This article is about the illustrator Andy Catling, and the amazing illustrators that have come out from his storied career.
About Andy Catling
Andy Catling is a professional illustrator based in Hampshire, UK, and has a website dedicated to his work and illustrations over the years at https://www.catling-art.com/. He has work in the Catepillar books, Oxford University Press, Harper, and many more.
You can also find him actively on his Instagram or Twitter account.
If you are a big fan of his work, he also has merchandise and everyday items with his artwork to buy at: https://andy-catling.pixels.com/.
I was first introduced to the illustrations by Andy Catling in his books, which my older son started reading. At first I really enjoyed the illustrations, and thought they expressed a silly & humuours nature capturing the essence of the story,
His drawing and intepretations of the story through the illustrations are so unique and detailed, and a refreshing take on how certain stories can come alive from the pages. My son really enjoyes these stories, and
The books have a nice combinations of humour and artistic quality , which give a natural feel on how to incorporate the drawing into the stories, and make the characters feel alive.
To put it in his words:
As with every illustrator ever (except the weirdos), I grew up scribbling and chewing my pencils and it was probably such a diet that lead (uh-oh) to an artistic longing straight from my internals.…
…I love being an illustrator since it allows me to imagine and create all the things that I am not (but I AM a pirate, I am!) Some of the work I produce I love and some of it gives me tummy bananas but it all has one thing in common, it seems sort of upside-downy when I look at it wrong.
The full version of the interview can be found at InkSpokes
I think this is a beautiful expression of his drawings and work, and how the illustrator Andy Catling can show how he views his work by placing himself inside this world, and how it can change from a different perspective.
Andy Catling’s Artwork
He has done many different works and illustrations over the years, and taken on stories that portray contrasting tones.
Some of the highlights of his work are:
And:
Also:
Be sure to checkout his website or Instagram/Twitter, as he often posts what he is currently working on, and the creative process behind it. This gives you an insight look on how children’s books illustrators process the drawings and bring life to each and every story.
The greatest captain in the world
This book follows the story of the Greatest Captain in the World! Adventures of volcanos, icebergs and other tall tales will keep any young reader stuck to the pages, especially with illustrations and color.
Don Quixote
This take on the classic story of Don Quixote, who thinks hes a knight on modern times, takes him on a wild adventure. The illustrations perfectly represent the adventure on Don Quixote in this book.
Jack and the Beanstalk
This take on the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk showcases Andy Catling’s illustrations and how he brings the story of Jack to life.
The Sad Princess
This book from 2007, is about a sad princess that cannot be cheered up, until two monkey shows up to the palace. I think its a good showcase of Andy’s earlier work.
If you like this type of post, be sure to checkout my other Illustrator Review: Kim Minji, an amazing illustrator out of Korea.
