Brett Breckon
If you want to find Brett Breckon, you could try looking for him in one of three places. There's the beach, where you might spot him in his wetsuit, carrying a surfboard and hoping for the great waves that hit the coast of west Wales. Another day, he might be out at sea, paddling his kayak to some of the most deserted coves, caves and islands. Or, perhaps best of all you might find him in his studio, wielding the finest paintbrush you've seen, and quietly painting the eye of a dragon.
Q What was your favourite book when you were a child?
A We did Beowolf at junior school, and I lolved it. Grendel seemed such a brilliant monster.
Q Who is your favourite illustrator?
A Maxfield Parrish, an American illustrator who worked in the early 1900s. He painted for all sorts of books, including children's books.
Q What do you enjoy most about making illustrations for books?
A The process of creating something totally new from a vague idea. Each picture is a journey - I'm usually lost when I start and gradually find my way to the end, and it all makes sense then.
Q What kind of paint do you use for your dragon paintings?
A Gouache and watercolour, although I'm keen to make the leap to oil paint.
Q Do you always make drawings in pencil first?
A Yes. It's a process that tends to start with research and simple doodles, then better and better drawings until I make a final drawing to trace down onto watercolour paper.
Q Have you ever seen a dragon?
A I think I see dragons - in rocks, under the sea and in places like that.
Q Would you like to write a book as well as doing the illustrations?
A Maybe...
Why not visit Brett's website and see some more of his fantastic work
'At a very young age, I loved to make pictures. They were often inspired by my dreams, wishes or fantasies. Ever since then, I've never really stopped stopped drawing, painting and making things. Art has always been a passion.'
