I am a painter who also illustrates and writes picture books. 

Painting and drawing en plein air has always been my lifespring. Although more obviously a painter, I fell into doing an Illustration course at The City & Guilds of London Art School. I was encouraged by my tutors to make this central to my work.

A large part of my childhood was spent in the Glens of Antrim in Ireland where I developed a lifelong love of animals, trees, the sea, boats, wild weather and wild places.  Now based in London, I still have a cottage there, and go back often as I can.

After my foundation course I went to India for the first time & fell in love with it, returning many times. Strangely Calcutta became my second home. The vibrant whirligig of life spilling onto the pavements, continuing in spite of the odds could not have complimented my Irish roots more. Working on the streets was like being thrown on stage & I just had get over the fright. I became accepted as a “sketch wallah”with self-appointed minders making sure I could see what I was drawing.

Animals have always been a huge love. Something my first picture book editor picked up on. An initial crisis of confidence was solved by his declaration “It’s  simple:  you love animals,“ I Love Animals “ is the name of the book!”   Horses have pride of place, as have dogs and farm animals. Elephants and tigers joined my menagerie in India. Birds - especially seabirds - came later.

After my son was born I had a break from making books but continued to draw, paint and work on commissions. 

I also started psychoanalysis to help manage the episodes of severe depression I am susceptible to. 

A new body of work emerged from the experience - which brought an elephant and a tiger onto Hampstead Heath and a racehorse into my front garden. I had thought they were too personal to show, but I got such positive reactions from the people who saw them, they have been central to my last two exhibitions.

My most recent book, “Out of Dark Winter’s Night” brings all my ingredients together. My story as told to my son and all children - young and old. It is the first book I have made for children which didn’t necessitate becoming a version of myself.

Flora McDonnell

Full CV (PDF): Here