ruth burrows: a burst of color and fun

~ jama

Hey, ho! Come on along, we’re off to explore Ruth Burrows’s eye popping art today!

If you ever need a lift, just take a gander at any one of Ruth’s bright, colorful, pulsating pieces. It’s impossible not to smile or WAKE UP in the presence of such energy, exuberance, and joie de vivre. 🙂

Ruth is based in Lincolnshire, UK, where she built a log cabin in her back garden to use as a studio. She studied Theatre Design at Nottingham University before moving to the UAE, where she worked as a designer for over 20 years.

In addition to a wide range of editorial work, Burrows illustrates children’s books and recently published a craft book called The Illustrator’s Guide to Procreate (David & Charles, 2023).

I almost always start with just pencil and paper. I then take a picture of my sketches and colour them in using Procreate or Photoshop. Sometimes I’ll have a big painting binge using acrylics and watercolors. These usually find their way into my digital work.

Ruth is all about color, pattern, and humor, and most loves to draw objects and faces. Her vibrant surface designs also adorn a wide range of home goods (fabrics, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, wall hangings).

Her client list includes Papyrus, Highlights for Children, Random House, Sourcebooks, The Washington Post, World Vision, Raspberry Books, Readers Digest, and Dorling Kindersley.

I’m inspired by normal everyday things and ordinary people. I usually have my best ideas whilst out walking the dog! I love unfinished, wonky things that don’t match.

While she’s working, she likes to listen to BBC Radio 4 or World Service — just talking, no music. And she doesn’t wear shoes while she’s creating art — just fancy mismatched socks. 🙂

What was the oddest work experience she’s ever had? She once built a table for the Queen — and also hand painted a logo for a lectern used by the Pope!

In her spare time, Ruth enjoys DIY. She loves carpentry, using power tools, and doing odd jobs, such as putting up shelving and laying paving slabs in the garden. This seems to harken back to her Theatre Design days, when she had to draw and build things without the help of Google or Photoshop.

If she could only eat one food it would be Alphonso Mango. Her favorite cheese: Wensleydale with cranberries. She doesn’t have a middle name, but really wishes it were “Bunny.” Wouldn’t it be great to be called Bunny Burrows? 😀

Ruth clearly likes channeling her inner child with her art and is in the business of spreading happiness. And, HELLO!, she earns extra points from me for her fabulous food drawings.

When asked why she likes being an illustrator in 15 words or less, she said, “You can make something out of nothing.” Yes, yes, yes!

For more about Ruth Burrows, visit her Official Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page. She is represented by Lilla Rogers Studio. Prints, greeting cards, stationery and original art may be purchased via her Website Shop. Framed prints are available at Society 6.

*Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.

18 thoughts on “ruth burrows: a burst of color and fun”

  1. This post is so beautiful, I’m sending it to my work mailbox so I can enjoy the color bursts and what looks like is going to be a gray, blustery day. Love the, “Be the rainbow” painting. I need to add that to my bulletin board on the same theme.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. The second time in a row I lost a post I was editing! I was just scrolling, and it disappeared! I don’t see it so hope this isn’t a repeat.

    Wow, another great UK artist. I love her bright colors. The older I get, the brighter I like my colors. What an amazing lady – art, DIY, furniture, the Queen, the Pope! I need the Procreate book for kids. I bought that program on my iPad ages ago and then was too intimidated to use it. Maybe I could understand a kid’s book!

    My favorite is the teacup on the patterned tablecloth — gorgeous! I really love art that is whimsical and folksy rather than photorealistic. I need to see if she is on Instagram!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sorry about the disappearing comment. Similar thing happens to me while writing new posts. I sometimes lose entire paragraphs for no reason. Frustrating!

      The Procreate book might be helpful. A long time ago, I heard someone say if you’re tackling a new topic, first read a children’s book to get the nuts and bolts before reading more “adult”/detailed information. And it’s true! Yes, Ruth is on Instagram (link above). 🙂

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  6. What lovely artwork! I agree, Jama, that the food paintings are Lucious. I want to go in and grab that cup of tea along with that chocolate dipped cookie!😋 I am definitely checking out her website!

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  7. I love Ruth Burrow’s art. Thank you. Even though I don’t have children, I’ve never lost my love for children’s books and art. When I was a little girl, I thought it was a bit odd that my mother still wanted to go to all the Disney movies, then I followed in her footsteps.

    Alarie Tennille alariepoet.com

    https://www.alariepoet.com

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good art and children’s books are timeless and ageless. Good to know you’re a kindred spirit in that regard, Alarie!!

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