Robin Browning – conductor

Posted on 20 March 2011 · 5 Comments

Here’s the finished thing… Robin said he didn’t want a cartoon, nor anything too realistic. I hope he likes it! I’ve referenced some of the repertoire we’ve performed together. see if you can spot them: The firebird, Peter & The Wolf, Baba Yaga, The Great Gate at Kiev (Pictures from an Exhibition), night on the Bare Mountain, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Tchaikovsky’s ballets, Danse Macabre and The Swan of Tuonela. Phew! Now I’m off to get changed for tonight’s concert in Hatfield with the de Havilland Philharmonic: Nielson, Sibelius and Berlioz – fantastic stuff!

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James Mayhew

James is the creator of the much-loved Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina series and has written or illustrated many other books, including Koshka’s Tales, Mouse & Mole (by Joyce Dunbar) and Gaspard the Fox (by Zeb Soanes). Alongside his work in publishing, James performs live on stage during concerts for children, combining live classical music, storytelling and art.

5 responses to “Robin Browning – conductor”

Thomas Taylor

20 March 2011

Superb painting, James.

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cassia

20 March 2011

James, that’s sooo yummy! Love the lightness of colour and the gorgeous, wibbly line- just as lush and expressive as the music. You know, I think you might consider going pro with this art gubbins..!

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James Mayhew

21 March 2011

I’ll think about it Cass… but I’d hate to give up the cleaning job…

Anyway, he seemed pleased! Which is the most important thing. It’s a strange thing, because I was so critical of myself producing this. But I enjoyed it in the end. And I loved sketching the orchestra… hopefully I can do some more of that!

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cmtvable1

17 November 2011

I was searching through the web and I encounted this picture, and I must say its such a colourful and flamboyant piece of illustration art. It remains me of the illustrations you did in 2004. I don’t understand why you didn’t do your Ella Bella books in this style honestly.

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James Mayhew

18 November 2011

Hi cmtable, and thanks for the kind words about this picture. It was fun to do, but as you say, it is like other earlier illustrations. I felt it was important for Ella Bella to look very different to my other work, as it was a “new beginning” for me after some frustrating years, and in this decision I was supported by my publisher. Very often the publisher is an influence on these decisions. Personally I am particularly fond of Ella Bella; I think they are some of the best books I have made – and you must remember they are aimed at much younger children. The work you admire (thank you) felt a little too sophisticated for pre-school children.

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