Kate Baylay’s Ornate Illustrations

British illustrator Kate Baylay renders dark and melancholy scenes with delicate line work. In her series of Russian fairytale illustrations, the artist hides elaborate patterns in every aspect of the drawings — from the characters’ clothing to tapestries, architecture and rugs in the background. These ornate patterns echo Russian folk art, but are made subtle through Baylay’s muted color palette. The artist’s other credits include book covers and illustrations for classic works of literature, such as Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Wilde’s The Happy Prince. Take a look at some of her work below.