Elise Hurst

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Elise Hurst started out as a traditional artist, painting and drawing from an early age and selling her first works while still at school. That didn't seem much like a real job, however, so she took a side-track into archaeology at Uni, imagining an Indiana-Jones-styled future. While there, she was spied doodling in class and offered her first illustration job. So much for archaeology!

Since 1996 she has illustrated over fifty books, using her fine art background to change styles and techniques throughout her work. She uses pastels, watercolour, charcoal, oils and pen/ink - depending on what the story seems to need. She is also the author of several books. She works from her studio at home in Carlton, Melbourne.

Elise runs a dynamic session - taking her group through the steps in forming a picture book, tips on collecting ideas, discussing why she varies her styles, and finishing with a big pastel character demonstration. It's a lot of fun! The kids direct while Elise draws - resulting in a fabulous creation that is utterly unique to that group. Every drawing is left with the school or library for their collection.

Some of Elise's titles include:

• "Where's God?" by Victor Kelleher
• "Ali the Bold Heart" by Jane Jolly (2007 Notable book in the CBCA Book of the Year awards)
• "Tough Ol' Teddy" by Bruce Atherton

and her own books

• "The Night Garden"
• "Misha's Treehouse"
• "Maximilian Jones"
• "The Elephants' Big Day Out"
• "A Dream of Bunyips Dancing"

Photo courtesy Zaeem Burq

Photo courtesy Zaeem Burq