Created between 2017 – 2019, the work explores different subjects and techniques which interest the artist. They vary in approach and tone, and between reality and fantasy.
Quentin Blake describes ‘The QB Papers’:
“Whether amusing, thought-provoking, calming, or uplifting, each sequence of drawings will delight and entertain.
‘Feet in the Water’
My interest in this came originally from doing it myself, whether in Hastings or on the Atlantic Coast of France. But I also like drawing the surroundings and the reflections in the water. The drawings are quite naturalistic – I think we all want to have the pleasure of seeing the reflections in the water and share in the experience.
‘The Alternative Sports Olympics’
I’ve never been any good at sport. I just liked the idea of adapting Olympic events to everyday life – so if you’re throwing something, it’s the luggage.
‘Scenes at Twilight’
This is a collection of colourful, atmospheric drawings in ink and watercolour of people and animals at dusk. I originally exhibited these artworks together with the ‘Moonlight Travellers’ series, in Hastings in 2018.
‘Chance Encounters’
I enjoy drawing mountains and rocky landscapes, especially with people riding through them on eccentric vehicles; and so of course it’s natural that some of them should meet, not always at the most convenient place or moment.
‘Wildlife Artists of the Year’
The title was suggested by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. I have many, often quite serious, pictures of people drawing animals or (more often) birds. In this series they are just simply adapted to provide a handful of visual jokes. I hope they’re amusing.”
Image: (detail) Quentin Blake, ‘Scenes at Twilight no.16’, ©Quentin Blake 2017
