Catrina Barquist is a professional book illustrator working under the moniker Catrina Paints, as well as the co-founder of Bewitched Pages, a special edition bookstore. Backed by years of formal Art & Design study and years as a working book illustrator with a rich background in fine art printmaking and painting, her signature aesthetic is defined by intricate line work. Her visual style draws deep inspiration from 15th-century woodcut prints, classic etching techniques, and the organic forms of the early 1900s Art Nouveau movement.
Born in the Scottish Borders, Catrina’s work is heavily influenced by the local folklore, historic stories, and fantasy tied to the area. She bridges the gap between classic artistry and modern publishing by applying traditional printmaking principles to contemporary digital mediums. This hybrid process results in monochrome artwork that translates well into foil-stamped book covers.
Catrina’s background as an illustrator and Special edition bookstore art director gives her a rare, insider perspective on the current book market. Knowing first-hand that readers do judge a book by its cover, she works collaboratively with authors and publishers to capture the essence of every story in visual designs that readers gravitate toward.