James Mayhew is an award-winning children’s author, illustrator and artist. He has been creating books for over 30 years, and his many titles include the classic best-selling Katie series, Ella Bella Ballerina, and the acclaimed Once Upon A Tune, inspired by the many musicians and symphony orchestras he has collaborated with. A companion volume A Symphony of Stories will be published in Autumn 2024.

His highly acclaimed concerts incorporate music and art, created in time to the music, live on stage. Using inks or gouache in bright colours and bold brushstrokes, he strives to capture the essence of the music in visual form. His collaborators include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Mozart Players and the Britten Sinfonia, bringing classics like Peter and the Wolf, The Four Seasons and The Firebird to life in paint.

After many years of using pen, ink, and wash, James has recently started exploring printmaking and collage for both his book illustrations and for exhibition work. His complex images are carefully composed and considered from a variety of lino-cut plates, combined with painting and mono-printing.

James lives in Suffolk, with his husband Toto and Diva the dog, where the big skies and gentle light are perfect for artists.