Illustrator draws out Thatcham pupils’ creativity at Francis Baily

An author and illustrator has inspired pupils at a Thatcham primary school.

The pupils at Francis Baily are very familiar with Christina’s book Escape from Pompeii, a text they study in Year 3.

She explained how the final illustrations are done in special watercolours on a special paper attached to a board.

Her painting must be perfectly flat so that they can be reproduced for the printing process.

She encouraged aspiring artists to practice drawing every day, however small, “it helps develop you muscle memory and gives you confidence. You need to take being an artist seriously and put in the hard work”.

She said: “It was such a pleasure to meet all the children at Francis Baily Primary, what a fabulous bunch.

“Francis Baily was one of the largest groups of children I’ve spoken to via Zoom in one sitting.

“If just one child thinks they might want to do become an artist one day and write or illustrate books then I’m a happy gal.”

Her work features in more than 20 children’s books.