…one of the newest artists of our team, Brendan McIntyre!
Brendan studied Illustration at Griffith University, Queensland College of Art in Brisbane, Australia. Since then, he has illustrated and published his work in diverse fields ranging from educational software, children’s illustration to illustrated city maps. He has held exhibitions of paintings in his homeland and Germany.
The Little Picture Company caught up with Brendan for a quick Q&A to find out more about his wonderful art work.
Tell us about your art. How would you describe your artistic style?
I’d describe my style as being whimsical. I think it’s important for the viewer to be able to inject their own stories into illustrations, which my open-ended images hopefully succeed in doing. I’d like to think that my illustrations serve to propel the text or narrative, but invites the reader at the same time to imagine various scenarios.
What inspires you?
Paradoxically, nature and cities inspire me: The organic way in which cities grow and are home to a concentration of diverse peoples and cultures fascinates me. They embody for me a celebration of human-kind. Nature also plays a big role, because of its infinite beauty and its inexhaustible ability to surprise and enchant me.
Which creative media do you prefer to work with and why?
Drawing in pencil or ink is without a doubt my strength and preferred media. I’ve toiled over the years trying to make my illustrations digital friendly and I have only recently reached the stage where I’m happy with the results. I’ve tried to combine the fluidity of my drawing style with the digital format to make it as accessible as possible.
How do you feel about art for children? Does it have an important role to play in their development?
I personally find it very important in the development of children. As a parent I can only say that I am constantly confronted by the pervasiveness of digital content in children’s lives and while it’s vital that children learn skills in how to exploit new technology, I think the textural and shared experience of a book cannot be underestimated. Art is an integral part of the way in which we learn about the world and relate to others.
Were there any art works or images that were special to you when you were little and if so, why?
I’d have to say that The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek, which was illustrated by Ron Brooks, left the most lasting memory on me. The mood and illustrations are quite dark. Brooks’s imagery of a creature emerging from a swamp seeking an identity absolutely lit up my imagination. Apart from that my Grandparents home was decorated by various batiks depicting Thai dancers adorned in traditional dress, which I never forgot. And there was also a print of Gauguin’s Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? hung on the back of the door of their toilet which was situated at the end of a dark hallway. I avoided going to the loo at my Grandparents because of that image… I probably have such vivid memories of my Grandparent’s home because it was so unlike ours.
What has been your most fulfilling moment as an artist?
Probably working with children in Germany, where I ran English classes employing illustration as a means of communicating. Rather than falling back on my German to explain sophisticated concepts to the children, I made use of my drawing skills. The kids responded enthusiastically and enjoyed exploring stories and artwork with me. The classes evolved into drawing classes run in English for German kids.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently exploring flora and fauna and trying to combine them with everyday narratives involving children.
Brendan’s art work is available for purchase from our website.
Kensington Garden Owls by Brendan McIntyre. This picture was largely inspired by the remarkable story of a family of Tawny Owls taking up residence in the Kensington Gardens in London, serving as a confirmation that London is indeed a vital haven for wildlife! When deciding on the owl’s playful plumage, Brendan was drawn to imagery and various depictions of the attire of the Queen of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This fun and friendly image has a local narrative, but with a broader message about biodiversity within the urban environment.
Canvas size: 25.5cm x 25.5cm Price: £65.00
Bird Talk by Brendan McIntyre. A bright and colorful addition to a childs living space – the dynamic between the petit song bird set against the raucous cockatoo invites the viewer to bring his or her own individual story into being. Perfect for storytelling adventures!
Canvas size: 25.5cm x 25.5cm Price: £65.00
Tiger in a Buggy (Surprised!) by Brendan McIntyre. One of Brendan’s youngest son’s favourite pictures is Henri Rousseau’s Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!) and he find Rousseau’s depictions of jungle scenes other worldly and packed with adventure! After previously creating a tiger in a buggy t-shirt for his son which was much loved, the two concepts were brought together to create the theme for this painting. It is an action packed image, perfect for little explorers’ bedrooms.
Canvas size: 25.5cm x 25.5cm Price: £65.00
Don’t forget that The Little Picture Company has it’s very own facebook page which we update regularly with news and competitions! x
[...] here to view the interview on The Little Picture Company [...]