Artist Profile

Lela Harris is a self-taught artist who lives and works in the English Lake District. Most of her time is either spent daydreaming about art or making art in her small home studio. A key component of her work is experimenting with materials, discovering new techniques and exploring different subject matters, resulting in an eclectic mix of work. The Folio book of A Color Purple was Lela’s first professional illustration commission. This was then followed by commissions for Giovanni's Room (2024) and If Beale Street Could Talk (2026). Lela is also a graphic designer and the owner of Doodlelove, a company specialising in limited-edition prints and stationery.

IN THE STUDIO

‘I like a space I can make a mess in, and I’ve made the kitchen alcove all mine. There’s a lovely light from the big windows and I ignore the recycling bins and the washing machine behind me. My sketches are pinned to the wall in place of family photos, and I have pads of paper to hand, stacks of art books, jars of brushes, boxes of charcoal and plants cascading down onto the tiny space where I draw, perched on a stool – and most often in my slippers. My daughter and husband are really understanding and give me space to draw when I’m busy. It’s chaos but it works.