on holiday. I have different sketch books for different uses, little ones that go in my bag for everyday sketching and notes for ideas. A large one for developing ideas for illustrations. Some are more specialized one I've got on the go at the moment is just for faces.

what techniques do you like to use best?

I like art techniques that are fast, bold, easy and straight forward. When I draw, I draw whatever is in front of me, I don't outline in pencil, but directly on to the page, with line in pen. I lack in patience to do anything to neat. I love working with wax, using the Tjanting is very like using a pen to draw with- there's no going back with a rubber. I like dividing the processes up, selecting subject matter, drawing the outline and layering the colours and wax. Use of the computer for illustration has been really liberating for me, its fast and direct, for designing, manipulation and the delivery of commissions.

where are the illustrations used?

Illustrations have been used for the Greetings cards publishers Ling Design and Lip International. For Newspapers, The Times and The Spectator and local papers. My work for children's books includes a commission for a children’s picture book for Manchester City Art Galleries. Promotional materials such as greetings cards for Darlington Council.

In addition I have undertaken numerous commissions for artwork ranging from domestic scaled paintings and hangings to exterior ceramics and mosaic. I have work in a number of public collections including Leighton House Museum in Kensington and Bankfield Museum in Halifax.

do you write books as well as illustrate them?

A couple of years ago I did a writing course, it gave me the confidence to start writing myself. I have written and illustrated a number of books, including 'The Bunny Farm', 'Weather!' and board book series 'Colour' and 'Shape.'

why do you like to use such vibrant colour's?

I have always liked a bold vibrant colour palette. The only time I have had a break with it was a short period of time on my degree, when I went through a serious patch with naturals, but it just wasn't me! I love colour, and artists who use it- such as Matisse, Patrick Heron, Howard Hodgkin, and the photographer Martin Parr.

what is your arts background?

I studied embroidered textiles BA Hon's graduating with a 1st class Hon's, at Manchester Metropolitan University (or as we knew it Manchester Poly) Before the degree I did an Art Foundation at Farnham Collage.

When I left college, I started up my own business making and designing rag rugs and wallhangings. I exhibited them nationally and internationally, won commissions and residencies. During one of these residencies, this one at Ashford Adult Education Centre in Kent There I was set up with a batik pot, (I hadn't done any batik since school) It was an instant hit for me, I started incorporating the technique into my designing for the rugs and wallhangings, it gradually became the dominate method of working.
Working on silk I produced large wallhangings, all on the theme of collections. As I started to exhibit these new pieces, I excepted that I needed to make work of all sizes, if it was to be commercially successful. These smaller framed pieces were a hit exhibited in galleries, shops and at the prestigious Chelsea Craft Fair.

My illustration work started with greetings cards and wrapping papers, leading to children's books, promotional materials and newspaper illustrations.

how did you come to the world of children's book illustrating?

I have always been open to seeing my artwork interpreted in other media, its been used in designs for ceramics and mosaic. I have always had an passion for illustration so it was a natural progression to try and get it published. I started with greetings cards and wrapping paper, then I expanded to newspapers and magazines with The Times and the Big Issue amongst my clients.
A few years ago I won a commission for Manchester Art Galleries to work alongside 2 writers Philip Davenport and Gary Parkinson. That started me off on a new journey of children’s book illustrating. Working with writers takes me into areas and subject matters that I would not normally consider. I have done a number of collaborations with authors, recently finished is another book with Philip, it’s a beautiful short story called the Wish Arrow.

could you please describe this particular process as you go through it?
After reading the text, I break it down into bite size sections, in my sketch book I start doing rough sketches, these are then translated into fabric. All the work is done on silk, using the batik technique, then scanned into the computer and manipulated.

what does this medium allow you to do that another might not?

Anything that looks different and sets you apart in this highly competitive market is a good thing! I do occasionally work on paper, but can never achieve the depth of colour I can on silk.

what do you hope readers see and how do you hope they respond when opening a Lois Blackburn book?

I’m fascinated by details and everyday objects in life that are often overlooked. I try and express this through my artwork. I love using colour and hope the readers will enjoy my use of it as much as I do using it!