AN EVESHAM artist has returned to his roots to exhibit his prolific book illustrations and cover artwork in the Vale.
Joe McLaren, who grew up in Evesham and attended Prince Henry’s High School, is showcasing a collection of his work at Three Little Pigs in Pershore which is renowned for promoting the work of local artists and craftspeople.
The artist works as a freelance illustrator producing artwork for Penguin, Random House, Folio, Orion, Portobello, Oxford University Press and has been a weekly contributor of illustrations to the Times, with his work regularly seen in Wired magazine and a host of other publications.
He is best known for the covers of the Discworld Collectors Library, and has recently illustrated the Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Calendar for 2016.
Mr McLaren’s favourite medium is scraperboard, which comprises of a sheet of hardboard coated in a layer of white gesso clay and a thin layer of black shellac, which is then scraped away with a fine blade to reveal the white beneath.
The medium has tremendous contrast and character of line, which can resemble a lino or woodcut.
Owner Fiona Abbott, said: “Joe has achieved tremendous success and we are delighted to be hosting a collection of his work.
“Each piece is of such quality, it is simply a pleasure to have Joe’s work with us.”
