Drawing Inspiration: Quentin Blake

Visiting the Quentin Blake exhibition at The Lighthouse in Poole was an inspiring experience for both Gabriel and me. Gabriel has been a fan of Quentin Blake’s work since we first read Roald Dahl. He had been delight in school, where he even got to draw his own Willy Wonka in Blake’s iconic, scribbly style.

The exhibit was a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into the mind and process of the illustrator who’s brought so many of our beloved Roald Dahl characters to life.

Seeing Sketches Come to Life

One of the most fascinating parts of the exhibit was learning how Blake creates these seemingly effortless illustrations. Up close, we saw how much thought and craft go into every line, no matter how whimsical and spontaneous they appear. The exhibit shared that Blake often did multiple redraws of each piece to get the right energy and expression, showing how much effort goes into capturing that lively, quirky quality that makes his work so recognisable. They even showcased his use of a lightbox—a simple tool, but one that allowed him to layer his sketches, refining each iteration to capture the best elements of a previous version.

A Little Experiment in Quentin Blake Style

Inspired by what we saw, I decided to try my hand at drawing in Blake’s style for Gabriel. I did two —one of Gabriel on a skateboard, zipping along with his usual energy, and another of me on a skateboard, looking a bit less graceful! It was such fun to play around with Blake’s loose, exaggerated lines and expressive movements. My sketches may not hold a candle to the real thing, but they captured the essence of our day and gave Gabriel a good laugh!

A Long-Standing Love for Roald Dahl and Blake’s Illustrations

Gabriel and I have spent many car rides with Roald Dahl audiobooks, listening to the stories we know so well. Dahl’s quirky characters and plots are unforgettable, but Blake’s illustrations have become a part of that magic. His illustrations are what make Dahl’s world so uniquely visual and immediately recognizable. From The BFG to Matilda, those drawings aren’t just pictures—they’re an essential part of the experience, adding humour, mischief, and a touch of madness that matches Dahl’s words perfectly.

Leaving with New Inspiration

As we left The Lighthouse, I think we both walked away with a new appreciation for Blake’s art. There’s something wonderful about seeing art that feels accessible—something that encourages you to pick up a pen and just give it a go.

For Gabriel, who’s already dabbled in the Blake style at school, it was like seeing his own creativity reflected back at him, and for me, it was a reminder that art can be fun and free, without the need for perfection.

Seeing Blake’s illustrations up close was a reminder of the joy that comes from creating and imagining, a quality that Gabriel and I are more than happy to carry on in our own way.