Odessa Chitty

Q. Who is your favourite artist and why?
I really love Katie Scott's illustrations, because they are so graphic, yet also remind me of early botanical studies. She focuses on nature and living organisms, but manages to stylise the biological subject matter and make it look aesthetic and designed. A lot of her work has been made into textile prints and wallpaper, and I like this practical application of her fantastical and at times magical patterns. 

Q. Why did you join the Young Artists?
I have loved drawing for as long as I can remember, and in recent years have become increasingly interested in doing a foundation course. I originally joined the Young Artists in order to learn a range of new skills and push myself out of my comfort zone. I am interested in illustration, and tend to always revert to detailed pencil and ink drawings and watercolours - so I wanted to try and learn new techniques and become more versatile in my way of working!

Q. Which session did you enjoy at the Royal Drawing School and why?
My favourite session at the Royal Drawing School was when we did monoprinting. I had seen Tracy Emin's monoprints before, but had never given it a go myself. The prints I produced were quite impactful and tonal, but also controlled and illustrative - and I really loved the effect.

Q. How has attending the Young Artists helped you develop your work?
The Young Artists has helped me to become much less of a perfectionist! I usually have an all or nothing attitude to producing art, but the sessions have helped me to be far more experimental and explorative, and not view everything I produce with such critical eyes!

Q. What are your plans for the future?
I would like to do a foundation course after finishing my A-levels next year. I love the idea of a year devoted to creativity and learning new things. I am interested in illustration and publishing. I hope that whatever career path I follow will involve some sort of fine art.