ArtistsNetwork.com 35CRAYONS AND DINOSAURS
Forsey’s fi rst job was as an illustrator in a publisher’s studio. “When another student from the
college asked me if I’d like to replace him in the studio, I jumped at the chance,” he says. “Th e job
involved airbrushing, fi ne pen and ink, and crayon, all done on art board. Th e subjects ranged
from buildings, historical reconstructions, dinosaurs and earth sciences. It was a great job!”
For several years, Forsey’s work continued in illustration, both as a freelancer and working
in-house at the publisher’s, using any spare time he had to paint. By the mid-1990s, however, the
illustration business began to change. Computers were making their presence felt in the publish-
ing world, revolutionizing the way books, newspapers and magazines were designed and printed.
Forsey, who was recognizing that work as an illustrator was becoming increasingly scarce and
more poorly paid, had experienced success exhibiting with the Royal Institute of Painters in Water
Colours. Th is, along with encouragement from a local gallery that showed and sold his work,
gave him the push he needed to become a full-time painter. Forsey doesn’t regret the decision, Coastal Shower
(acrylic and oil pastel
on paper, 14x16)