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Life as an Author/Illustrator’

with Scoular Anderson

26 th April 2003 McLean Museum, Greenock

Scoular began by showing one of the first drawings he remembered doing as a young child of about 4. He then took us through the various stages of his drawing development to the more recognisable style that he produces today. Even the subjects of his drawings have remained as a common thread throughout his career.

He was lucky to have the artist John Cunningham as his art teacher in the latter stages of his schooling, and he was encouraged to attend art school.

Scoular then described and illustrated his experiences of trying to make a living as an illustrator in London, many off which were sympathetically recollected by some other ACWIS members who had been thorough some similar experiences.

He had a lucky break when Kay Webb, who founded Puffin Books, commissioned him to produce various cover and text illustrations. It was interesting to see all the samples of the various stages of his artwork from roughs through to finished illustrations, some of which took over a year to produce!

As always, seeing and hearing about other’s work proved very stimulating, especially as we are involved in such a solitary pursuit.