David Axtell

Born in Oxford in 1970, David completed an Illustration course at Falmouth School of Art and began working freelance for several major publishing houses. His work as an illustrator included work for clients such as Puffin Books, Macmillan Books, Harper Collins and Mojo Magazine. He was twice a bronze medal winner in the Nestle Smarties Book Award and runner-up in the BFC Mother Goose Award 1998 as the most exciting newcomer to children’s picture books. 

With an interest in the relationship and interaction of people and the sea, David searches for an intriguing narrative that pulls in the viewer and makes us feel we have caught a glimpse of his figures in an unguarded moment. In his calm, measured work we are reminded of the quiet solitude of an Edward Hopper, whilst the detailed narrative and love of the landscape of Cornwall is reminiscent of the artists of the Newlyn School.