I write and illustrate children's books, but mostly think of myself as an illustrator, as I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I am also now author / illustrator of an urban sketching book on how to draw people.My picture book illustrations are created in pastels: I love the messy, hands-on nature of drawing in chalk, and the wonderful colour palette. I work from an attic studio, which makes it sound rather dark and mysterious but it actually stretches right across the house, with many huge windows. I was originally inspired to become an artist by my grandad, who painted in oils in the shed at the end of his garden. The smock I am wearing in the photograph used to belong to him (and is peppered with tiny burn-holes where he used to drop roll-ups into his lap as he painted). Grandad was also a professional restoration artist, specialising in the ceilings of royal palaces and stately homes so, all in all, it's probably him I have to thank for my genes! You can learn more about me and my work, peek into my sketchbooks and book an educational visit or lecture at www.lynnechapman.co.uk. Or why not find out what I'm up to right now on my blog? http://lynnechapman.blogspot.com