It is said that stories are told eye to eye, heart to heart and mind to mind, this proverb is at the very essence of the work of our newest Arena Illustrator. Presenting Marie-Alice Harel’s exquisite illustrations, masterful storytelling and stunning new online portfolio.

Award-winning French illustrator Marie-Alice Harel began her full time career in illustration in Edinburgh in 2016 where she had first settled as a Geosciences PhD and researcher. Her ethereal watercolour illustrations exude a magical transience which capture the imagination.

With storytelling at the heart of her illustration practice, Marie-Alice draws inspiration from exotic cultures, fascinating historical archives, fantasy, mysticism and her own personal life experiences. This skill for creating stories first made its appearance in a series of exquisite limited edition books.

Winning the prestigious Book Illustration Competition in 2019 for illustrating Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones published by The Folio Society, Marie-Alice’s stunning illustration work is much in demand and lends itself beautifully to a wealth of publishing and design projects. This lavish edition of a fantastical tale includes an introduction by award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick and perfectly showcases her delicate dreamlike style. Watch their YouTube Video HERE

Here for your delectation and delight is a small taster from her portfolio.

 

 

 

Marie-Alice teaches life drawing and illustration in Edinburgh and she regularly exhibits her paintings in the UK, France and America as well as recently launching a highly successful Kickstarter project a collection of stunning Bird People illustrations made in to a beautifully produced self published book. Find out more about that project HERE 

For more information about this talented new illustrator please email info@arenaillustration.com in the meantime please view a spectacular selection of her work via Marie-Alice’s online portfolio HERE

For more insights and behind the scenes insights follow Marie-Alice on Instagram