A Child’s World through the Hands of an Artist
By Willeth Luarca-Laus

There is something about Beth Parrocha-Doctolero’s work that makes you want to go back to childhood. It could be its fairy tale-like persona with its soft colors and carefree air. But it could also be the soothing warmth one feels upon looking at it. More than precious works of art, Beth’s illustrations are like a journey to a wonderland, experienced through the heart of a child. In her works, the world looks vibrant and colorful yet innocent and serene. 
 
Beth Parrocha-Doctolero is a well-known artist/illustrator who has displayed her caliber in various children’s books and art exhibits. Her career started when she was still a college student at the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Fine Arts when her professor recommended her to Cacho Hermanos, a publishing firm then looking for an artist for a children’s book.

Ever since she was young, Beth knew she wanted to be an artist. She has always shown zeal in her craft; her illustrations’ relaxed and playful air masks the discipline and amount of concentration she has invested in creating them. Yet, for someone who understands art, Beth’s passion for her work need not be explained. Her harmonious relationship with her chosen medium is evident in the way she presents her material.

“Watercolor is not an easy medium to use but somehow I've made friends with it and blessed me with its secrets,” she explains her selection.

Work of Art, Work from the Heart

When it comes to her most memorable illustrations, Beth names Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel published by Adarna House and Pista y ang Kageban  by Infolink Palawan, as both books have challenged her resources as an artist. Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel tells of a story of Raquel, a girl who is envied because of her long and flowing hair. Yet, underneath her beautiful hair lies a sad secret. On the other hand, Pista y ang Kageban (Feast of the Forest) is about the annual tree-planting festival in Palawan.

While Pambihirang Buhok put her creativity and sense of play into test, Pista required her to prepare emotionally and mentally. She shares, “(With Pista,) it’s the first time that I had to draw so many people and trees. I believe that an artist can be able to draw anything if he puts his mind into it. Before Pista, I had never drawn people realistically, and had trouble doing trees. But somehow I was able to overcome it, well enough to be proud of the outcome of the book.”   

Her experience in doing illustrations for Pista drove her to realize that “the only thing I had to do (to be able to overcome the challenge) was to accept the fact that I can do it. It was as simple as that.”

Beth’s emotional involvement in her art is perhaps what made her admire famous American author and children’s book illustrator Lane Smith. Lane is best known for his collaborations with author Jon Scieszka. They have teamed up on books such as The Stinky Cheese Man, which was considered a New York Times "Best Illustrated Book."

The Filipina illustrator admits that Lane influenced her on the way he presented his subject matter. “He allows the viewer to participate emotionally in his pictures. When you look at a Lane Smith illustration, something about it will trigger an emotional response. And somehow, that's what I would like to impart on my work as well,” she says. 

Through the years of being an artist, Beth follows one simple principle: to enjoy what she is doing. And Beth definitely feels good working for children. Her works of arts are works from her heart, which mesmerize not only the children but also the children at heart.

Beth Parrocha-Doctolero’s recently published works include “The Star Angel” by Vibal publishing and “Big Brother” by OMF literature. Click here to see more of her works.